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 in 2024!
1. Festivals in the South of France: Festival de Nîmes 2024
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!
- Dates: May 31 to July 20, 2024.
- Location: Arènes de Nîmes, Nîmes.
- Artists:
- may 31: The legendary Eric Clapton.
- june 14: Shaka Ponk and Dionysos.
- june 15: IAM and MC Solaar.
- june 22: The unique voice of Calogero.
- june 23 : Grand Corps Malade and Camille & Julie Berthollet.
- june 26: Punk-rock with The Offspring and Simple Plan.
- june 28: The artist SCH.
- june 30: Slimane and Claudio Capéo.
- july 4 : The talented Sofiane Pamart.
- july 5: Patrick Bruel and Ycare.
- july 6: Phenomenon Ninho.
- july 10: Pop-punk star Avril Lavigne.
- july 11: Macklemore sets the stage alight.
- july 12: The icons of Simple Minds.
- july 16: James Blunt and Suzanne Vega.
- july 17 : PLK and Bekar for an evening of hip-hop.
- july 18: Explosive duo with Dadju & Tayc.
- july 19: Étienne Daho and Patti Smith Quartet.
- july 20 : Bigflo & Oli.
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 2024
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.
- Dates : July 11 to 14, 2024
- Location: Le Barcarès, Pyrénées-Orientales, France
- Artists:
- Wednesday July 10: Hamza, Soolking, Timmy Trumpet, SDM.
- Thursday July 11 : Justice, Sum 41, Charlotte de Witte, Eddy de Pretto, Luidji.
- Friday July 12: Macklemore, Mika, Paul Kalkbrenner, Jain, Djadja & Dinaz, and Calogero
- Saturday July 13 : to close the festival, The Prodigy, Placebo, Yungblud, Kyo, and Lost Frequencies will bring their unique energy.
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 2024
Don't miss the incredible Festival de Carcassonne 2024! 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.
- Dates: June 28 to July 31
- Location: Théâtre Jean Deschamps, Carcassonne
- Artists:
- july 3: Thibault Cauvin & -M-
- july 5 : "Carmen
- july 10 : Greta Van Fleet
- july 13: Christophe Maé
- july 15: Status Quo + The Stranglers
- july 18 : Shaka Ponk
- july 20: Iam
- july 22: Ludovico Einaudi
- july 23: Scorpions
- july 24: Pierre De Maere & Grand Corps Malade
- july 25: Mika
- july 26: Calogero
- july 27: Louise Attaque
- july 29: Toto
- july 30: Sting
- july 31: Patrick Bruel
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 2024 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. This year, it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
- Dates: June 14-16, 2024
- Location: Parc Borély, Marseille
- Artists:
- Friday June 14: Patrick Mason, Werenoi, Baby Volcano, Daria Kolosova
- Saturday June 15: Luidji, Kekra, Jersey
- Sunday June 16: Marlon Hoffstadt aka DJ Daddy Trance, SDM, Houdi, Miss Bashful x DBBD and Tif.
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 2024
The 18th edition of Nuits Carrées promises to be unforgettable, with the presence of KAARIS to celebrate his coming of age! 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.
- Dates: June 27-29, 2024
- Location: Esplanade du pré des pêcheurs, Antibes
- Artist: Kaaris
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 2024
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.
- Dates: July 10-13, 2024
- Location: Domaine de Fontblanche, Vitrolles
- Artists:
- july 10 : Queens Of The Stone Age, Khruangbin, The Inspector Cluzo
- july 11 : Louise Attaque, Rodrigo Y Gabriela
- july 12: Pomme, Archive
- july 13 : Fonky Family
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 2024
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.
- Dates: August 16-18, 2024
- Location: beach at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes.
- Artists:
Friday August 16 - Beach Stage :
- Boris Brejcha
- Feder
- Fisher
- Gazo
Saturday, August 17 - Terrace Stage :
- Angie & Lazuli
- Bon Entendeur
- Creeds (live)
- Fiona
- Beach Stage :
- Kaytranada
- Mosimann (live)
- Timmy Trumpet
Sunday, August 18 - Beach Stage :
- SCH
- Paul Kalkbrenner
- Lost Frequencies
- Apashe with Brass Orchestra
- Terrace Stage :
- Miel de Montagne
- Nico Moreno
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 2024
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.
- Dates: September 4 to 8, 2024
- Location: Prado beaches, Marseilles
- Artists: For this edition, festival-goers will have the pleasure of discovering an exceptional line-up including Caravan Palace, Gazo, SCH, Tiako La, Jain, Julien Granel, Trym, Trinix, PLK and Vladimir Cauchemar.
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 2024
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.
- Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2024
- Location: Théâtre de Verdure du Casone in Ajaccio, Corsica
- Artists:
- Sunday July 28: Matt Pokora
- Tuesday, July 30: Bigflo & Oli
- Thursday, August 1 : Sting
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 :
- Dates: Early July 2024.
- 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 2024?
In 2024, 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:
