Every summer, through the prism of contemporary art, Le Havre becomes a trendy destination between beach and culture, where exhibitions and urban explorations combine, all with your feet in the water!
In 2017, Edouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre, launched an exceptional cultural program to celebrate the anniversary of the city’s founding.
2017: Le Havre celebrates 500 years
Jean Blaise, the artistic director who previously contributed to Nantes’ cultural development, invited internationally renowned artists to engage with the city and its residents.
Many local and national figures joined forces for this major initiative. In just a few months, Le Havre became a “trendy” city: more than two million visitors participated in the four flagship events of this first edition.
Following its success, a new program is now offered each year under the artistic direction of Gaël Charbau.
One Summer in
Le Havre
Each year, Un Été Au Havre (One Summer in Le Havre) invites great artists to take over the city. Ephemeral works enrich the permanent collection of open-air contemporary art, visible all year round, consisting of monumental works spread throughout the public space. The program can be discovered by exploring the city, discovering the many facets of Le Havre: a 2-kilometer beach in the heart of the city, breathtaking panoramas, architecture inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a remarkable botanical garden overlooking the sea and the Seine estuary.
