This church was built close to the original founding site of Le Havre and became a cathedral in 1974 when Le Havre was granted a bishop. It is one of the rare witnesses to the 16th century in the city and is thus a historical symbol. The church as it stands today, however, has been added to over the centuries. The bell tower and nave date from the 16th century, but the portals – including the one of the western façade – were added the next century.

The building suffered heavy damaged during the 1944 bombings, as can be seen in the impacts still visible on the tower walls. The church was renovated thirty years later, along with the organ offered by Richelieu and destroyed by the bombs, and the 19th century stained glass windows relating the history of Le Havre. The cathedral square sits lower than the rest of the street, a reminder of the prewar ground level and evoking the original city.