Le Havre's Villa Maritime castle

Le Havre Castle – Villa Maritime

Built: 1890
Status: Private
Visitable?: No
Notable: Visible from the beach
Web: –

The Le Havre Villa Maritime has a colourful past. Built in 1890 for a wealthy woman, the Villa was sold and taken over several times.

The Villa is located alongside the Le Havre Beach, accessible by the beach road and above. During World War II, the Germans took over the Villa and used it for the beach defense by installing (hidden) canons and a bunker.

Le Havre's Villa Maritime castle
Le Havre’s Villa Maritime castle

On a note of interest, the Villa has 2 artificial caves, used for decoration purposes. One of them is located at the entrance of the Villa.

Cave of the Villa Maritime in Le Havre
Cave of the Villa Maritime in Le Havre

The castle has 42 windows. In 2001 it was bought by Partouche, the casino company, and the 2 star Michelin chef Jean-Luc Tartarin was installed here. But it didn’t work out and now the Villa is abandoned until the company can figure out what to do with it (but it is still being maintained).

Le Havre's Villa Maritime castle
Le Havre’s Villa Maritime castle

The Villa has a large greenhouse built against the house.

Greenhouse in the Le Havre's Villa Maritime castle
Greenhouse in the Le Havre’s Villa Maritime castle

Occasionally art displays are shown in the Villa, but despite several proposed projects, the Villa is mostly unused. The current idea is to use it as an art/literature cafe where artists, patrons and art-lovers can gather.

Turret of the Le Havre's Villa Maritime castle
Turret of the Le Havre’s Villa Maritime castle

Click here to see other castles in the area.

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