Top 10 must-see festivals in the south of France this summer

Published on 10/12/2024 by CAMPASUN

Summer in the south of France is synonymous with sweet evenings, fresh rosé and extraordinary shows. It is a time when magic is at work and cities and villages dress in their finest costumes to welcome travelers and locals seeking cultural discoveries. From the secret coves of the Côte d’Azur to the historic arenas of Nîmes, immerse yourself in our guide to the ten festivals in the south of France that guarantee an experience rich in emotions and unforgettable memories. Do not miss these artistic appointments during your stay in our campsites in the South of France.

1. Le Delta Festival

The Delta Festival brings together the dynamic youth of Marseille on the beaches of the Prado. Built around urban culture and extreme sports, this festival is a celebration of diversity and passions. Music, artistic performances and sports competitions follow one another, propelling the animation and energy of this emblematic festival where culture and fun meet.

Dates: Early September

Location: Marseille, Prado beaches – (Bouches-du-Rhône)

1 Le Festival Les Jardins Sonores

Offering a getaway in a floral and musical universe, the Les Jardins Sonores Festival is the preferred destination for music lovers who are looking for a summer and relaxing atmosphere. Located in lush green locations, this festival in the south of France invites you to relax with an eclectic program that ranges from jazz to electronic music. Nationally and internationally renowned artists come to share their passion and energize the scenes in the middle of a welcoming nature, perfect for creating a memorable memory of celebration and music. The enchanted experience is completed with a glass of rosé de Provence and the glittering of the luminous garlands at dusk.

Dates : Mi-juillet

Location: Vitrolles, Domaine de Fontblanche – (Bouches-du-Rhône)

2 Le Festival Marsatac

Taking place in Marseille, a place of cultural effervescence, the Festival Marsatac is a playground where musical genres meet and merge. Renowned for its bold programming, it is committed to mixing international headliners and discovering new talents on the electronic and hip-hop scene. Every year, the festival pushes the limits and offers major stage performances.

Dates : Mi-juin

Location: Marseille, Parc Borély – (Bouches-du-Rhône)

3 Le Aiò Festival

The Aiò Festival celebrates Corsican cultural identity through music and dance. Intimate and warm, it offers an immersion in the soul of the island of beauty with artists who sing in Corsican language and musicians who make vibrate the island heritage. A true dive into tradition fused with modern influences.

Dates: End of July – Beginning of August

Place: Ajaccio, Theatre of Verdure du Casone – (Corsica-du-Sud)

4 Le Festival de Nîmes

The prestigious Festival de Nîmes takes place in the ancient arenas of the city and echoes like the echo of the music festival in the south of France. The legendary venue offers exceptional acoustics and an unmatched experience of open-air concerts, where voices and instruments from an impressive list of renowned artists resound.

Dates : End of july

Location: Nîmes Arena – (Gard)

5 Les Nuits Carrées

The Nuits Carrées offer a unique atmosphere in the historic and preserved setting of the Fort Carré in Antibes. The concept of this festival is to program theme nights, from reggae to rock, including electronic music. A golden opportunity for festival-goers to live intimate concerts in a singular setting, while enjoying an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean.

Dates : Fin juin

Location: Antibes, esplanade du pré des pêcheurs – (Alpes-Maritimes)

6 Les Plages Électroniques

This festival located in Cannes has established itself as one of the epicentres of the French electronic scene. The Electronic Beaches extend on the croisette and is suitable for fans of beats and bass for festive nights with feet in the sand. The sea freshness and energy of DJs form a tasty cocktail to dance until the first rays of the morning.

Dates: Mid-August

Location: Cannes, beach of the Palais des Festivals – (Alpes-Maritimes)

7 Les Déferlantes Sud de France

Located in the heart of the vineyards of the Occitanie region, Les Déferlantes Sud de France has a diverse programme that makes them a highlight of the cultural season. Rock, electro, French variety and current music meet to make the lovers of music vibrate. From edition to edition, the event strengthens its reputation through world-class headliners and the promotion of new local talent.

Dates: Mid-July

Location: Le Barcarès – (Pyrénées-Orientales)

9 Le Festival de Carcassonne

With its eclectic program, the Festival de Carcassonne attracts a large audience every year. This musical event takes place in the majestic setting of the medieval city, offering an unusual setting for various shows: opera, theatre, dance and rock or pop concerts. Spectators and artists share unforgettable moments under a starry sky, surrounded by the centuries-old ramparts.

Dates: In July

Location: Carcassonne, Théâtre Jean Deschamps – (Aude)

10 Calvi on the Rocks

The Calvi on the Rocks festival, a must-attend event of the Corsican summer, offers new edition of the Mediterranean Sea, where rock meets waves. Feet in the sand and looking out at the horizon, festival-goers attend alternative rock concerts in a festive and relaxed atmosphere.

• Scene with feet in the water
• Eclectic programming: rock, electro, pop
• After beach for extended evenings
• Art and local gastronomy to discover

Located on a paradisiacal beach, this festival is a true hymn to the Mediterranean party and culture, with free concerts that set the pace for sunny days enriched by culinary discovery and outdoor activities.

Dates: Early July

Location: Calvi, Théâtre de Verdure – (Haute-Corse)

Practical guide to make the most of summer events in the South

To fully experience the atmosphere of summer events, it is advisable to consult the online programs, book tickets ahead and book one of our campsites in the south of France for a smooth experience. Also, remember to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and stay up-to-date with festival posts on Instagram to get the latest news and useful information.