France’s best festivals

SOLIDAYS

Festival city

Paris

Festival period

June

Average attendance

260K

Solidays is a French music festival held annually in Paris since 1999. Created by the Solidarité Sida association, this event brings together thousands of people to celebrate music and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

For three days, national and international artists take to the stage to raise public awareness of this important cause. Solidays is much more than just a music festival, it’s a committed event that raises funds to support prevention and solidarity initiatives for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Every year, renowned headliners follow one another, attracting a varied and passionate audience. The concerts take place in a festive, supportive atmosphere, where the rhythms of the music blend with messages of awareness.

As well as concerts, Solidays also features events, conferences and information stands on sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. It’s an event that combines entertainment and civic commitment, enabling everyone to participate in their own way in the fight against this disease.

Solidays has become a fixture on the French cultural scene, symbolizing unity around a just and necessary cause. Each year, it reminds us of the importance of staying mobilized in the face of this global epidemic, while celebrating life and music.

ROCK EN SEINE

Festival city

Saint-Cloud

Festival period

August

Average attendance

144k

Rock en Seine is one of France’s most renowned music festivals, taking place every August in the enchanting setting of the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, near Paris. Since its first edition in 2003, it has established itself as a major event on the French and international music scene.

The festival offers an eclectic, cutting-edge program featuring rock, pop, electro and hip-hop artists. Festival-goers can enjoy open-air concerts on several stages scattered around the grounds of the Domaine de Saint-Cloud. International headliners follow one another alongside emerging talents, offering a varied and captivating musical spectacle.

In addition to the concerts, Rock en Seine also offers a wide range of events and activities for festival-goers. Exhibitions, workshops, art installations and catering areas are available throughout the festival. The atmosphere is festive and convivial, with a relaxed atmosphere conducive to musical encounters and discoveries.

The green setting of the Domaine de Saint-Cloud adds a special dimension to the Rock en Seine experience. Festival-goers can enjoy the surrounding nature while being carried away by the music. What’s more, the proximity of Paris means that participants can combine the festival with a visit to the French capital, adding a tourist dimension to this cultural event.

In short, Rock en Seine is a must-see festival for music fans, offering a rich and varied program in an idyllic setting. Whether discovering new artists or enjoying performances by their favorite bands, festival-goers enjoy a unique experience combining music, conviviality and discovery.

WE LOVE GREEN

Festival city

Paris Woods

Festival period

June

Average attendance

80k

We Love Green is an ecological and committed festival that takes place every year in June in the Bois de Vincennes, the city park of Paris. Since its creation in 2011, it has established itself as a must-attend event for music and nature lovers.

This one-of-a-kind festival offers a cutting-edge musical program featuring artists from the international scene, ranging from electro and pop to hip-hop and alternative music. But We Love Green is more than just music: it’s an event that promotes eco-responsible and sustainable values.

The festival stands out for its commitment to the environment. The organizers are doing their utmost to reduce the event’s carbon footprint by using recycled materials, encouraging public transport and bicycles to get to the site, and offering organic and local catering. Awareness-raising activities are also organized to inform festival-goers about ecological issues and encourage them to adopt more environmentally-friendly behavior.

In addition to the concerts, We Love Green features a veritable eco-responsible village where festival-goers can discover innovative initiatives, awareness-raising stands, DIY (Do It Yourself) workshops and outdoor relaxation areas. The atmosphere is festive and convivial, with a relaxed atmosphere conducive to exchanges and discoveries.

In short, We Love Green is much more than just a music festival: it’s an event that advocates an ecological and responsible way of life, while offering a high-quality musical program. Festival-goers can enjoy their passion for music while contributing to the preservation of the environment, in an enchanting setting in the heart of nature.

HELLFEST

Festival city

Clisson

Festival period

June

Average attendance

60k

Hellfest is an iconic music festival held annually in Clisson, France, since its inception in 2006. It has become one of the major events on the metal and hard rock scene, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world.

