Don’t Miss Out On These French Music Festivals in July!
The summer has officially kicked off in France, and while there is plenty to do to cool down, the warmer weather is also a great time to get sweaty and dance!
Across the country, there are plenty of music festivals to go check out throughout the summer. Whether you prefer to enjoy hip-hop moshpits, or the energy of electro crowds, or if you’re more of a “in the spur of the moment” person and would prefer to have a variety of genres on hand, no worries, there is a music festival for you in France!
Below you will find a list, by region:
In Paris
Yardland Festival (July 4-6)
Yardland is the event contemporary hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts cannot miss. Taking place at the Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes, the 3rd edition of the festival will welcome French artists Gazo, Tiakola, Guy2Bezbar and Theodora, as well as overseas artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR, Shenseea or Len.
For more info: https://yardland.paris/
Peacock Society Festival (July 11-12)
A week after Yardland, the Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes will host the Peacock Society festival (July 11-12). This event is oriented towards fans of EDM, whether they like house music or variants of techno. The duo Underworld, known for their contribution to the Trainspotting soundtrack, will be performing in France for the first time since 2011!
For more info: https://peacocksociety.fr/?lang=en
Lollapalooza, PARIS Edition (July 18-20)
For its seventh edition, the festival is bringing rising artists like Lola Young and RAYE, pop stars such as Benson Boone and Olivia Rodrigo, as well as legendary DJ David Guetta to its attendees, at the Hippodrome de Paris-Longchamp.
For more info: https://www.lollaparis.com/en
On The French Riviera
The Charlie Jazz Festival (July 3-6)
20 minutes from Marseille, the city of Vitrolles will welcome 3 days of Jazz offerings. Legendary organist Rhoda Scott, piano jazz Maestro Chucho Valdés and bass prodigy Richard Bona will be performing at the festival, alongside their respective Lady Quartet, Royal Quartet and Quintet.
For more info: https://www.charlie-jazz.com/
Bom Festival (July 4-5)
In the town of Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume, 50 minutes away from Marseille, will be held a traditional music festival with gigs of funk, cumbia, fanfare, folk and even choirs! The Bom Festival puts forward a real variety of musical genres. This is a family friendly festival so don’t be afraid to bring kids! There will be spaces dedicated to the younger attendees.
For more info: https://lebomfestival.org/
Nuits du Sud (July 10-12; 17-19)
This festival is 30 minutes from Nice, in Vence. Musical performances of a variety of genres, from reggae to afro pop, Cuban music, hip-hop and dancehall will take place in the Place du Grand Jardin for two weekends in a row.
For more info: https://vence-tourisme.com/nuits-du-sud-28eme-edition/
Hyeres’ Midi Festival (July 18-20)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a lineup mostly composed of US-and-UK-based acts, this festival is about 20 min from Toulon. Folk singer Christopher Owens, Manchester rock band Wu Lyf and Midi Fest alumni, French pop singer Malik Djoudi will be headlining the three days of the festival.
For more info: https://www.midi-festival.com/
Up in Normandy
Kave Fest (July 4-6)
The Kave Fest will be hosted at the Gisors Castle, an hour’s ride away from Rouen. It is a festival for all rock fans, no matter which subgenre you prefer. Punk rock enthusiasts will be looking forward to Bob Vylan’s July 6 performance while metalheads will make sure to attend Coheed and Cambria’s gig on July 4.
For more info: https://www.kavefest.com/
Les Pluies de Juillet (July 17-20)
Les Pluies des Juillet is the festival of the city of Le Tanu, an hour away from Caen. It’s as much of a music festival as it is a social and ecological initiative. While the main acts like French rapper Medine, EDM duo Kompromat and hyperpop rising star ELOI perform in the evenings, festivalgoers can participate in daytime workshops, where they can practice baking or meditate.
For more info: https://www.lespluiesdejuillet.org/
Festival Art Sonic (July 18-19)
If you’re just looking to have a good time listening to hits of all genres, Briouze’s Festival Art Sonic is the place to be. Pop star Clara Luciani, metal band Mass Hysteria and French rap top dog Gazo will all be showing up to this festival, an hour away from Caen.
For more info: https://www.festival-artsonic.com/
Grandes Marées (July 19-27)
As its name indicates, Grandes Marées – literally “Tall Tides” – is a festival that takes place by the seaside, 20 minutes from Granville.
The first day of the festival, July 19, takes place in Genêts, a small town an hour away from Caen, and will be completely free. Brazilian drumming club Cigale Do Brazil, blues duo Alcie Bela & Jack Ellis and local rock band La Base will perform that day.
The main part of the festival, from July 21 to July 27, will take place in the town of Jullouvile, 20 minutes from Genêts. Headliners such as French Touch icon Martin Solveig and electronic music giant Kavinsky will be performing.
For more info: https://en.tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com/immerse/during-highlights/grandes-marees-festival/
Going the extra kilometer
Les Vieilles Charrues (July 17-20)
Les Vieilles Charrues, one of the most important music festivals of July, is held in Brittany. Simply put, it is France’s biggest music festival.
Iconic artists from all genres have performed on the venues of the festival in Carhaix, an hour from Brest and Quimper. For its latest edition, the festival will welcome the Queen of Alt-Rock Angst Alanis Morissette, electronic music virtuoso Gesaffelstein, the legendary Sex Pistols and more.
For more info: https://www.brittanytourism.com/matching-what-i-want/culture-and-heritage/brittanys-main-events/vieilles-charrues/