5 French festivals not to miss this summer

With the sun increasingly showing its face and its gentle rays beginning to warm us up, our minds wander towards the festivities that spring/summer 2024 has in store for us. While the United States may sometimes make us dream with images of Coachella and its festival-goers proudly sporting cowboy boots, mini-shorts, and stylish sunglasses, France also has its share of unmissable festivals that you certainly won't want to miss this summer. From the sunny shores of the French Riviera to the vast green plains surrounding Paris, the country offers a range of multi-day festivities reflecting its cultural diversity and artistic richness. What we love about festivals is, first and foremost, the outdoor aspect. While there may sometimes be a risk of ending up with our feet in the water as we saw with We Love Green last year, when the sun and temperature are on our side, we only have one desire: to get lost in a vast space and see what the artists on the lineup have to offer. These festivals are also an opportunity for encounters; with artists from around the world for whom we have probably already booked our tickets, of course - but also with people in general. Animated by a vibrant atmosphere, festivals can be pleasant places to meet friends, make new acquaintances, or perhaps even experience a romance, who knows. After all, what could be better than sharing one's passion for music or the arts with like-minded individuals? Music enthusiasts, or art lovers more broadly, big fans of a particular artist or just wanting to experience the intoxicating atmosphere that a summer festival can offer, here are 5 festivals you won't be able to resist attending.

YARDLAND– July 6th & 7th

After disappointing many due to the cancellation of the festival last year, Yard is back this year for the first edition of YARDLAND, a rap and culture festival. Originally a collective that got the whole capital dancing for several years, Yard quickly expanded and transformed into a cultural media and communication agency promoting new trends in popular and urban cultures. Known for hosting renowned artists at their iconic parties or collaborating with brands like Nike, Converse, or Jordan, YARDLAND promises to live up to its reputation with a lineup worthy of the name. Featuring international artists like Gunna, Amaarae, or Maureen alongside emerging talents like Angie & Lazuli or Jeune Lion, the festival highlights the diversity and dynamism of rap with an eclectic program. Over 2 days, at the Hippodrome de Vincennes, you'll have the opportunity to see your favorite artists while enjoying other activities that YARDLAND offers: talks, clothing or food stands.

Les Rencontres d’Arles – July 1st to September 29th

This time we transport you not far from the sea, to Provence, to the small town of Arles, bursting with significant artistic heritage. In a different register than music, Les Rencontres d’Arles is the leading international photography festival. An emblematic event of this visual art, this festival transforms the city into an open-air artistic temple every summer and becomes the stage for photo exhibitions of striking diversity. Between documentary or experimental photography, Arles immerses its visitors in a flourishing creative universe while revealing the narrative and aesthetic power of photography. This year, the 55th edition of the festival, entitled Sous la surface, will feature several exhibitions dedicated to Japanese photography and a retrospective of the works of the American Mary Ellen Mark. Between conferences, film screenings, meetings with artists, workshops, and debates, Arles visitors are promised a lively and sunny stay.

We Love Green – May 31st to June 2nd

2022 was tough for We Love Green, with festival-goers enduring a storm and the cancellation of one of the festival nights. After coming back strong in 2023, the environmentally conscious festival invites us once again this year for a long weekend focused on music and ecology. We Love Green stands out notably for its initiatives such as the use of recycled materials, reducing plastic waste, and promoting sustainable modes of transportation that are integral to the festival experience. Beyond this environmental consciousness, the 2024 lineup is expected, as usual, to attract many festival-goers. From SZA to Burna Boy, Justice, Kaytranada, Peggy Gou, or Hamza, the Bois de Vincennes is set to be the place to be from May 31st to June 2nd.

Rock en Seine – August 21st to 25th

Every summer, the Parc national de Saint-Cloud hosts the iconic festival of the French music scene, known as Rock en Seine. Born in the 90s out of a passion for rock and alternative music genres, Rock en Seine quickly gained popularity by offering a diverse lineup of international artists in a consistently lively atmosphere. True to its name, Rock en Seine primarily showcases rock artists but extends beyond this genre, also featuring hip-hop, electronic, or pop universes. This year 2024 is particularly marked by the iconic presence of Lana Del Rey, who will grace us with a headline performance for the opening night. From August 22nd to 25th, our festival-goers will also have the opportunity to enjoy a series of concerts by artists such as Fred Again, Massive Attack, Sampha, Lucky Love, and Loyle Carner.

Solidays – June 28th to 30th

Solidays, committed to the fight against AIDS, represents the essential summer rendezvous to raise awareness among participants about this cause while celebrating music. For its 2024 edition, the festival offers a diverse lineup, reflecting the richness and variety of the contemporary music scene. From emerging artists to international stars, each performance promises to be memorable. Among the talents on the lineup are Pomme, Adèle Castillon, La Fève, Tif, SO La Lune, as well as electronic music heavyweights like Martin Garrix, Laurent Garnier, and Diplo. Beyond the bangers that will get festival-goers dancing on this occasion, Solidays also offers a platform for exchange, sharing, and awareness through animations, conferences, and meetings with associations committed to the fight against AIDS.