Every year, France plays host to jazz festivals that attract enthusiasts from all over the world. These events are an opportunity to experience magical moments in often exceptional settings, to the rhythm of jazz improvisations and spellbinding melodies. From bebop swing to contemporary jazz, these festivals offer unforgettable musical experiences. Here's a selection of the 10 must-see jazz festivals in France.
1. Jazz festivals in France: Jazz in Marciac
Jazz in Marciac is one of the biggest jazz festivals in France, and one of the top 20 musical festivals in the country. Held every summer in the charming village of Marciac, it offers an exceptional program featuring some of the biggest names in jazz. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is renowned for its warm, friendly atmosphere. Rendezvous in July-August 2025 with artists of the calibre of Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall and Herbie Hancock! Come and enjoy an intimate, rural setting, with concerts under the big top. Jazz in Marciac is a not-to-be-missed event for fans of traditional and contemporary jazz, with an authentic, convivial atmosphere.
2. Jazz in Vienne
Jazz à Vienne is one of Europe's most prestigious jazz festivals, held in the magnificent Roman amphitheater of Vienne, near Lyon. The festival offers an eclectic program, ranging from classic jazz to jazz fusion, with daytime and nighttime concerts throughout the city from June 26 to July 11, 2025 in Vienne, Isère. Big names such as Chick Corea, Gregory Porter and Ibrahim Maalouf will be on hand for performances in a sublime ancient amphitheatre. This event unfolds a musical journey in an exceptional historical setting and with internationally renowned artists.
Related article: Vienne is one of the must-sees in Isère. Read our dedicated article.
3. Jazz Festival in Juan
Jazz à Juan is held in Juan-les-Pins, and is one of the oldest jazz festivals in France. It pays tribute to Sidney Bechet. The line-up explores all styles of jazz, in the idyllic setting of the Pinède Gould, facing the Mediterranean. Book your tickets for July 2025. Come and follow in the footsteps of Charles Mingus, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. All in an exceptional seaside setting. Discover a prestigious program that delights jazz lovers every year.
4. Montreux Jazz Festival
Even though it's held in Switzerland, the Montreux Jazz Festival is a must for French jazz fans. The festival is world-renowned for its eclectic program and its ability to welcome jazz legends. It takes place in July 2025.
The article to read: the Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the world's must-see cultural festivals. Don't miss it!
5. Nice Jazz Festival
Founded in 1948, the Nice Jazz Festival is one of the oldest jazz festivals in France. It has welcomed such legends as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Set in some of Nice's most emblematic venues , the festival offers a program that blends traditional and modern jazz (Louis Armstrong, Jamie Cullum, Charles Lloyd). This event is an opportunity to enjoy a meeting between jazz and the beauty of the city of Nice, which unveils a sublime setting for the concerts.
Activities to book if you're visiting Nice, don't miss this guided tour of the Côte d'Azur. You can book it directly via this link.
6. Django Reinhardt Festival
The Django Reinhardt Festival celebrates the legacy of the famous gypsy jazz guitarist. It takes place every year in Samois-sur-Seine, where Django Reinhardt spent his last years. Save the dates for June 2025. Get ready to hear the likes of Biréli Lagrène and Angelo Debarre in an exclusive dedication to gypsy jazz in a bohemian, authentic atmosphere.
7. Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents
Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents is a multicultural festival. It takes place in several emblematic venues in the city of Marseille. Every year, it attracts artists from the four corners of the globe to play jazz in July. Famous artists such as Avishai Cohen, Snarky Puppy and Thomas Dutronc enchant the summer evenings.
This is Marseille's biggest jazz festival, with a daring international program in legendary venues. Enjoy this magical moment. Extend your visit with a 2-day tour of Marseille and its top 13 unusual things to do.
8. Jazz festivals: Sète Jazz Festival
The Sète Jazz Festival is a must for open-air jazz fans, with concerts at the Théâtre de la Mer, a sublime and enchanting venue overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Every year in July, the festival unveils an outstanding line-up, including Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea and Brad Mehldau. This festival delivers incomparable moments in a spectacular seaside setting. And if you don't know what to do or see in Sète, check out our 10 Must-See!
9. Albi Jazz Festival
TheAlbi Jazz Festival warms hearts in winter with an audacious program. It's a mix of young talent and jazz greats. In January 2025, plan your evenings with talents such as Henri Texier, Lucky Peterson and Leïla Martial. The atmosphere is convivial and the program eclectic. Don't miss the chance to discover the city's 13 must-see events, as well as its many artistic discoveries.
10. Jazz festivals in France: Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival takes place in the elegant Opéra Garnier. It unveils a sumptuous setting for top-quality jazz concerts in November 2024 in Monaco.
Meet Count Basie Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Ibrahim Maalouf in luxurious surroundings and with a prestigious program.
Activities to book: explore the incredible Monte-Carlo district on this this multi-stop tour, bookable directly here.
Jazz festivals in France: FAQ
What other jazz festivals are there in France and around the world? Here are some answers.
What's the world's biggest jazz festival?
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is considered the biggest jazz festival in the world. Every year, it attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and hundreds of internationally renowned artists.
Which is the oldest jazz festival in France?
The Nice Jazz Festival, founded in 1948, is the oldest jazz festival in France. It has welcomed some of the greatest jazz legends.
Which jazz festival to see in Paris?
The Jazz à la Villette Festival returns to Paris from late August to early September 2025, at the famous Parc de la Villette and the Philharmonie. This large-scale event offers a rich program of concerts mixing traditional jazz, soul, funk and world music. Featuring both renowned artists and up-and-coming talents, Jazz à la Villette has established itself as one of France's leading events for jazz fans.
What are the unmissable jazz festivals in the South of France?
The must-see jazz festivals in the south of France are Jazz à Juan, Nice Jazz Festival and Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents. They combine prestigious programming with magnificent settings.
France's 10 jazz festivals are true cultural treasures, combining musical passion, talented artists and exceptional venues. Whether you're a fan of traditional jazz or in search of new sounds, these events offer you an unforgettable experience, alone or with friends. To discover even more festivals and enrich your musical escapades, check out the festival news on the Petit Futé website!
