Have you heard of the Container Catena? This monumental work is a landmark incontemporary art in Le Havre, Normandy. Visible from Southampton Quay, it skilfully blends urban art and architecture opposite the port and cruise terminal.
Inaugurated in 2017 to celebrate 500 years of the port and the city, this sculpture impressed us with its architectural boldness and bright colors. The experience of passing under the arches is particularly immersive and surprising. We appreciated the contrast between the metal structure and the lively harbor landscape, a true symbol of art in the city.
In this article, you’ll find a selection of useful tips to help you prepare for your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Container Catena
Is the Container Catenary worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Catena de Containers is clearly worth a visit for several reasons. This monumental 28.5-meter-high sculpture, made up of colorful shipping containers, offers a unique visual spectacle in the heart of Le Havre.
We were won over by its location on Southampton Quay, opposite the cruise terminal, with the port in the background. Its integration into Le Havre’s port and urban landscape is a great success. An accessible natural lawn lets you relax while admiring the sea on one side and the city on the other.
This is one of Le Havre’s top attractions.
Why is this monument famous?
The Container Catena has become a strong symbol of Le Havre since its inauguration in 2017 to mark the 500th anniversary of the city and its port. Created by artist Vincent Ganivet, it is inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s chain principle.
You’ll find that this impressive wave-shaped sculpture is visible from key points such as City Hall and the cruise terminal. It marks Le Havre’s identity by blending contemporary art and architecture, while enhancing the local tourist appeal. We were impressed by its visual impact and its ability to interact with the port. A captivating dialogue between urban art and the industrial port environment.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we really liked :
- The view from under the arches: Passing under the two colorful arches was fun, with an immersive perspective, but also a feeling of grandeur and lightness. A fun ladder game for young and old!
- Color contrast: the warm and cool hues of the containers create a visual dynamic that immediately catches the eye, a real pleasure especially if you’re a photography enthusiast.
- The natural lawn: the immense green space beneath the sculpture is an invitation to relax. We appreciated the opportunity to picnic or simply take a break on the nearby benches, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
- The proximity of the cruise terminal: observing the Catena with the liners in the background gave a lively, symbolic dimension to the work during our visit.
History in brief
- Inaugurated on May 27, 2017 during the “Un été au Havre” festival to celebrate 500 years of the city and port.
- Created by Vincent Ganivet, it is inspired by the chain technique of Antoni Gaudí, the famous Catalan architect.
- Initially intended as an ephemeral work, it became permanent following a petition from the residents of Le Havre.
- Located on Southampton Quay, it has become an iconic landmark visible from the town hall and cruise terminal.
- It weighs almost 288 tonnes and is 28.5 metres high, made up of coloured stainless steel containers.
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Access: Container Terminal, Le Havre
Where is the container catena?
- Located on the Quai Southampton, on the edge of the port of Le Havre.
- It is located opposite the cruise terminal, in a pedestrian and residential area of the waterfront.
How to get there?
The Catène de Containers is an 18-minute walk from downtown Le Havre. By car, it takes around 7 minutes to cover the 300-meter distance from the heart of the city.
Several bus routes serve the area with a frequency of around 10 minutes: routes C1 (Richelieu stop), C2 (Muséum stop) and C4 (O. Niemeyer stop). The bus stops about 800 meters from the sculpture.
For lovers of urban art and Le Havre strolls, a bike path provides easy access to the Catène, ideal for a Le Havre harbor tour by bike, rollerblade or scooter.
Parking
There is no dedicated parking for the Catena containers, but there is a paid parking lot nearby at 2 Rue du Général Faidherbe. You can park in this paid parking lot and reach the Catène de Containers in just a few minutes on foot, on flat, easily accessible ground.