The festival takes place over three days in June, and features an exceptional line-up of over 150 bands on several stages. Headliners are often metal legends, icons such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. But Hellfest doesn’t just bring together the big names: it also gives pride of place to emerging artists and underground bands, enabling fans to discover new nuggets on the metal scene.

The Hellfest atmosphere is unique and indescribable for those who experience it. Festival-goers find themselves plunged into a dark and bewitching universe, with fantastic settings, tattoos, black clothes and extravagant make-up. On-site camping is also an experience in its own right, where conviviality and camaraderie reign among passionate fans.

In addition to the concerts, Hellfest offers a host of activities to keep festival-goers entertained: a variety of food stalls, relaxation areas, entertainment, art exhibitions and even a market where you can pick up unusual items and objects.

The success of Hellfest has not waned over the years, attracting ever more metal fans from the four corners of the globe for this extraordinary experience. The festival has retained its independent spirit and passion for music, remaining true to its values and its audience.

In a nutshell, Hellfest is much more than just a music festival: it’s a must-see event for metal fans, a place where music resonates in a dark and captivating universe, where camaraderie and passion combine to create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

LES EUROCKÉENES DE BELFORT

Festival city

Belfort

Festival period

July

Average attendance

125k

The Eurockéennes de Belfort is one of France’s most emblematic music festivals, held every July since 1989. Located on the peninsula of Lac de Malsaucy, a few kilometers from the city of Belfort, this event attracts thousands of festival-goers from all over France and beyond.

This eclectic festival offers a rich and varied program, featuring artists from all musical horizons. From rock and electro to hip-hop, pop and French chanson, there’s something for everyone. One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering unforgettable performances and moments of pure musical magic.

The Eurockéennes de Belfort is also renowned for its festive and convivial atmosphere. The Lac de Malsaucy site is transformed into a veritable village of music, encounters and discoveries. Festival-goers can enjoy many activities in addition to the concerts: varied food stalls, relaxation areas, art exhibitions, discovery workshops and much more.

In addition to music, the Eurockéennes also promote the values of solidarity and commitment. Awareness-raising activities are organized on the festival site, covering themes such as the environment, human rights and health.

Finally, the Eurockéennes de Belfort is an unmissable event for music lovers, offering a unique experience combining artistic discoveries, conviviality and commitment. For three days, Lac de Malsaucy is transformed into a magical place where music resonates in the heart of nature, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all festival-goers present.

LES FRANCOFOLIES DE LA ROCHELLE

Festival city

La Rochelle

Festival period

July

Average attendance

150k

The Francofolies de La Rochelle is an iconic music festival that has been held every July since 1985. Nestled on the Atlantic coast, this not-to-be-missed event attracts thousands of festival-goers to celebrate the diversity and richness of French-language music.

In the heart of the magnificent city of La Rochelle, the Francofolies offer a varied program featuring renowned artists as well as promising young talent. French chanson, pop, rock, hip-hop, electro, all styles are represented to the delight of music lovers.

One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering memorable concerts and moments of shared emotion. Legendary artists such as Charles Aznavour, Jacques Dutronc and Vanessa Paradis have left their mark on previous editions, while making way for a new generation of singers and musicians.

The Francofolies de La Rochelle is also renowned for its festive, convivial atmosphere. The Old Port is transformed into a veritable music village, with concerts, street entertainment, food stalls and festival-goers mingling. The warm, relaxed atmosphere invites you to discover and meet new artists and new musical worlds.

In addition to the concerts, the Francofolies also offers parallel events such as exhibitions, conferences, film screenings and meetings with artists. The festival is also committed to raising awareness and promoting French-speaking culture, reinforcing its role as an essential cultural and festive event of the summer.

In short, the Francofolies de La Rochelle is a not-to-be-missed festival for all lovers of French-language music. In an idyllic oceanfront setting, this event offers a unique experience combining artistic discoveries, conviviality and a celebration of the musical diversity of the French-speaking world.

