Rock festivals in France mean crazy vibes, memories etched forever, and moments of pure madness. Fiery stages, legendary artists and unleashed crowds: that's the program. So put on your favorite bands' t-shirts, grab your mates and let's go for a roundup of France's hottest rock festivals!
1. Eurockéennes de Belfort
Looking for a great way to start the summer? Head to Les Eurockéennes de Belfort from July 4 to 7, 2024, where the Malsaucy peninsula is transformed into a rock paradise. Find yourself on the water's edge, surrounded by thousands of people ready to party. At the height of summer, this festival welcomes legends such as Lenny Kravitz, Sum 41, The Prodigy, Royal Blood, David Guetta, Bigflo et Oli, Dropkick Murphys, Kaaris, IDLES and even the Pretenders and Zaho de Sagazan.
The incredible natural setting and four stages invite you to hop from one concert to the next. Seriously, don't miss out - this is your chance to experience a mini-Woodstock à la française.
How to get there? Don't worry about transportation, shuttles are available between Belfort and the festival, and on-site camping keeps you right in the heart of the action.
2. Garorock in Marmande among the Rock Festivals
Feel like rocking out to the sounds of rock, punk and electro under the South-Western sun? Head for Garorock in Marmande from June 27 to 30, 2024. This is where you'll see stars like Sum 41, Calvin Harris, The Offspring, Swedish House Mafia, Yungblud, Luidji, PLK, Josman, Paul Kalkbrenner, Shaka Ponk, Mass Hysteria and Rodrigo y Gabriela, Lala &ce, Molecule and Joris Delacroix set the stage alight.
Enjoy a chill atmosphere during the day and a crazy atmosphere at night. With activities to keep you cool and an incredible diversity of music, it's the perfect spot to kick off the summer.
How to get there? The nearby campsites are top-notch, and shuttle buses are available to take the logistical stress out of your trip.
3. Les Déferlantes Sud de France
Dreaming of concerts with your feet in the sand? Les Déferlantes, from July 10 to 13, 2024, takes place in Le Barcarès! This festival delivers a unique atmosphere, with artists such as Macklemore, Placebo, Kyo, Mika, Eddy de Pretto, SDM and Charlotte de Witte performing on the shores of the Mediterranean.
What makes this festival special is the incomparable summer vibe , where beach and music blend to create unforgettable memories.
How to get there? Take advantage of free shuttles, car-sharing and buses for stress-free transport from Toulouse, Carcassonne and Narbonne. For those coming from further afield, trains serve Perpignan with direct shuttles to the festival.
4. Rock festivals: Musilac in Aix-les-Bains
Musilac is the biggest rock event in the Rhône-Alpes region, held from July 10 to 13 on the shores of the magnificent Lac du Bourget in Aix-les-Bains. Do you enjoy dancing with artists like Lenny Kravitz, Ninho, Pomme, Dionysos, Jain, Macklemore, Placebo, Charlotte Cardin, Gossip, Idles, Zed Yun Pavarotti or Lala &ce? Then come and enjoy the breathtaking view of the lake during the concerts - it's just crazy! This dream setting hosts a festival that brings together the best of the rock scene.
How do you get there? Free shuttle buses link the park-and-ride lots and the center of Chambéry to the festival. They run from 2pm to 8:30pm, then from 11pm to 1am after the concerts. By train, Chambéry is 11 minutes away, Annecy 40 minutes, and Lyon 1h15. Think about carpooling!
5. La Route du Rock
In the heart of Brittany, Saint-Malo welcomes La Route du Rock this year from August 14 to 17. This festival is a perfect mix of pop, rock and electro, with artists such as Chalk, Ghostwoman, Meatbodies and Beach Fossils joining AIR, Etienne Daho and The Kills. Concerts take place in historic venues such as the Saint-Père fort, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere. It's the idyllic place to combine vacations and music.
How to get there? Take the special shuttle buses from St-Malo station, available before and after the concerts. By train, reach St-Malo from Rennes (1h) or Paris (2h30). By car, take the A84 towards Cancale. Carpool or use the on-site bicycle parking.