The access road is wide and tarmacked, making it easy to arrive by car. You can also park in the city center, but you’ll often have to pay for limited parking. For a sightseeing tour that includes La Catène, take public transport or go for a walk to take full advantage of Le Havre’s art and heritage.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
Container Catena in Le Havre is accessible at any time, all year round. For a quieter atmosphere, opt for weekdays outside July and August. Summer weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, are busier.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour for a complete visit, with the possibility of a more passionate exploration lasting up to 2 hours. The site is in excellent condition, on level ground and easy to access, even in a wheelchair. Please note that there are no toilets or lockers on site, and the visit is free of charge. The regulations are flexible, with no age limit, making it a place accessible to all. Remember to dress for the weather, as the quay can be windy and there are no covered shelters.
Advice on how to visit
Start your visit by admiring the imposing structure from Southampton Quay. Then pass under the arches to discover the many perspectives and textures of the Catena. You’ll see the variety of materials, shapes and colors that make this monument so surprising. If you look at the ground, you’ll see that the containers supporting the base of the structure are set in coarse gravel. The route is unmarked, allowing you to explore freely.
Visiting with children
A family visit to the Container Catena is a great idea! Like us, children will undoubtedly be captivated by the bright colors and impressive height of the sculpture. The natural lawn is also ideal for picnics (respecting the surrounding environment) or just relaxing in complete safety.
The site encourages freedom of movement: rollerblading, cycling or scootering along Southampton Quay are all possible. You can also take advantage of the nearby Square Kennedy and Nelson Mandela playgrounds. Ideal for a visit with younger visitors!
Schedules and rates
- Open 24 hours a day, for a visit at your own pace.
- Free admission for all, no reservations or tickets required.
- No ticket office or audioguide on site.
- An information board in English and French is available nearby.
Guided tours
The town offers themed guided tours of contemporary sculpture. An audiodescription kit is available at the Maison de l’Été for visually impaired visitors (see official website here), and mediation in French Sign Language is available online on the YouTube channel “Un Été Au Havre” (see here). These features will enrich your experience and give you a better grasp of the specifics of this iconic work.
Catering
There are no catering facilities directly on the Catène de Containers site. However, there are several nearby options for eating out, such as the Calice et Mandibule table, which has become our cantine. We’ve listed it in our selection of the best places to eat in Le Havre.
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Immersion in urban and contemporary art in Le Havre
Explore the monumental structure and its colorful arches
Slipping under the two monumental arches of the Catène de Containers and plunging into a striking visual universe was a lot of fun. If you look up, you’ll notice that these shipping containers display a vibrant contrast of warm and cool hues that instantly capture the eye. They measure nearly 28.5 metres and weigh almost 288 tonnes – impressive, isn’t it?
We loved the sense of immersion, with every wavy texture and metal reinforcement revealed up close. The dynamic atmosphere, punctuated by natural light and the gentle sound of the harbor, creates a setting that’s both playful and authentic.
For art lovers: symbolism and Gaudí inspiration
Created in 2017 by Vincent Ganivet, its contemporary structure is directly inspired by the chain principle, an architectural technique popularized by Antoni Gaudí at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família. Composed of an assembly of stainless steel shipping containers, it forms two undulating arches that captivate with their texture and vivid colors. Do you dare go underneath to see them from another angle?
Come closer and you’ll see the corrugated surface of the containers, reinforced by visible structures that underline their robustness. This marriage of industrial materials and organic forms creates a fascinating dialogue between innovation and architectural tradition. The Catene containers blend seamlessly into the urban environment, offering a unique visual and tactile experience.
We were fascinated by the double meaning of this sculpture: the assemblage of colorful containers evokes both the port’s logistical activity and an accessible form of contemporary art.
Visit the Container Catena: multiple viewpoints and photography
Stroll beneath the monumental arches of the Container Catena, making your visit even more immersive. This perspective offered us a variety of viewpoints on the work itself, but also on the port and downtown Le Havre. The contrasts between the colorful containers and the surrounding landscape create great photographic opportunities. If you walk down Rue de Paris, you’ll also enjoy a wonderful view of the work!
Capture unique shots, playing with the light and undulating shapes of the sculpture, while incorporating the bustling harbor in the background. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to photograph it at sunset, under the bewitchingly colorful skies of Le Havre that inspired so many Impressionist artists!
