10 must-see music festivals in Brittany ! 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. 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
- 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 is the leading festival dedicated to extreme music.
- Venue : Clisson
- 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 :
- 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.
8. Panoramas Festival in Morlaix
Dedicated to electronic music, this festival kicks off the festival season in Brittany! The festival continues to explore new avenues in music and celebration. With a program that blends rap and electro, it highlights both emerging artists and established stars, promising an unforgettable experience!
- Location: Morlaix
- Artists: international headliners and local artists, soon to be announced
How to get there? Easily accessible by train or car from all major Breton cities. Discover the city's best restaurants and accommodation , not to mention the best places to visit !
9. Music festivals in Brittany: Yaouank
The Yaouank festival, to be held in Bruz at the Parc des Expositions in Rennes, is a not-to-be-missed Breton cultural event. Since 1999, the festival has been celebrating youth and modernity in Breton tradition, attracting over 15,000 spectators and dancers every autumn.
- Location: Rennes
- Artists: local artists and groups fusing various genres, such as kan ha diskan with beatbox, biniou with oud, and punk with bagad
Brittany's biggest fest-noz is renowned for its majestic finale. For almost three weeks, the festival takes over emblematic venues in and around Rennes, including Les Champs Libres, La Cité, le 4 Bis and le Liberté, as well as other towns such as Chavagne and Saint-Sulpice-la-Forêt.
10. Trans Musicales de Rennes
Les Trans Musicales de Rennes will mark the 46th edition of this iconic festival.
- Location: Rennes
- Artists: local, national and international.
Its philosophy focuses on the discovery and promotion of innovative musical movements. Stay tuned for announcements concerning the program.
How do I get there? To attend the Transmusicales de Rennes, you can arrive by train via Rennes station, by car with parking available, by bus via regional or national lines, by plane at Rennes Bretagne airport, or by carpool, with easy access to the city via the STAR bus and metro network.
What are the not-to-be-missed festivals in Brittany in summer ?
In the summer, Brittany offers a fine array of not-to-be-missed festivals:
- Festival du Bout du Monde in Crozon ;
- Hellfest in Clisson ;
- Festival Interceltique de Lorient ;
- Les Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix ;
- La Route du Rock in Saint-Malo;
- La Fête de la Bretagne ;
- Astropolis in Brest ;
- Les Trans Musicales in Rennes.
Which techno festivals in Brittany should you not miss ?
Techno fans in Brittany can look forward to several not-to-be-missed festivals:
- Astropolis in Brest attracts techno fans from all over the world;
- Les Electros in Quiberon takes place in July;
- ElectroGarden is set to become a major event in the French electronic music festival calendar;
- O'Rheun 2024 in Douarnenez , Finistère, combines the beauty of the Breton coastline with top-notch electro performances.
These music festivals in Brittany are sure to be a memorable experience!
What's on the program for the Fête de la Bretagne ?
For total immersion in the Breton spirit, the Fête de la Bretagne is a must. The program is not yet available, but stay tuned by signing up for alerts.
- Location: Brest, Saint-Brieuc, Lorient, Lannion, Rennes, Saint-Malo, Vannes and Nantes
- Date: in spring
This event offers mostly free activities in major Breton cities such as Rennes, Saint-Malo, Lorient and beyond.
Discover these 10 must-see music festivals in Brittany. Here, celebration is the common thread that weaves the passionate fabric of this generous and welcoming land. Let yourself be guided by the warmth of the Bretons, their contagious passion and their unconditional love of life. To further explore the richness of Brittany, visit Brittany's must-sees and the wonders of Finistère.
