Le Havre, France

Wednesday April 27

The Atlantic was quite turbulent yesterday.  Things calmed down considerably once we reached the English Channel.  We are docked in Le Havre next to RCIs brand new quantum class ship Ovation of the Seas.  It is HUGE!  .  At the top there is a ball attached to an arm which rises 300 feet above see level to give 360 degree views of the ports of call.   The Ovation officially begins its 50 day inaugural sail on May 3 from Southhampton to China.  

We decided not to go to Paris today.  3 3/4 hours on the bus each way did not excite us too much.  Besides, what can you visit in Paris in 3 1/2 hours.  We visited Le Havre, a UNESCO site,  instead.  It was completely decimated by WWII bombings in 1944 and has since been completely rebuilt.  We visited some of the many gardens and the waterfront.  Le Havre is known as France's greenest city because of its many gardens.  

The shuttle bus dropped us off at City Hall and it's gorgeous garden.  Surprisingly the flowers were blooming and the fountains were working.  Then we walked/zigzagged all the way up to the fort and its hanging gardens.  Such a beautiful spot.  It will be amazing when the flowers are in full bloom.  Unfortunately the greenhouses, raising plants from around the world, were closed.  Afterwards we wound our way back to town where we visited St Joseph church.  We were interested in its 107 meter tall tower which can be seen all over town.  
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