THE DELTA FESTIVAL IN MARSEILLE

Festival city

Marseille

Festival period

August

Average attendance

150k

The Delta Festival de Marseille is a key event on the region’s summer scene, taking place every year in July on the Prado beaches. Created in 2015, this festival has quickly become one of the city’s biggest cultural and artistic gatherings, attracting thousands of festival-goers who come to enjoy music, sports activities and a variety of entertainment.

In the heart of Marseilles, the Delta Festival offers an eclectic program featuring electronic music, hip-hop, reggae and other contemporary musical genres. Local, national and international artists perform on the festival’s various stages, offering energetic performances and moments of pure celebration.

But the Delta Festival isn’t just about music: it’s also a place where cultures and passions come together. Festival-goers can take part in sports competitions on the beach, watch dance performances, discover art exhibitions and stroll between food truck stalls offering varied and original cuisine.

The atmosphere at the Delta Festival is just like Marseille itself: warm, festive and friendly. Festival-goers come with family and friends to enjoy this unique experience, in an idyllic setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Sunsets on the beach add a magical touch to the already enchanting atmosphere of the festival.

In short, the Delta Festival de Marseille is one of the region’s must-attend cultural and festive events of the summer. With its mix of music, sport, art and gastronomy, it offers a complete and varied experience to all festival-goers, in an exceptional seaside setting. A true celebration of the diversity and richness of Marseille’s culture.

LE PRINTEMPS DE BOURGES

Festival city

Bourges

Festival period

April

Average attendance

200k

Printemps de Bourges is one of France’s most emblematic music festivals, held every April since its creation in 1977. Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Bourges, this event has become a not-to-be-missed rendezvous for music lovers from all horizons.

This eclectic festival offers a rich and varied program, featuring artists from the French and international scenes. From rock to chanson, electro, hip-hop, reggae and many other genres, it offers a veritable musical palette to suit all tastes. One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering unforgettable concerts and moments of musical sharing.

But Printemps de Bourges isn’t just about music: it’s also a place for encounters, exchanges and discoveries. Festival-goers can take part in conferences, film screenings, exhibitions, meetings with artists and a variety of other activities. The festival is also committed to raising awareness of issues such as the environment, human rights and cultural diversity.

The atmosphere at Printemps de Bourges is just like the town that hosts it: warm, friendly and festive. The streets of Bourges fill up with festival-goers from all over France who come to enjoy this unique experience. Bars, restaurants and local shops also contribute to the festival’s liveliness, creating a real buzz throughout the town.

In short, Printemps de Bourges is much more than just a music festival: it’s a cultural, artistic and festive event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of today’s music scene. A veritable showcase for emerging and established artists, in a historic and convivial setting where discoveries, encounters and sharing come together.

MUSILAC

Festival city

Aix-les-bains

Festival period

July

Average attendance

100k

Musilac Aix-les-Bains is a music festival held every summer on the shores of Lac du Bourget, in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie. Created in 2002, this event has become one of the must-attend events on the French summer music scene.

The Musilac festival offers an eclectic and varied program, featuring internationally renowned artists as well as emerging talents. From rock and pop to electro, hip-hop, French chanson and reggae, there’s something for everyone. One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering memorable concerts and moments of pure energy.

Located in an exceptional setting on the shores of France’s largest natural lake, Musilac also offers a unique experience for festival-goers. The view of the lake and surrounding mountains creates a magical atmosphere, enhancing immersion in the music and festivities.

In addition to the concerts, Musilac also features a lively festival village where festival-goers can discover entertainment, exhibitions, varied food stalls and relaxation areas. The atmosphere is festive and convivial, conducive to meetings and exchanges between music enthusiasts.

Musilac Aix-les-Bains is also committed to raising awareness and protecting the environment. The festival implements initiatives to reduce its ecological footprint and raise festival-goers’ awareness of the importance of preserving nature.

In short, Musilac Aix-les-Bains is a must-see music festival of the summer, offering quality programming in an exceptional setting. With its open-air concerts, festive atmosphere and breathtaking views over Lac du Bourget, this is an experience for all music and party lovers.