6. Hellfest: one of the world's most extreme rock festivals
Clisson becomes a metalhead's paradise in June with Hellfest from June 27 to June 30. This festival is a must for all metal fans, with headliners such as Metallica. The atmosphere is electric and the organization top-notch. It's truly a one-of-a-kind festival, a veritable mass for all fans of big sounds.
How to get there? Shuttles are available from Nantes, and on-site camping lets you stay immersed in the metal atmosphere.
7. Les Vieilles Charrues
Les Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix is France's biggest music festival. Every July, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people with an eclectic program ranging from rock to electro. This year, from July 11 to 14, 2024, artists such as Sam Smith and Gossip, Sting and PJ Harvey, Charlotte de Witte, Grand Corps Malade, Kings of Leon and Simple Minds will take to the stage! It's the festive, convivial spirit that makes this festival a not-to-be-missed event.
How do I get there? To get to the Festival des Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix-Plouguer, take the car (parking lots are available), or the train to Carhaix station, or the bus via regional lines. Special shuttles and carpooling are also available.
8. Rock festivals: Main Square Festival
The Main Square Festival in Arras takes place in the majestic Vauban citadel, with a program that's the stuff of dreams. From July 4 to 7, 2024, the Citadelle d'Arras comes alive with performances by Placebo, Sam Smith, Justice, Ninho, and Lenny Kravitz.
Four days of explosive festivities await you to mark this spectacular anniversary edition in a historic setting!
How to get there? Take advantage of special TER shuttles from Lille and on-site camping for total immersion.
9. Rock en Seine, one of the craziest Rock Festivals ever!
Rock en Seine brings summer to a close in Paris at the end of August. Set in the magnificent Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, this festival offers an audacious program from August 21 to 25, 2024, with artists such as Lana Del Rey, PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, The Offspring, Zaho de Sagazan, LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax, The Hives, The Kills, The Smile, and Måneskin. It's the last big rock event of the summer, so fill up on good vibes before the start of the new school year!
How to get there? Metro line 10 takes you to Boulogne, Pont de St-Cloud. Tramway T2 takes you directly to Parc de St-Cloud. Buses 52, 72, 126 and Noctiliens N12, N61 also provide easy connections. Plan your journey on the RATP website!
10. Rock Your Brain Fest 2024
From October 18 to 19, 2024 in Sélestat, punks, metalheads, rockers, and the curious, attend the hot festival in the heart of the Grand Est: the Rock Your Brain Fest! Over two days, discover an explosive program with artists such as Smash It Combo, Nashville Pussy and Shaârghot. This indoor festival promises memorable concerts, so get your tickets now to make sure you don't miss a thing.
How to get there Plan ahead and take advantage of all transport options, including car-sharing.
How to plan your festival?
First and foremost: reserve your tickets as soon as sales open! Multi-day passes are often the best deals. As for accommodation, campsites often offer free shuttles to festival sites. For transportation, opt for shuttles, special TERs and carpools for easy, stress-free access. And to make sure you don't forget anything, take a look at our essential festival checklist!
What's Europe's biggest rock music festival?
Germany' s Rock am Ring is Europe's biggest rock festival. It attracts over 90,000 visitors every year.
What's the biggest festival in the world?
Summerfest in the USA holds the title of the world's biggest music festival, with over 800,000 visitors!
What's the biggest country festival in France?
The Country Rendez-Vous Festival in Craponne-sur-Arzon is the flagship event for all country music fans in France.
What are the best festivals in France?
Among the 20 must-see music festivals in France in 2024 are :
- Les Inrocks Festival 2024: February 27 to March 2 at CENTQUATRE-PARIS with The Libertines, Lucie Antunes and more.
- Printemps de Bourges 2024: April 23-28 at Bourges with Shaka Ponk, Mika and other artists.
- Solidays 2024: June 28-30 at the Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris with Martin Garrix, Sam Smith, and more.
- Festival Beauregard 2024: July 4-7 in Hérouville-Saint-Clair with Bring Me the Horizon, Justice, and others.
Would you like to seeFrance's 10 most iconicrock festivals? From the intense heat of Hellfest in Clisson to the electric ambience of Rock en Seine in Paris, there's something for everyone!
So get your friends together, and grab your passes for one of these wild festivals! For more information on this year's not-to-be-missed festivals, visit Petit Futé - L'actu des festivals. Rock on!
