10 must-see music festivals in Brittany in 2024! This land of character and legends is emerging as a festive troublemaker on the French cultural scene. Brittany's raw, festive temperament is a warm breath of conviviality. Fest-noz and musical events celebrate artistic eclecticism and invite you into the authenticity of a culture. In 2024, it promises a surprising array of musical festivals.
1. Music festivals in Brittany: Art Rock in Saint-Brieuc
The Festival Art Rock will be held in the Côtes-d'Armor region, for its 41st edition. One of Brittany's must-see music festivals, it attracts over 85,000 festival-goers. This year's edition highlights its unique identity as a non-profit, independent festival over three days and nights .
- Venue : Saint-Brieuc
- Date: May 17-19, 2024
- Artists : The Libertines, Étienne Daho, Morcheeba, Luidji, Eddy de Pretto, Irène Drésel and Favé
This multi-disciplinary, multi-award-winning festival builds bridges between different art forms and showcases the city center of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany. Discover the hotels and restaurants for a top-notch stay, and if you're curious, take the opportunity to visit the town!
How do I get there? Everything is organized for you to come by bike, tandem, tricycle, TUB (transport urbains, briochins), train, coach, or carpool!
2. Astropolis Festival in Brest
Although located in the Pays de la Loire region, this festival attracts many people from Brittany. It's a major event for metal fans, with an international line-up. Hellfest 2024 is the leading festival dedicated to extreme music.
- Venue : Clisson
- Date : June 27-30, 2024
- Artists : nearly 179 bands!
This year's edition will feature headliners such as Metallica, Foo Fighters, Avenged Sevenfold, Megadeth, and Queens of the Stone Age, Machine Head, The Offspring, as well as first-time appearances in France by bands like Heart and Yngwie Malmsteen. Icons such as The Prodigy will be making their comeback.
How do I get there? The site is easily accessible by various means of transport, with free parking and shuttle options, a car-sharing platform, rail links from Clisson and Nantes stations, private bus parking, secure bike parking, and shuttles from Nantes Atlantique airport.
4. Festival des Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix-Plouguer
The Festival des Vieilles Charrues 2024 promises to be a grand affair, with a varied program combining international headliners and French talent. This year's edition promises to be a spellbinding experience for music lovers from all horizons, and one of Brittany's must-see music festivals:
- Dates: July 11-14
- Location: Carhaix-Plouguer
- Artists: international headliners and local artists such as Sting, Sam Smith, Gossip, PLK, PJ Harvey, and Charlotte de Witte
Take the opportunity to treat yourself to a local getaway, with must-see sights, the best places to eat and the prettiest hotels in town.
How do I get there? Easily accessible by train or car from all major Breton cities. Festival-goers also have access to free camping, and several transport options are available, including special trains and free shuttles.
5. Festival du Bout du Monde in Crozon
Located on the Crozon peninsula, this festival rolls out its program of world music.
- Dates: August 2-4, 2024
- Location: Crozon
- Artists: Xavier Rudd, Nada Surf, Eliasse, Bala Desejo, Editors, Keziah Jones, Legiana Collective, Moonlight Benjamin, Nneka, Zaho de Sagazan, Bertrand Belin, Fakear, Fatoumata Diawara, and The Inspector Cluzo
The event is also known for its ecological awareness, with initiatives to minimize its impact on the natural landscape of the Crozon peninsula.
How to get there To get to the festival, opt for a boat trip from Brest, with a free shuttle from the Port du Fret to the festival, or TER Breizhgo trains and buses from Finistère, complemented by intra-presqu'île shuttles available during the festival, all accessible to people with reduced mobility.
6. Music festivals in Brittany: La Route du Rock in Saint-Malo
This indie and alternative music festival takes place mainly in the Fort de Saint-Père in Ille-et-Vilaine. The 32nd edition of La Route du Rock highlights the balance between discoveries and established names in the indie scene.
- Dates: August 14-17, 2024
- Location: Saint Malo at Théâtre de Verdure de Cancale
- Artists: Étienne Daho, Blonde Redhead, Slowdive, and Debby Friday, as well as regional and international artists
Since 1991, the festival has evolved to present artists from the international independent scene, with two annual editions: one in summer in Saint-Malo and one in winter in Rennes and Saint-Malo.
How do I get there? To attend La Route du Rock in Saint-Malo, you can get there by car, by train from Saint-Malo station, by bus from surrounding towns, by plane via Rennes airport, or by ferry for those coming from the UK or Normandy.
7. King Arthur Festival in Bréal-sous-Montfort
This festival offers a varied program ranging from rock to electro. The Festival Le Roi Arthur, for its 13th edition, will take place from :
- Dates: August 23-25, 2024
- Location: Bréal-sous-Montfort
- Artists: Hamza, SDM, Werenoi, Shaka Ponk and Mika
Located in Ille-et-Vilaine, near Rennes, this festival is inspired by the legend of King Arthur to create a festive and varied atmosphere. It features an entertainment village and meetings with local partners.
How to get there? The Festival is accessible by shuttle bus from Rennes and Montfort-sur-Meu, by carpool or bus, or by car with clear itineraries from Rennes, St-Brieuc, Vannes, Lorient and Nantes, and a cab rank nearby.