GAROROCK

Festival city

Marmande

Festival period

June

Average attendance

150k

Garorock is a not-to-be-missed music festival held every June in Marmande, France. Since its creation in 1997, this event has become one of the biggest gatherings on the French and international music scene.

The Garorock festival offers an eclectic and diverse program, featuring artists from all musical horizons. From rock and electro to hip-hop, reggae, pop and French chanson, there’s something for everyone. One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering energetic performances and moments of pure jubilation.

The green setting of the festival, in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, adds a special dimension to the Garorock experience. Festival-goers can enjoy several open-air stages, surrounded by magnificent scenery, creating a magical, spellbinding atmosphere.

In addition to concerts, Garorock also offers a wide range of entertainment and activities to keep festival-goers entertained: varied food stalls, relaxation areas, art exhibitions, sports activities and much more. The atmosphere is festive and convivial, conducive to meetings and exchanges between music enthusiasts.

Garorock is also committed to environmental awareness and promotion. The festival implements initiatives to reduce its ecological impact and raise festival-goers’ awareness of the importance of preserving nature.

In short, Garorock is a must-see summer music festival, offering a complete, immersive experience in a magnificent setting. With its open-air concerts, festive atmosphere and musical diversity, this is a not-to-be-missed event for all music and party lovers.

THE BREAKERS

Festival city

Barcarès

Festival period

July

Average attendance

120k

If you’re spending your summer in the South of France, don’t miss Les Déferlantes. This music festival takes place every summer on the French Mediterranean coast, at Barcarès in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Since its creation in 2007, this event has become one of the highlights of the French summer music scene.

The Déferlantes festival offers an eclectic and varied program, featuring artists of national and international renown. From rock and electro to pop, reggae, hip-hop and French chanson, there’s something for everyone. One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering energetic performances and moments of pure jubilation.

The exceptional setting of the festival, by the sea and facing the mountains, adds a special dimension to the Les Déferlantes experience. Festival-goers can enjoy several open-air stages, surrounded by magnificent scenery, creating a magical, spellbinding atmosphere.

In addition to the concerts, Les Déferlantes also features a lively festival village where festival-goers can discover entertainment, exhibitions, varied food stalls and relaxation areas. The atmosphere is festive and convivial, conducive to meetings and exchanges between music enthusiasts.

Les Déferlantes is also committed to raising awareness and promoting local culture. The festival showcases local artists and features events highlighting the region’s traditions and special features.

In short, Les Déferlantes is a must-see summer music festival in France, offering a complete, immersive experience in an exceptional setting. With its open-air concerts, festive atmosphere and musical diversity, this is a not-to-be-missed event for all music and party lovers.

RETRO C’EST TROP

Festival city

Tilloloy Castle

Festival period

June

Average attendance

12k

Retro C’est Trop is a retro music festival held every year in Toulouse, France. Since its inception in 2015, this event has become a must-attend event for lovers of 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s music.

The Retro C’est Trop festival offers an eclectic program featuring emblematic artists and bands from these decades. From rock’n’roll to funk, pop, soul, reggae and disco, there’s something for everyone. One headliner follows another on the festival’s various stages, offering memorable concerts and moments of pure nostalgia.

The festival’s setting, in the magnificent Prairie des Filtres park on the banks of the Garonne, adds a special dimension to the Retro C’est Trop experience. Festival-goers can enjoy several open-air stages, surrounded by greenery and picturesque landscapes, creating a festive and convivial atmosphere.

In addition to concerts, Retro C’est Trop also features a lively festival village where festival-goers can discover entertainment, retro food stalls, vintage object exhibitions, dance workshops and relaxation areas. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, conducive to meetings and exchanges between retro music enthusiasts.

Retro C’est Trop is also committed to preserving the environment, and offers awareness-raising initiatives on sustainable development and responsible consumption.

In short, Retro C’est Trop is a retro music festival offering a unique, immersive experience in a magnificent setting. With its open-air concerts, retro entertainment and festive atmosphere, this is a not-to-be-missed event for all vintage music and nostalgia fans.