Visit Francofolies embody much more than a simple festivalit's a vibrant celebration of the francophone music. Every summer, in July, La Rochelle is transformed into an open-air stage where renowned artists and emerging talents meet. If you want to discover authentic France the country in music : visit France.
Origins and development of the Francofolies
Created in 1985 by Jean-Louis Foulquier with the support of Michel Crépeau Francofolies were to promoting French chanson. The festival quickly expanded its scope: over 160,000 festival-goers in 2007. Today, it is renowned for itsopeninga showcase for both great voices and new discoveries.
In 2005, Jean-Louis Foulquier sold the company to Morgane Production, under the artistic direction of Gérard Pont and Didier Varrod.. Since 2021, Emilie Yakich has been helping to revitalize the festival.
A multi-faceted festival: stages, events, initiatives
Over five days, the francofolies mobilize several spaces:
Jean-Louis Foulquier main stage The heart of the festival, facing the historic towers of La Rochelle.
La Coursive (Grand Théâtre, Salle Bleue, Théâtre Verdière): venues for original creations, first stages, young audiences.
La Sirène dedicated to collective nights (electro, metal, rap)
Scène Rochelle Océan in the Village Francocéan: free open-air concerts.
The festival also offers cultural events: Folies Littéraires, Francos Stories, I've got a memory that singsand more.
Le Chantier: a springboard for emerging artists
Born in 1998, the Francofolies construction site accompanies a dozen young artists each year for 5 days prior to the festival. They work on their writing, scenic and media skills before performing live.. Since its inception, more than 60 % of programming has been devoted to it..
Francofolies 2025
Francofolies 2025
From Thursday, July 10 to Monday, July 14, 2025, La Rochelle is set to rock:
Emerging and singular artists: Aldebert, La Femme, Oboy, SDM, Hamza, Bekar, Cassius Club, Ballaké Sissoko & Piers Faccini.
Every style is present: songpop, rapelectro, world... to reflect the francophone diversity .
Here's the program completethe opening hoursthe rates and news ticket office from Francofolies de La Rochelle 2025 (July 10-14) - with a clear chart to guide you 👇
Clara Luciani, Air, Apashe with brass orchestra, Philippe Katerine, Solann
Sat Jul 12
18:00
Ronisia, Bekar, Oboy, Hamza, SDM
Sun Jul 13
18:00
Julien Doré, Hoshi, La Femme, Barbara Pravi
Mon Jul 14
18:00
Lamomali, IAM, Ben Mazué, Saint Levant
Other stages (La Coursive, Salle Bleue, Théâtre Verdière...)
Thu July 10 Théâtre Verdière (3pm): Candeur Cyclone + Arøne - Salle Bleue (3:30pm): La Grande Sophie + Alma Rechtman - Grand Théâtre (7:45pm): Creation around Renaud.
Fri July 11 Théâtre Verdière: La Traversée + Sam Sauvage (3pm), Juliette + Ofé (6pm) - Grand Théâtre: Dali + Andéol (3pm), Laurent Voulzy acoustic + Lou-Adriane Cassidy (8:30pm) - Salle Bleue: Jeanne Cherhal + Patxi (9pm).
Sat July 12 Grand Théâtre: Ballaké Sissoko & Piers Faccini + Abel Chéret (3pm), Michel Jonasz (8:30pm) - Salle Bleue: Hommage à Dani "Amour toujours" + Mirabelle Gilis (9pm).
Sun July 13 Grand Théâtre: Helldebert (2pm, 5pm) - Théâtre Verdière: Jorane + Whisper (3pm), Alain Chamfort + Cassien (6pm) - Salle Bleue: Victor Solf + Quinquis (8:30pm).
Wed. 10: La Caravane Passe, Visceral, Swing, DJ set.
Thu. 11: Komodrag & The Mounodor, Johnny Jane, Nemo, DJ set.
Fri. 12: Jan Verstraeten, Aleksand Saya, Ariane Roy, DJ set.
Sat. 13: Puggy, Chien Noir, Loverman, DJ set.
Sun. 14: Francofolies Choir, Okoo Boom.
Francofolies La Rochelle - both tours
A unique festival experience
Visit francofolies offer a complete immersion: concerts by the sea, a convivial atmosphere, literary and eco-citizen meetings (Village Francocéan)... The town comes alive, and festival-goers report an "intense and festive" atmosphere.. For example, Le Monde reported on Alain Souchon's moving performance with his sons at the Grand Théâtre..
Francofolies in the world
The success of La Rochelle has inspired many Francofolies elsewhere :
Montréal since 1989: free and paying festival, pop/rap/folk, central role in French-speaking community life.
