Aubercail

Words and Music at the Heart of Aubervilliers

Since its creation, the Aubercail festival has established itself as the major spring event for French-language song in Aubervilliers. "The festival of spoken words" — its affectionate subtitle — welcomes artists every May who share a common love for words, the French language, and world music. Far from the glitz and radio hype, Aubercail celebrates song in its most essential form: a view of the world, a unique voice, a human commitment.

French-language Song Open to the World

Aubercail's programming is characterized by its eclecticism and openness. While French chanson — in its most vibrant and contemporary forms — is at the heart of the project, the festival also invites artists who blend languages, cultures, and rhythms. World music, Berber song, afrobeat, slam, folk, country, and rock coexist in harmony, reflecting the cultural richness of Aubervilliers and Seine-Saint-Denis.

Over the years, Aubercail has hosted artists as diverse as Higelin, Karpatt, Mouss et Hakim, Les Escrocs, Frasiak, Melissmell, and Gatica, confirming its reputation as a festival that discovers talent and champions popular, committed, and vibrant song.

The 13th Aubercail Festival

The 2025 edition marked the 13th edition of Aubercail. Over four days, from Wednesday, May 22 to Saturday, May 25, 2025, the festival offered a dense and varied program, with concerts starting at 8 PM and doors opening at 7:15 PM. L'Embarcadère, the festival's main stage, hosted talented artists in a friendly and warm atmosphere, with food and drinks available on site.

L'Embarcadère, Neighborhood Stage, World Stage

L'Embarcadère in Aubervilliers is more than just a performance venue: it's a place for life and encounters in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. This choice of location is emblematic of the festival's philosophy: to be as close as possible to the residents, to be rooted in the local social fabric while offering an opening to the world. The human-sized venue fosters an intimate relationship between artists and the audience, far from the anonymity of large halls.

The festival is organized by the Association Aubercail, driven by passionate volunteers who believe in the unifying power of song and the necessity of vibrant, accessible culture in working-class neighborhoods. The presence of on-site catering, a bar, and attentive hospitality contributes to making Aubercail a celebration in itself, friendly and inclusive.

Why Aubercail is Essential

In a musical landscape often dominated by trends and commercial logic, Aubercail represents a form of joyful and creative resistance. By championing artists who take the time to write, who choose their words carefully, and who consider the stage as a space for dialogue with the audience, the festival contributes to the vitality of vibrant French-language song. It is a festival that does good, gives hope, and proves that the Parisian suburbs are a fertile cultural ground.