Sunset’s Evolution: The Making Of Monaco’s Iconic Beach Party
An interview with founders Cédric Houdrouge and Thomas Peeters
From its humble beginnings as a small gathering of friends and family, Sunset has grown into a major event that attracts locals, international visitors, and celebrities. What started as a simple house party has evolved into a brand that is now synonymous with Monaco’s cosmopolitan vibe.
In this interview, Cédric Houdrouge and Thomas Peeters, the founders of Sunset, will share their journey from the event’s early days to the present.
They’ll discuss how Sunset has grown over the years and explore what keeps it going strong.
Sunset is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. Can you tell us how it all started?
Cedric: Sunset began as a small gathering of friends and family at my house. We had such a great time that we decided to turn it into something bigger. The first official Sunset event was in 2013, and since then, it has grown into a major event in Monaco.
We are proud to have established a «Made in Monaco» brand, with 70% of our attendees being local friends and clients who return every year, along with a mix of international visitors including the Formula 1 community. This blend fits perfectly with Monaco’s cosmopolitan image.
What can attendees expect from Sunset this year? Any new additions to the event?
Tom: This year, we’re introducing Casa Sunset, a new concept within the Muse restaurant. At Sunset, we offer a finger-food experience featuring high-end street food from our partner LOBSTA. Casa Sunset, on the other hand, provides a more refined atmosphere with seated dinners, artistic direction, and a special menu of South American cuisine developed by our chef. You don’t need a ticket to come to Casa Sunset, but we highly recommend reserving a table (you can book via email at booking@sunsetmonaco.com). Additionally, we’re adding «La Petite Plage,» a relaxed and organic beach area, adding a unique vibe while staying true to the Sunset brand. Also this year french artist Richard Orlinski, renowned worldwide, will exhibit his sculptures at Sunset.
How many people do you expect to attend the event this year?
Cedric: We expect about 6,000 to 7,000 people over the three days, but we’re prepared for even more. Sunset runs from noon to midnight, while Casa Sunset stays open until 3 a.m.
Tell us about the music at Sunset. How do you select the artists?
Tom: Music is central to the Sunset experience. We look for a variety of artists who bring unique energy to the event. We brainstorm together and draw on our travels and connections to find the right talent. We also get recommendations from friends and other trusted sources. It’s essential to have a diverse lineup to keep things fresh.
Cedric: We focus on quality music and aim to include a diverse mix of genres—house, disco, funk, and more. Over the three days, we have about 15 artists performing, including big names like Carlita, Luciano, Andhim, and Pabels. We also often feature DJs from Monaco and the South of France, ensuring that our local artists have spots in the lineup.
In 2013, we were among the first to bring this type of music to Monaco. While music is a big part of Sunset, we always strive to enhance other aspects, focusing on service and the overall experience. It’s easy for people to see the final result, but they often don’t see the hard work behind the scenes.
You have Formula 1 drivers and celebrities attending Sunset. Did you expect this level of success when you first started?
Cedric: Not at all. It began as a small gathering of friends and family, and we just wanted to continue the tradition in a way that wasn’t overly complicated. We wanted to create something that combined the music and entertainment we loved with a Formula 1 weekend in Monaco. It was an organic process, and Sunset gradually grew into what it is today. We never expected to attract high-profile attendees like Nico Rosberg, Justin Bieber, Adrien Brody, and others. It wasn’t part of our plan—it just evolved naturally.
We’re very grateful to Nico Rosberg because he helped boost the image of Sunset when he won the Monaco Grand Prix back in 2013. He celebrated with us, along with friends and family, and those were really special and emotional moments.
Tom: We hope that Charles Leclerc can replicate Nico Rosberg’s success. We’re prepared to celebrate with him at Sunset (smiling).
How did you manage to bring Sunset to Miami? What’s the experience like compared to Monaco?
Cedric: Bringing Sunset to Miami was a significant step for us. It’s our third year there, and it’s a completely different environment with its own unique vibe. We had to adapt to meet local expectations. In Miami, there’s not much happening right after the race—it picks up again after dinner or around midnight. In Monaco, however, the post- race scene is lively, with people going out to have a drink and celebrate. The impact of the Formula 1 race in Monaco is huge—it practically takes over the entire city, while in Miami, it’s not quite the same. The way these two cities have evolved is quite different. Seeing the Sunset brand and logo flying alongside the American flag in Miami is something we’re really proud of, and it’s something we never could have imagined 11 years ago.
What do you think has made Sunset so successful over the years?
Tom: I think it’s our commitment to our core values. Sunset is inclusive, welcoming everyone. We focus on quality music and maintaining fair pricing. We aim to create an environment where people of all ages feel comfortable. We’ve had guests ranging from 21 to 90 years old, with three generations from the same family booking tables. That’s the beauty of Sunset.
Cedric: We couldn’t have done it without our partners. The Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel has been with us since the beginning, trusting our vision to organize the first beach party in Monaco at that time. We also have a dedicated team of about 200 people working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.