All over Paris, coats are being shed, scarves are swapping out for hats, gloves for sunglasses. The sun is out, and that can only mean one thing: It’s Music Festival season!
The infamous “Tomorrowland 2016 has already sold out but there’s no need to despair. Big names headline the stages at smaller, less crowded boutique jamborees all summer long. Oh, and did we mention they’re all a day-trip away from the City of Lights?
Once you get yourself to Paris, French Morning’s got your culture covered for a summer of sitting back and soaking up the sound:
Marvellous Island Festival, 14 & 15 May 2016
You may have thought Paris wasn’t a beach town but for this festival held at Torcy Lake (about a half hour East of Paris) the beach is open and bathing suits are encouraged. Bring your flip flops because this beach is the real deal, full with sand and complete with lounge chairs for you to enjoy. This festival has two packed days of DJs on four stages. The program runs from noon to 5 a.m. with local French D.J’s headlining each stage like KLYMVX but you will also get your international fix with big names like Adriatique from Zurich and Sascha Braemer from Berlin.
Address: Torcy Lake, Route de Torcy, 77200 Torcy
Access: RER A to station Torcy
Tickets 40-82 €
Villette Sonique, 27 May – 1 June 2016
No need to take a train, this festival is located in the Villette Park in the 20th arrondissement. Hosted by Red Bull Music, you know it will be a party. Their concept is music for all and the festival accomplishes this by offering free music on the open air stages in the park, like Cercel Sud and Jardin des Iles. With a long line of performers, you can see post-punk DJ Helena Hauff rock the open air Saturday 28 May at 2:45 p.m. and Zebra Kats on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. You can find out more about free and ticketed performances on the program website.
Address: La Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
Access: Metro: line 7 Porte de la Vilette or line 5 Porte de Pantin
Tickets: free-26 €
We Love Green, 4 & 5 June 2016
Not just the color but we love the environment too. This eco-friendly rock festival has popular artists headlining this year for a greener planet, like LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, and Diplo. And during the day, you can count on grooving to other not-to-miss artists like Masomenos and Fatima Yamaha. Located in the forest, Bois de Vincennes, this green celebration isn’t only music but hosts a Think Tank for environmentally friendly activism and science. Also, check out the films and the workshop where you can help create a huge art project in the heart of Paris!
Address: 46 Route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris
Access: Metro Line 1 – Station Chateau de Vincennes
RER A – Station Vincennes
BUS – Lines 46 et 112
Tickets: 45-83 €
