Thursdays in Le Suquet: Cannes extends summer until the end of September
This summer the Cannes district Le Suquet became a draw: each week almost 1,800 people came to the open-air parties. The success was so significant that the city authorities extended the series of events into September. Four additional evenings will take place on Rue du Pré from 18:00 to 22:00.
A bit of history: a district that preserves the spirit of old Cannes
Le Suquet is the heart of old Cannes on the hill above the harbour: medieval streets, stone walls and a view of the bay that has not changed for centuries. Once a fishing quarter, today it is one of the city’s most atmospheric places. If you are planning a route nearby, «Cannes on a budget» will suggest what to see.
It was here at the start of the summer that the “Thursdays in Le Suquet” first arrived — a series of evenings organised by the town hall: the street is closed to traffic, a stage and tables are set up. The result exceeded the organisers’ expectations.
Formula for success
At the heart of the concept is a formula familiar to many towns in Provence: Rue du Pré is transformed into a pedestrian zone where every Thursday from 18:00 to 22:00 live music plays and local restaurateurs offer menus and aperitifs at reduced prices. The atmosphere is set by the spirit of the guinguette — what in France are informal open-air dance venues, without dress codes or high bills.
- Live music every Thursday: orchestras, brass bands, DJs and groups
- Special offers from the district’s restaurants at reduced prices
- Free entry and an open dancing area
Musical programme
The artistic programme is curated by Mozart — a Cannes DJ who is also responsible for the celebration “Bal des fous”. Among the summer participants is the band Highwood, which has performed on Rue du Pré on several occasions. The line-up for each of the four September evenings will be confirmed by the town hall as the dates approach.
How to get there
Rue du Pré is closed to traffic during the events. You can reach Le Suquet on foot from the Croisette promenade (about a 15-minute uphill walk) or by city bus; in the evenings nearby parking fills up quickly. Other budget routes around the city — in the feature «Summer routes in Cannes».
September dates
Cannes town hall has announced the official schedule: all evenings will take place on Thursdays from 18:00 to 22:00 on Rue du Pré — 3, 10, 17 and 24 September. Entry is free; the programme of performances will be published on the town hall’s website as the dates approach.
Why this matters
“Thursdays in Le Suquet” are part of the city’s policy to revitalise Cannes’ old districts; similar formats already operate in other towns on the French Riviera (more ideas — in the selection «Cannes for every budget»). For Le Suquet this is not only a tourist attraction but also a place where residents of Cannes live: the regular evenings bring life back to the streets, support local entrepreneurs and create attractions beyond the Croisette.
September on the French Riviera is called the “velvet season”: the sea is still warm and the tourist flow eases. “Thursdays in Le Suquet” are a way to see Cannes without the bustle of the Croisette, in a quiet historic quarter. The organisers hope that after a successful first year the format will become an annual tradition.
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Photo: Gaetan THURIN / Pexels