Other variations: Spa (Belgium), Réunion, Bulgaria, New Caledonia... A true francophone network .
Practical information
Key dates July 10-14, 2025.
Tickets & prices : 5-day passes and day options are on sale this winter on official platforms.
Access & accommodation The city offers TGV trains, buses and park-and-ride facilities; reservations recommended.
AdviceFor more information: opt for the Village Francocéan (free of charge), remember to take traffic corks, stay hydrated and explore La Rochelle between concerts.
Les Francofolies Luxembourg Esch
Visit Francofolies Luxembourgorganized at Esch-sur-Alzetteare the modern, committed version of the famous French-language festival. In 2024, the event was held from June 7 to 9 in Gaalgebierg Park, with free daytime concerts and an eco-friendly atmosphere.
🎶 Program highlights
Friday, June 7th Ninho, Tiakola, Luidji, La Fève, Luther, Baby Volcano and Maale Gars set the main stage alight. Saturday June 8th Shaka Ponk, Lost Frequencies, Meute, Damien Saez (solo version), Zaho de Sagazan, Apashe Live with brass orchestra, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Ko Ko Mo, Eloi, Bagarre, Black Lilys, Them Lights and Nosi provided a variety of genres. Sunday, June 9th David Guetta, L'Impératrice, Charlotte Cardin, Olivia Ruiz, Santa, Raphaël, Mentissa, Julien Granel, Colt, Foreigners and Angel Cara rounded off the edition in style.
In 2025, the planned edition of June 6 to 8 included headliners such as Soprano, Timmy Trumpet, Julien Doré, Bigflo & Oli, Michel Polnareffand proposed a silent disco in Gaalgebierg Park.
🌱 Sustainable commitment
The festival is certified Green Eventwith a focus on soft transport (shuttles, bicycles), local and organic catering, zero-waste management and upcycled scenography.. The experience is immersive, ethical and community-based.
💶 Rates & access
The 2024 edition offered a 3-day pass at €130, with day tickets ranging from €56 to €75 depending on the type (fast-track, etc.). Free admission to open-air concerts, including those in Gaalgebierg Park.
Les Francofolies de Spa
Visit Francofolies de Spa take place every summer in Spa, Belgium, and since 1994 have celebrated the francophone music in a festive and authentic atmosphere.
Organized by the Belgomania association under the direction of Yoann Frédéric, this festival attracts between 125,000 and 150,000 visitors over its four days, spread over several stages in the heart of the city: the Place Royale/Pierre Rapsatthe Francofou Village (Proximus stages, Sabam, fountain), and ancillary sites such as the Bars on the run.
Recent editions (2022-2023) have featured a line-up of artists combining French-speaking stars and emerging talent. In 2023, Soprano, Florent Pagny, Bigflo & Oli, Mika, Roméo Elvis, Pomme and Kendji Girac were among the headliners, reflecting the diversity of genres: chanson, pop, rap, electro and more.. For 2024, the program from July 18 to 21 featured artists such as Francis Cabrel, Patrick Bruel, Pascal Obispo, Zazie, Eddy de Pretto, Gims and Djadja & Dinaz - with, for the first time, a day dedicated to urban music. .
The festival stands out for its lasting commitmentwith environmentally-friendly scenography and support for the promotion of French-speaking culture in an innovative, eco-responsible way. Another strength? Supporting young talents almost half of the program is dedicated to the emerging Belgian scene.
Finally, the Francofolies de Spa are part of a post-Festival international de la chanson française (1978) cultural movement, and continue the tradition of French-language chanson in Spa, a UNESCO world heritage spa town.
Francofolies de La Réunion
Visit Francofolies de La Réunionorganized since 2017 à Saint-Paulcelebrate the francophone music in a tropical and friendly setting. The 2023 edition (September 5-10) brought together over 15,000 festival-goerswith local artists and French-speaking icons such as Bigflo & Oli, Pomme, Selah Sue, Cali and Olivia Ruiz..
For 2025, the date is set from September 2 to 7on several sites : Steps (Saint-Paul), Téat Plein Air (Saint-Gilles) and Glade at La Saline-les-Bains. The line-up (to date): Tuesday September 2 opens with Emma Peters, Friday the 5th with Luidji, Gringe, YOA and P.L.L, Saturday the 6th with Trinix, La Femme, Tiken Jah Fakoly and Sueïlo, and Sunday the 7th with Barbara Pravi, Dub Inc, Adé and Lindigo..
🎟️ Tickets & prices
Daily entry : from €30 (smart rates until June 30).
Combined passes available (1, 2 or 3 days).
Reduced rate (students, senior citizens, PRM) with proof of entitlement.
Free for children under 6.
Tickets via Pass Culture or dedicated platform. VIP option with privileged access, elevated area, catering and dedicated sanitary facilitiesFrancofolies de La Réunion.
In short, the Francofolies de La Réunion offer a rich and varied program in an exceptional setting, with affordable prices and meticulous organization. A great opportunity to enjoy the French-speaking world under the tropical sun!
Jean-Louis Foulquier and the Francofolies
Jean-Louis Foulquier, born June 24, 1943 in La Rochelleoccupies a central place in the history of the Francofolies. Iconic presenter on France Intera radio producer and an unforgettable voice of French chanson, he shaped the spirit of the festival as we know it today.
🎙 The animator-talent broker
After starting out in Parisian cabarets, Foulquier joined France Inter in 1966 as a switchboard operator, before becoming a full-time host. He presented a number of cult shows: Street performers, Friends firstand above all Pollenlaunched in 1984, dedicated to the discovery of emerging artists. Thanks to his passion and perseverance, he gives valuable exposure to talents such as Alain Souchon, Renaud and Francis Cabrel..
Creator of the Francofolies (1985-2004)
In 1985, Jean-Louis Foulquier founded the Francofolies de La Rochellewith the support of Michel Crépeau. The aim: to promote francophone musicby launching a festival that's accessible, festive and rich in emotion. Under his direction (1985-2004), the festival became a major summer event, with over 160,000 spectators by 2007..
The main stage bears his name in homage, while spaces such as La Coursive, La Sirène and the "Chantier des Francofolies" encourage emerging creativity..
Transmission & support for young artists
In 1998, he initiated the Francofolies construction sitea springboard designed to boost a dozen artists each year. Since then, more than 60 % of the program has been dedicated to these up-and-coming artists.. With his benevolence and visionary spirit, Foulquier embodies the soul of the festival: a talent spotter, he has guided artists such as Aloïse Sauvage and Zaho de Sagazan to recognition..
🎭 Versatile artist & media man
In addition to his festive role, Jean-Louis Foulquier was also an actor, painter and author. He appeared in films such as Les Ripoux 3 or According to Charlieand has been involved in a number of artistic projects (CD "Foulquier", stage adaptation of "La Première Gorgée de bière...").. Hosting TV shows on TF1 (Discoveries) and France 3 (Captain Café), it multiplies the levers to distribute francophone song.
🕊 His heritage and cultural family tree
Foulquier handed over the reins in 2004 to Gérard Pont and Didier VarrodBut his legacy lives on: the Jean-Louis Foulquier stage, created in his honour, celebrates great voices and emerging talents every year.. He died of cancer on December 10, 2013, leaving behind a festival deeply rooted in Francophone cultural identity and looking to the future..
In a nutshellJean-Louis Foulquier was the embodiment of a passion for francophone musicHe was a talent-spotter and a festive visionary: an entertainer at heart and a pioneering festival-goer, he wove a lasting cultural ecosystem that was generous and open to all generations. His name remains inseparable from the festival he founded, and his influence continues to radiate in La Rochelle and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Francofolies? Visit francofolies are a summer music festival dedicated to the francophone musicfounded in 1985 in La Rochelle, is renowned for its mixed programming of established and emerging artists.
When will the 2025 edition take place? From July 10 to 14, 2025in La Rochelle, according to official announcements.
How can I buy tickets? Via the official website (francofolies.fr) and partner retailers. 5-day and day passes are available, with ticketing open from winter onwards.
Are there any free concerts? Yes, on the stage Rochelle Ocean in the Village Francocéan. Most collective evenings and events between concerts are ticket-free.
Who can participate in the Chantier des francofolies? The fifteen or so artists selected each year (since 1998) take part in this stage and media springboard..
How easy is it to find accommodation? We recommend booking in advance: hotels, campsites and vacation rentals fill up fast in July.
What styles of music are programmed? Chanson, pop, rap, electro, rock, world music... The francofolies celebrate all the diversity French .
Is the festival accessible to people with reduced mobility? Yes, the main stages are equipped for PRM, including La Coursive and La Sirène..
Eco-citizen initiatives? Yes, with the Village Francocéan and partnerships like Volvo for sustainable mobility, waste sorting, etc.
Conclusion
Visit francofolies de La Rochelle stands out as a major event on the French-speaking scene, combining history, reinvention and innovation. musical diversity. Promoting young talent, offering cultural experiences, solidarity initiatives and a rich program, this festival remains a highlight of the year. unique and unmissable. Join the next edition to experience the essence of francophone song.
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