Feel like letting go and celebrating? Then it's time for a sunny festival! It's sunny, it's warm, you're in the South, in the heart of landscapes that intoxicate the senses and where good sound resonates! From Occitanie, with its vineyards and villages steeped in history, to glamorous PACA and mysterious Corsica, every corner has its own festival! Get ready to dance in the lanes of Occitanie, thrill on the beaches of Corsica and bask in the sunshine of PACA. Here, just for you, is an expert selection of the 10 must-see music festivals in the South of France !
1. Festivals in the South of France: Festival de Nîmes
Since 1997, the Festival de Nîmes has established itself as a major musical event in Occitanie. It celebrates the diversity of musical genres in the emblematic Arènes de Nîmes. It mixes French chanson, metal, international stars and new revelations. The Gallo-Roman city has played host to legends such as Neil Young, and to major concerts by David Bowie and Radiohead. The Nîmes Arena is a listed historic monument. A testament to Roman history and traditional férias, the 27th edition of the festival will be a truly incredible experience. Live it!
- Location: Arènes de Nîmes, Nîmes.
- How to get there? Easy access to the Nîmes Festival with tram-buses T1 and T2, park-and-ride, Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport, or by train with the SNCF station near the Arènes. Motorway access via A54, A7, A9.
2. Les Déferlantes Sud de France
Among the Festivals of the South of France, Les Déferlantes offers an eclectic range of musical genres, from big international names to emerging talents. Les Déferlantes is a place of conviviality and sharing, where the audience lives to the rhythm of the concerts in a festive, relaxed atmosphere. The festival's commitment to 0sustainability is demonstrated through eco-responsible initiatives, from the design of facilities to the promotion of local products.
- Location: Le Barcarès, Pyrénées-Orientales, France
- How to get there? By car via the freeways, by train to Perpignan followed by bus or cab, or by plane to Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport. Special shuttles and carpooling are also available.
3. Carcassonne Festival
Don't miss the incredible Festival de Carcassonne ! It brings together a teeming variety of arts and music in the historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year, it unveils an exceptional program ranging from energetic rock to spellbinding opera, French pop performances and international icons. It takes place in the spectacular setting of the medieval Cité and other emblematic sites.
- Location: Théâtre Jean Deschamps, Carcassonne
- How to get there? The Carcassonne Festival is easily reached by train with direct connections, by car via the A61 and A9 freeways, or by plane via the local airport. Bus options, carpooling and parking available to facilitate your arrival.
4. Marsatac Festival
Marseille comes alive to the rhythm of Marsatac, this powerful festival of electro, hip-hop and rock music that attracts no less than 25,000 spectators! The event is one of the biggest in the south of France.
- Location: Parc Borély, Marseille
- How to get there? To get to the Marsatac festival in Marseille, use public transport (bus, streetcar, metro) to Parc Borély. Parking is available close to the site. Cycle paths make it easy to get there by bike, and carpooling is an economical option.
5. Nuits Carrées
Since its creation in 2007 by the Label Note association, this Antibes-based festival has shone with its diverse and eclectic programming. With accessibility for all and an eco-responsible approach, Nuits Carrées stands out for its ability to fuse different musical universes.
- Location: Esplanade du pré des pêcheurs, Antibes
- How to get there? Use local public transport, the train or the car. The festival is located near the Pré des Pêcheurs, within easy walking distance of the Antibes train station, or with parking nearby.
6. Festival Les Jardins Sonores
The Jardin Sonore Festival once again lights up the nights at the Domaine de Fontblanche with four evenings of exhilarating concerts. This event perfectly combines music, conviviality and creativity to create a festive and inclusive atmosphere.
The festival also offers stimulating activities, from music workshops to open-air artistic performances, encouraging interaction and discovery.
- Location: Domaine de Fontblanche, Vitrolles
- How to get there? Park for free at the Grand Vitrolles parking lot (Carrefour). Then take the Zénibus to C.Cial Grand Vitrolles station and get off at Le Repos station (10 min journey). A short walk will take you to the Domaine de Fontblanche. Free shuttles run from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. every evening of the festival.
7. Les Plages Electroniques
Since its creation in 2006, Les Plages Electroniques has established itself as a leading electronic music institution in France and Europe. Among the festivals in the South of France, it is the one that attracts internationally renowned DJs every year. For its 19th edition, the event offers an idyllic setting: sun, warmth and seaside. A must for fans of Techno, House and Chill Music! Over sixty renowned artists are scheduled to perform! In addition to the concerts, the festival offers other activities such as the Festival Village and After Parties.
- Location: beach at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes.
- How to get there? During the festival, Palm Bus offers an extended service until 3:30 a.m. with various routes in Cannes. Preferential parking at Cœur Croisette Gray d'Albion. Cannes is accessible by TGV from major cities, with additional regional TER services during the festival.
8. Festivals in the south of France: Delta Festival
Delta Festival is the place to be that fuses music, art and social commitment. With a varied program ranging from electro and rock to hip-hop and reggae, it attracts 150,000 festival-goers and 250 artists. In addition to concerts, the festival offers debates and workshops on social and environmental issues. In addition to concerts on three stages with over 150 artists, the festival features six themed villages: health, start-ups, professional opportunities, living together, international, environment, water sports, arts and student life.
- Location: Prado beaches, Marseilles
- How to get there? Carpool, book your train or use public transport. Our BDE partners offer round-trip bus transport. Scooters and bicycles are available. Metro and shuttle buses connect to the festival site, and parking and cab options are also available.
9. Aiò Festival
Aiò Festival celebrates its 5th anniversary! It's an unmissable cultural event for Corsicans and holidaymakers alike. The festival brings together different musical genres, from pop and rock to jazz and electronica. As well as offering a stage full of headliners, it also features theatrical and dance performances. It's an invitation to relax and celebrate. Committed to inclusion and diversity, the Aiò Festival reaches out to a diverse audience.
- How to get there? Use local public transport or drive to the Théâtre de Verdure du Casone. Direct flights link Ajaccio to major French cities, and ferries serve the port from Marseille and Nice. Car-sharing and car rental are also practical options
10. Calvi on the Rocks
Calvi on the Rocks is a not-to-be-missed electro festival in France. Renowned for its unique blend of electronic music andbeach paradise ambience, this festival attracts music fans from all over the world :
- Location: Théâtre de Verdure in Calvi, Corsica.
- Artists: Renowned electro DJs.
- How to get there? Calvi is easily accessible by plane from mainland France or by ferry from Nice or Marseille. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
How to plan your festival in the South of France?
Book your tickets and accommodation well in advance for Festivals in the South of France. Consider camping options or local hotels. And, don't forget local transport and festival shuttles.
Which festival not to miss in the PACA region ?
In the PACA region, the festival not to be missed is the Delta Festival in Marseille . Renowned for its heady, electrifying atmosphere and eclectic program, it blends electronic music, hip-hop, rock and more. Situated on the seafront, it offers a unique combination of concerts, arts, social and environmental activities. It inevitably attracts festival-goers from all over Europe!
Discover other must-sees in the South of France with these guides to the most beautiful villages and places to visit:
- The 10 most beautiful villages in the South of France
- Weekend and vacation ideas from Petit Futé Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur
- The 10 most beautiful villages in the PACA region.
For more information on festivals in the South of France and elsewhere, see these articles:
