Best Summer Festivals in France

A great way to decompress and get away during the holidays, summer festivals are numerous. Here is a quick overview of events not to miss.

1. Les Francofolies – La Rochelle
Dates: 13 to 17 July 2010
Founded in 1985 at the initiative of Jean-Louis Foulquier, the Francopholies of La Rochelle has an important place in the calendar of the music festivals in France. For evidence, the public's enthusiasm for this event: between 100,000 and 150,000 people are attending each year. The 2010 edition will welcome artists like: Jean Jacques Dutronc, BB Prunes, M.Phoenix, Diam's, Vanesa Paradis, Alain Souchon and Miossec.
For more info (in French), click here

 

2. Les Vielles Charrues – Carhaix (Bretagne)
Dates: 15 to 19 July 2010
The annual festival lasts four days, Les Vielles Charrues includes artists from Brittany but French and international artists too. Its electrical publicity and friendly spirit make it the biggest festival in France (230,000 entries in 2009). Artists present this year are : Indochine, Muse, Mika, Jamiroquai and Pony Pony Run. But the biggest event will be the live of the group NTM on July 16th.

3. Rock en Seine – Saint Cloud (Ile de France)
Dates: 27 to 29 August 2010
Created in 2003, this young festival has already established itself as a reference for all the lovers of rock, thanks to the representation of international artists. Rock en Seine benefits in addition to an unique setting for all its concerts spread over three stages, in the heart of the Park of Saint Cloud. And this year there will be music for all tastes with the presence of Cypress Hill, Massive Attack, Queen of the Stone Age, The Kooks or Arcade Fire.
For more info click here (in English)

4. Les Rencontres d’Arles – Arles (South of France)
Dates : 3 July to 19 September
Since 1970, Les Rencontres d'Arles is the summer event that brings together international photographic artists and reporters. Thanks to its unique programm, this festival has gained an international dimension. Last year over 70,000 visitors, many from foreign countries, were able to admire the works exhibited in unusual places, such as religious buildings or industrial buildings.
For more info, click here (in English)

5. Festival d’Avignon – Avignon (South of France) 
Dates: 7 to 27 July 2010
Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Avignon Festival is today one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world. Avignon becomes a city-theater, transforming its architectural heritage into various performance venues, majestic or surprising, welcoming tens of thousands of theater-lovers (over 100,000 admissions) of all ages. Its legendary space is the "Cour d'honneur" (main courtyard) of the Popes' Palace, the heart of outdoor performances, before nearly 2,000 spectators, on summer nights in Provence. The Festival successfully brings together a general public and international creation for an original alliance. Avignon is also a state of mind: the city is an open-air forum where festival-goers discuss the shows and share their experiences as spectators.
For more info, click here (in English)