Wondering which are the best music festivals in France? You’re about to find out.
In addition to its wonderful food and breathtaking scenery, France is well-known for its strong music culture, which comes to life each summer through a multitude of music festivals. The French festival cycle offers a unique mix of musical experiences that appeal to all interests and interests, from the soul-stirring songs drifting across beautiful vines to the catchy beats of techno music resounding through medieval castle grounds.
The Best Music Festivals in France, Nouvelle Aquitaine
From electronica and piano to blues and jazz, there is truly something for everyone.
No 1 – Musiques Métisses Festival
When: Fri, June 6 – Sun, June 8, 2024
Where: Esplanade des Chais Magelis, in Angoulême (Quai de la Charente)
The Musiques Métisses Festival combines musicians from all over the world in a stunning mixing pot of sounds, offering a lively celebration of cultural diversity via music. With an eclectic mix of artists covering electronic, folk, and reggae, this event provides music fans with a wonderful opportunity to experience cutting-edge sounds that cut over boundaries. The roster is regularly shifted including both well-known performers and up-and-coming artists, fostering an environment of unadulterated musical discovery.
The festival will recognize its 48th anniversary in 2024 and feature performances by international musicians. Its goal is to delight with a broad variety and something for any taste, no matter how diverse, from well-established to those more recent to the scene.
No 2 – Cognac Blues Passion
When: Tues, July 2 – Sun, July 6, 2024
Where: Cour du Musée, Boulevard Denfert Rochereau, Cognac
Cognac Blues Passion is a soul-stirring event rather than just a music festival. There is a strong electricity in the air as soon as you enter the old town of Cognac, which is tucked away in the Charente region of France. As people from all generations and cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate their mutual love of blues music, the cobblestone streets come to life.
R&B performers from all over the world will perform during the week-long celebration of the event’s 30th anniversary on the banks of the Charente River.
It’s an event to mark in your calendar, with previous headliners like Santana, and Simple Minds, and music icons like BB King.
No 3 – Francofolies: Music Festival
When: Weds, July 10 – Sun, July 14, 2024
Where: Jardin Bobinec, La Rochelle
La Rochelle comes to life with the sound of music by the sea for five days.
It all started in 1985 to support just musicians and artists who speak French in the French music scene. Staying loyal to its origins, it draws over 150,000 festival-goers over five days.
There’s no other atmosphere like the Francofolies Music Festival when the sun sets over the colorful streets of La Rochelle. Language restrictions are irrelevant as the diverse blend of French-speaking musicians from around the globe produces a singular and engrossing musical experience. Every show at Francofolies attracts audiences with captivating pop melodies and emotional ballads, leaving them wanting more.
No 4 – Jazz in Marciac: Music Festival
When: Thurs, July 18 – Sat, Aug 4, 2024
Where: 8 Place du Chevalier d’Antras, 32230 Marciac
The little village of Marciac, located in the Gers region, is well-known for its jazz festival. One of my favorite performers, Jools Holland, has been announced as one of the main performers for 2024. The event is in its 46th year.
The festival was the idea of jazz enthusiast André Muller. His goal was to give jazz fans in and around Marciac access to some of the major performers of the day. Initially dubbed “Jazz in Marciac – the French Berklee,” the program highlighted regional jazz performers.
As the festival expanded, it teamed up with Boston’s Berklee College of Music, bringing in notable performers like Wynton Marsalis, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie.
No 5 – Pink Paradize: Music Festival
When: October – December 2024 TBC
Where: Toulouse
A wave of energy raced over the Pink Paradise music festival as night fell and the throng was highlighted by the stage lights. Thousands of music lovers from all around the world arrived as the vibrating sounds of electronic dance music resonated through the air. The artists gave it their all to charm the audience, creating an explosion of color and intensity.
Having started in 2015, this festival is becoming more and more well-known and takes place over several months.
It was successful in drawing some very attractive headliners, including British electronic duo Basement Jaxx and Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter Macy Gray.
No 6 – The Delta Festival
When: Weds, 4 September – Sun, 8 September 2024
Where: Plages du Prado, Marseilles
This techno-dance-pop music festival is another new to the scene, but it’s celebrating ten years this year, and it’s already making waves. I’m referring to Marseilles’ beach, which is in the South of France. Beyond that, things don’t get much better.
The main stage, which has included performances by DJ Snake, David Guetta, and Martin Garrix, is situated directly on the beach and provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
No 7 – Festival de Carcassonne
When: June 28 – July 31, 2024
Where: Thêatre Jean-Deschamps, Carcassonne
The Festival de Carcassonne, a colorful festival of music, arts, and culture, is tucked away in the charming city of Carcassonne and draws tourists from all over the world. The festival’s broad collection of performances is beautifully complemented by the historic setting of the older defense. At this amazing festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy, from modern dance acts to classical concerts.
You can see why it’s currently ranked among the top 10 music festivals in France with 11 stages, 120 performances (80 of which are free), and a variety of music from dance to opera.
This festival, held at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws around 200,000 people to the city. Carlos Santana, Lenny Kravitz, Elton John, and Sting are a few of the major performers.
José Carreras and pianist Lang Lang are scheduled to perform at the event in 2023.
No 8 – Garorock, The Music Festival
When: Thurs, June 27 – Sun, June 30, 2024
Where: Marmande, Lot et Garonne
Not only is there music during Garorock, a music festival that takes place in the charming French village of Marmande. Global fans and artists come together as a result of this cultural phenomenon. Garorock is a varied lineup that includes artists from rock, electronic, hip-hop, and other genres, so there’s something for everyone.
It began with a punk/rock design at the former Marmandais slaughterhouses in 1997. The name Garonne is a combination of the town’s name and the musical genre of rock.
The festival places a high priority on environmental responsibility, working to promote eco-friendly behaviors and minimize trash.
To lessen their carbon footprint, festival attendees are strongly encouraged to carpool or take public transit. Recycling kiosks are also positioned throughout the venue.
No 9 – Esprit du Piano
Where: Bordeaux
When: TBC (usually in Nov-Dec)
Consider a majestic piano, situated in a quiet performance hall, its black and white keys sparkling beneath the gentle light of a spotlight. An amazing change occurs when the pianist’s fingers move emotionally carefully over the keys, bringing the music to life and swallowing the listener in its captivating embrace. In those few moments of musical elevation when notes become emotions and music creates vivid images in our brains, here is where Confidence du Piano shines.
Under the financial backing of the BNP Paribas Foundation, the event is organized in collaboration with the Opéra National de Bordeaux.
Bordeaux’s ancient theaters and music halls are among the places where the concerts are held.
features a new subject every year, like “Women Pianists” or “Romanticism,” and offers seminars, workshops, and the chance to talk with the artists.
Final thoughts: The Best Music Festivals in France
Here was it, my recommended nine music festivals in South West France.
Have I missed anything? I’m constantly looking for new events that I can attend, so if you know of any, please let me know.