Best Music Festivals In France

France is known for its amazing culture, food, and wine, but the country also has a vibrant music scene. From jazz to electronic, classical to rock, there is something for everyone in France’s music festivals. Here are some of the best music festivals in France that you cannot afford to miss.

1. 🎶 Vieilles Charrues

Location: Carhaix-Plouguer

Vieilles Charrues is one of the biggest festivals in France, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. The festival features a mix of French and international acts, with past headliners including Muse, The Chemical Brothers, and David Guetta. The festival takes place in the picturesque town of Carhaix-Plouguer in Brittany and lasts for four days.

2. 🎶 Rock en Seine

Location: Saint-Cloud

Rock en Seine takes place in the stunning Parc de Saint-Cloud, just outside of Paris. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in rock and alternative music, with past performers including The Strokes, The Arctic Monkeys, and Björk. The three-day festival is a must-visit for any rock music fan.

3. 🎶 Jazz à Vienne

Location: Vienne

Jazz à Vienne is one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in France. The festival has been running since 1981 and attracts some of the biggest names in jazz, including Herbie Hancock, Ibrahim Maalouf, and Marcus Miller. The festival takes place in the Roman amphitheater in the beautiful town of Vienne, making for an unforgettable musical experience.

4. 🎶 Fête de la Musique

Location: Nationwide

Fête de la Musique is a nationwide music festival that takes place on the summer solstice, June 21st. The festival is a celebration of all types of music, with free concerts taking place throughout France. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to experience the diversity of France’s music scene and to discover new artists.

5. 🎶 Festival de Cannes

Location: Cannes

The Festival de Cannes is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, but it also has a fantastic music program. The festival features a mix of classical and contemporary music, with performances taking place in the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The festival is a must-visit for any music and film lover.

6. 🎶 Nuits Sonores

Location: Lyon

Nuits Sonores is an electronic music festival that takes place in the vibrant city of Lyon. The festival features a mix of French and international DJs, with past performers including Laurent Garnier, Nina Kraviz, and Jamie XX. The festival takes place in various venues across Lyon, making for an unforgettable musical experience.

7. 🎶 Festival de La Roque d’Anthéron

Location: La Roque d’Anthéron

The Festival de La Roque d’Anthéron is one of the biggest classical music festivals in France. The festival takes place in the stunning Château de Florans in the Provence region, with performances from some of the world’s best classical musicians. The festival is a must-visit for any lover of classical music.

8. 🎶 Les Eurockéennes

Location: Belfort

Les Eurockéennes is one of the biggest rock festivals in France. The festival takes place on the peninsula of Malsaucy, near the city of Belfort. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in rock and alternative music, with past performers including Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Pixies.

9. 🎶 Festival Interceltique de Lorient

Location: Lorient

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is a celebration of Celtic music and culture. The festival takes place in the city of Lorient in Brittany and features a mix of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. The festival also includes parades, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

10. 🎶 Festival d’Avignon

Location: Avignon

The Festival d’Avignon is one of the biggest theater festivals in the world, but it also has a fantastic music program. The festival features a mix of classical and contemporary music, with performances taking place in various venues across the city. The festival is a must-visit for any lover of theater and music.

11. 🎶 Francofolies de La Rochelle

Location: La Rochelle

The Francofolies de La Rochelle is a celebration of French music. The festival takes place in the beautiful coastal city of La Rochelle and features a mix of established and up-and-coming French artists. The festival is a must-visit for any lover of French music.

12. 🎶 Festival Marsatac

Location: Marseille

The Festival Marsatac is an electronic and hip-hop music festival that takes place in Marseille. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in electronic and hip-hop music, with past performers including The Chemical Brothers, Justice, and Wu-Tang Clan. The festival takes place in various venues across Marseille, making for an unforgettable musical experience.

13. 🎶 Les Nuits de Fourvière

Location: Lyon

Les Nuits de Fourvière is a summer music festival that takes place in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Lyon. The festival features a mix of French and international acts, with past performers including Arcade Fire, Patti Smith, and Radiohead. The festival is a must-visit for any lover of music and history.

14. 🎶 Festival de Musique de Menton

Location: Menton

The Festival de Musique de Menton is a classical music festival that takes place in the beautiful seaside city of Menton. The festival features a mix of established and up-and-coming classical musicians, with performances taking place in various venues across the city. The festival is a must-visit for any lover of classical music.

15. 🎶 Festival International d’Art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence

Location: Aix-en-Provence

The Festival International d’Art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence is one of the biggest opera festivals in France. The festival takes place in the stunning city of Aix-en-Provence and features a mix of established and up-and-coming opera singers. The festival is a must-visit for any lover of opera and classical music.

What is the Best Music Festival in France?

Choosing the best music festival in France is a difficult task, as each festival has its own unique atmosphere and musical offerings. However, if you’re looking for a festival that offers a mix of French and international acts, Vieilles Charrues is a great choice. The festival takes place in a beautiful location, and the lineup is always impressive.

FAQs

1. When do music festivals in France take place?

Music festivals in France take place throughout the year, but the majority of festivals take place in the summer months.

2. Are there any free music festivals in France?

Yes, the Fête de la Musique is a nationwide music festival that offers free concerts throughout France.

3. Can you camp at music festivals in France?

Yes, many music festivals in France offer camping facilities for festival-goers.

4. Are there any age restrictions for music festivals in France?

Yes, many music festivals in France have age restrictions, and some festivals may not be suitable for young children.

5. Can you buy tickets for music festivals in France online?

Yes, most music festivals in France offer online ticket sales.

6. What types of music can you expect to hear at music festivals in France?

Music festivals in France offer a wide range of musical genres, from classical to electronic, rock to hip-hop.

7. Are there any food and drink options at music festivals in France?

Yes, most music festivals in France offer a range of food and drink options, from street food