An unmissable cultural event in Normandy this summer, Un été au Havre invites contemporary artists to reclaim space. From the end of June to mid-September, around twenty monumental works and installations will be on display throughout the city.
Le Havre celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2017 and decided not to stop there. Every summer since then, the "Un Eté au Havre" artistic season, conceived by Jean Blaise, has invited contemporary artists to transform the city into a giant open-air museum. On squares, on quays and on the tops of buildings, the city is covered with remarkable works and installations that can be discovered during a stroll along the seafront or in the city centre between Le Havre railway station, the Bassin de Commerce and the beach.
In addition to works from previous years, such as Vincent Ganivet's spectacular multi-coloured container arches and Karel Martens' rows of beach huts, there are a number of temporary installations.In 2024, visitors were able to admire works by Edgar Sarin on the Quai de Marseille, Joël Andrianomearisoa at the Bains des Docks and Emmanuelle Ducrocq on Avenue Foch.
A look back at the 2024 edition of Un été au Havre
In 2024, for the second year running, visitors were able to discover the Métamorphoses event at Le Volcan. This will launch the new season of this cultural event. Free and open to all, it presents the vision of players from different backgrounds on the city of tomorrow.
As for the Un Été au Havre event itself, while the artistic director has chosen not to give it a theme, so as to give everyone the pleasure of letting themselves be surprised, a number of works will echo the natural world, the elements and living things. These include a high-altitude garden in a very unexpected location...
Among the artistic installations at this ninth edition, the concrete moon by Arthur Gosse, which lit up at nightfall in a pond in the Square Saint-Roch, and the wooden figure-house with giant feet designed by artist Max Coulon overlooking the Bassin du Roy.
A summer HQ
To find out all about the programme and make the most of the Un Été Au Havre experience, visit the Maison de l'Été, a space designed as the event's headquarters. It's the ideal place to consult all the information on the current season, the artistic itineraries and to (re)discover the permanent collection through an exhibition of photographs.
Join us from June to September 2025 to discover the new artistic itineraries.
The Great Sails of Le Havre 2025
This summer, the world's greatest sailing ships will be visiting Le Havre, the starting point for the prestigious Tall Ships Races. From 4 to 7 July 2025, visitors to the port city will be able to board some forty old sailing ships, including Le Belem, the Capitán Miranda, the Morgenster and the Dar Mlodziezy. Other not-to-be-missed events include the crew parade and the boat departure parade. Another good reason to come to Le Havre this summer.
Our recommendations and tips
Intrigued by this major cultural event in the Normandy region? With its excellent transport links, Le Havre is an easy destination to get to, even by eco-responsible means of transport such as the train. Once you're here, trams, buses and funiculars make it easy to get around cleanly, unless you prefer to opt for the bicycle solution thanks to the many hire points. All excellent ways for you to help create the city of tomorrow. Have a great Summer in Le Havre!
By Pascale Filliâtre
Journalist-traveller. I often voyage to the end of the world to explore what France offers... just next door. filliatre.pascale@orange.fr
