We’ve put together details of some of the best known, best-loved or just plain fun annual music events in France.
If you know of any music events that you think we should include so that other people can enjoy them too, please let us know via our Contact Form.
France Music events in May
Belfort International University Music Festival
Each June in Franche Comté – approximately 2000 musicians, amateur choral singers, performers, orchestras and bands from around the world gather for a musical festival like no other. The Festival is open to any French or foreign music group predominantly consisting of students or pupils of music academies and music schools, as well as to musical groups practising music as amateurs. The Festival welcomes all musical genres: classical music, new music, jazz, rock music, music of the world, brass bands, opera etc. There are 200 free concerts; for more details see the official website: www.fimu.com
France Music events in June
Paris Jazz Festival
Mid June to end July in Paris. Annual jazz festival presents a summer programme of free concerts in the Parc Floral, check the website for what’s on and when: www.parisjazzfestival.fr
Fête de la Musique
21 June, Paris and across France. For the last thirty years, on the same day each year, Paris has opened its streets, stages, hospitals and prisons to any and all musicians in a huge all-day free music fête. All concerts and events are free, and include performances by the largest and most famous institutions as well as amateurs. Held on the day of the summer solstice details can be found on the following website: www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr
Main Square Festival
At the end of June to the beginning of July in Arras – the Main Square Festival takes place over a long weekend. It’s becoming increasingly popular due to the big name acts and great local talent that is booked, plus easy access to the venue, welcoming locals and a great atmosphere.
France Music events in July
Aix Festival
July, Aix-en-Provence. For fans of opera and classical music and beautiful venues, there is much here to thrill. There are many performances held in stunning locations – theatres, cathedrals chateau etc. You can see all the details and book details on the festival website: www.festival-aix.com
Festival Beauregard
July, Hérouville Saint-Clair, Normandy – big name performances including the Kaiser Chiefs, Garbage, Franz Gerdinand and many more for three days of great music in (camping available on site). www.festivalbeauregard.com
Orange Festival
7-30 July Orange, France – The festival dates back to 1860 and takes place in the Roman Theatre in Orange, the only building of its kind which still has its acoustic stage wall. For details of the performances and performer and to book tickets see the Orange Festival website: www.choregies.fr
International Festival of Baroque Opera
July, Beaune. There are many musical events in Beaune but this is one of the most prestigious festivals of baroque music in Europe. It perpetuates the musical tradition of the Court of the Dukes of Burgundy which was considered one of the brightest and most sumptuous of the fifteenth century www.festivalbeaune.com
La Francofolies
July, La Rochelle – annual music festival attended by 150,000 people and with over 2,300 musicians and groups. www.francofolies.fr
Jazz Festival of Nice
July, Nice – offering a wide-ranging mix of jazz, from gospel and blues to urban funk, and from African roots to experimental sounds. Performances are staged in the arena of the gardens of Albert 1st, and the gardens next to Place Masséna; the events which take place over the course of a week attract tens of thousands of fans. For dates and tickets see www.nicejazzfestival.fr
Jazz Festival Marciac
July and August sees one of the best jazz festivals in the world take place in sunny Marciac. Big names, sunshine, street performances and a brilliant atmosphere make this an absolute must do for jazz and music fans. www.jazzinmarciac.com
France Music events in August
La Musique Cordiale
August, Seillans, Provence – Two weeks of great classical music and opera performed by students, professionals and established names. Performed outdoors in Seillans’ town square and various nearby venues. Some of the concerts are free and to book tickets for those which are not see the website: www.musique-cordiale.com
France Music events in September
Montlouis Jazz Festival
September Montlouis, Burgundy – Annual event at which around 250 jazz and blues musicians join together for a packed musical programme. www.jazzentouraine.com
Les Nuits de Nacre Accordion Music festival
September in Tulle, Limousin join in the fun of the “Mother of Pearl Nights”. An accordion music festival with lots of sing-along action and jollity. www.accordeon.org
