5 french music festivals to go to before the end of summer From electro scenes to the beaches of Marseille, our selection for August
While some are slowly recovering from the post-festival blues, summer is far from over for others as there are still plenty of music events not to be missed. Because August doesn't yet mean back-to-school and the end of summer, nss offers an eclectic list of 5 French festivals not to miss in order to enjoy summer until its very last moments.
1. Cabaret Vert
It’s the perfect festival if you want to have fun while being environmentally conscious. The iconic event of Charleville-Mézière returns for its 19th edition with a diverse line-up featuring big names like DJ Snake, millennial favorite Sean Paul, activist rock band Linda Lindas, and the unexpected Will Smith, making a grand return to music after 20 years. In addition to great music, this 100% independent festival is committed to offering a sustainable setting. It promotes low-impact transport (special low-cost trains for festival-goers), offers local and seasonal food options, and promises to protect the biodiversity and resources of the site. And it’s not just about music: cinema, comics, and do-thanks are also part of the program.
From August 14 to 17 in Charleville-Mézières, for more info: https://cabaretvert.com/
2. Rock en Seine
This is one of the summer’s unmissable events in France: Rock en Seine once again brings together the crème de la crème of the international pop-rock scene with Justice, Chappell Roan, Queens of the Stone Age, and Jorja Smith headlining. Located at the gates of the capital, in the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, the festival gathers over 40,000 people each year. In addition to the big names, Rock en Seine also showcases young emerging artists through its Première Seine program that gives them the mic. The organization also features a space dedicated to activism with discussion zones on independent culture, artistic emergence, and inclusivity. Not to be missed if you prefer partying near the city without compromising on the festival experience.
From August 20 to 24 at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, more info: https://www.rockenseine.com/
3. Elektric Park Festival
Want the festival experience by day and to be back in bed by 1AM at the latest? Then you might want to try Elektric Park, a one-day 100% electro festival less than an hour from Paris. With a varied line-up including hardstyle, hardcore, trance, eurodance, and bass music, the organizers promise an unforgettable daytime experience. The lineup includes Adaro, AK Sports, Circadian, Ceeds x Vortek’s, and Dirtyphonics to name a few. Much to the delight of early sleepers, festivities will start at 12:00 PM and end at midnight.
On August 30 in Chatou (78), more info: https://www.elektricpark.com/
4. Delta Festival
Music hits the Marseille beaches with the Delta Festival, the perfect way to enjoy the end of summer. Proclaimed the largest festival in the south of France, Delta is back in full force with Kavinsky, Bob Sinclar, Nina Kraviz, Theodora, and Magic System for concerts to suit all tastes. The festivities will take place on Prado Beach, the largest in the Phocaean city. Six stages, 250 artists, ten theme villages, and 400 activities will entertain some 175,000 festival-goers from around the world over five days under the bright Marseille sun. In addition, participants will have access to the beach to relax between concerts, join engagement forums, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean. Day and night, Marseille will pulse to the rhythm of world music in a festive, inclusive, and strongly eco-conscious atmosphere.
From August 27 to 31 in Marseille, more info: https://www.delta-festival.com/
5. Nous Festival
If you love the festival vibe but not the jostling crowds, endless bathroom lines, or overpriced drinks, you might find your bliss at Nous Festival, a micro electro festival held at Château de Bellocq in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The rising trend of micro festivals brings small-scale music events with a cozy atmosphere for festival-goers seeking a more intimate and respectful experience. Nous Festival will offer three stages to host 25 emerging artists from eclectic backgrounds, mixing punk, techno, house, acid, electro, soft rock, and soul over three days of musical celebration. Day-pass tickets start at just €15, much more affordable than the big names. A perfect experience for curious souls looking to party in a small, values-driven community.
From August 8 to 10 at Château de Bellocq, more info: https://nous-festival.com/
