Modern architecture in Normandy
Updated on 16 June 2020
Reading time: 1 minutes
Normandy is best known for its historic architecture and traditional building materials. Over recent years however a number of outstanding examples of contemporary architecture have been built to give a modern and forward looking face to the region! Take a look.
The 108 – Rouen
The colourful, tipped, photovoltaic decks, broken up into many colours is known as “le 108”, the headquarters of the Rouen-Normandy Metropolis. It stands as a tribute to Claude Monet and to the Impressionists. You can find it on the left bank, between the Flaubert Bridge and the 106 concert hall, also well worth a visit!
The Alexis de Tocqueville Library – Caen
This futuristic looking building, the Alexis de Tocqueville public library, opened in 2017 and is set in the old industrial port area of Caen on the presqu’île de Caen. It’s the work of the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
Les bains des Docks – Le Havre
Inspired by Roman thermal baths, the 5000 sq-metre aquatic centre designed by Jean Nouvel offers a wide range of activities such as an Olympic size swimming pool, sauna, hammam, and fun and games for young and old alike. All in a very clean, pure, rectilinear environment.
The Normandy Bridge (Pont de Normandie)
When it was inaugurated in 1995 such a cable-stay bridge was cutting edge technology, and at over 2km it was the longest in the world. It took 7 years to build and is part of the “Estuary Motorway” that straddles the Seine and links Honfleur to Le Havre at this point.
24 hours in Le Havre: Cool and alternative things to see and do
Updated on 21 December 2022
A cultural shopping weekend in Caen
Updated on 6 May 2021
City break in Rouen
Updated on 31 July 2020