Finally, if you opt for a Seine boat tour like we did, you’ll have the chance to admire it from the sea as you cross the harbor. Interesting, isn’t it?
A visual landmark in Le Havre’s urban landscape
Located on the Southampton quay, in the immediate vicinity of the cruise terminal, the Catène de Containers is part of an art-in-the-city approach to urban exploration in Le Havre. We have found that this work is a real landmark for locals and visitors alike.
Its location in a recently redeveloped area underlines the city’s determination to assert Le Havre’s tourist appeal through urban art. Alongside many other works still on display in various parts of the city, the Container Catena blends into an open-air museum, where architecture and culture interact with the port and the city.
From ephemeral to permanent monument
Decisive popular support
Did you know that it was originally conceived as an ephemeral installation? The Container Catena quickly won over the hearts of the people of Le Havre. Following a popular petition in early summer 2017, the municipality decided to conserve it permanently, underlining its successful integration with Perret architecture and the urban landscape, and testifying to a deep attachment to this contemporary creation.
An urban setting charged with emotion
This development bears witness to the essential role played by urban art in enhancing local heritage and building a sense of belonging. Passing under the two arches formed by the colorful containers, you feel a particular emotion, as if you were entering a space that is both playful and charged with meaning. This sense of timelessness gives Catène an almost timeless dimension.
An accessible and captivating work for the whole family
A sculpture that fascinates children with its size and colors
Beyond its architectural appeal, it’s a popular spot for families. Set on a vast natural lawn accessible all year round, it was an invitation to relax and enjoy visual discovery. The warm and cool colors of the containers create a playful universe that captures children’s attention and stimulates their imagination.
A playful break: playground and lawn to explore
A nearby playground completes the friendly atmosphere. A place where young and old can share a rich visual and sensory experience! With its height and bright colors, the work exudes a cheerful, lively atmosphere, adding to the pleasure of the walk. Do you love scooters, bikes or rollerblades? It’s the perfect place to have fun! The width of Quai Southampton means you can stroll along the promenade right next to the Catena.
When the weather’s nice at any time of year, how about an outdoor outing and a pleasant picnic on the lawn in front of this imposing work of art?
Viewing liners and port life: live entertainment in the Catena backdrop
The proximity of the cruise terminal offered us a lively spectacle, with the regular passage of liners. From the Catène, the view of the port of Le Havre extends, blending art in the city with maritime activity.
Seeing these giants of the sea in their natural setting added an emotional dimension to our visit. The maritime atmosphere, punctuated by the sounds and movements of the port, completes the sensory experience around the Catena of containers for art and architecture enthusiasts. And at sunset, if you’re lucky, you’ll witness a unique palette of colors, especially with a few clouds on the horizon. A moment of contemplation where time seems to stand still!
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Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Containers Catena? Can we go up there?
The monument is open all year round, and is located on the Quai Southampton in Le Havre. You can walk around freely and even pass underneath! However, it is not possible to climb on the structure itself, as access is forbidden for safety reasons.
Are the Catène containers recycled?
This unique monument is made up of stainless steel shipping containers, assembled in two arches. Although these containers are industrial elements, the sculpture does not explicitly state whether they are recycled.
What to see around the Catène des conteneurs?
Around La Catène, you’ll find a vast natural lawn ideal for a break or a family picnic. Southampton Quay is a pleasant place to stroll, rollerblade, cycle or scooter. Families can also enjoy the nearby Square Kennedy and Nelson Mandela playgrounds.
Also within a 10-15min walk are..:
- MuMa: a temple of light that sublimates the Impressionist and Fauvist collections
- Saint-Joseph Church: remarkable architecture and stained-glass windows
- the Volcan: the city’s cultural showcase, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer
Is it interesting when it rains?
The Container Catena is an open-air work, so a visit in the rain may be less comfortable. The site is located on flat, accessible ground, but it is advisable to bring waterproof clothing in case of bad weather. Despite this, the Catène’s urban art and architecture remain visible, and the variations in light can offer a different atmosphere, interesting for photography in Le Havre.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
