Aucard de Tours

Forty years of alternative music in Tours

Born in 1986 on the initiative of Radio Béton, a community radio station in Tours, Aucard de Tours is one of the oldest contemporary music festivals in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Originally, the festival was held on the Île Aucard, a natural area on the banks of the Loire River that gave it its name, and concluded with a concert at Lac de la Bergeonnerie. In 2006, for capacity and logistical reasons, the festival moved to the Gloriette plain, in the Deux-Lions district of Tours, a large green space along the Cher River.

An eclectic and committed program

Aucard de Tours stands out for its resolutely eclectic and alternative program, in contrast to large commercial festivals. Independent rock, punk, electro, hip-hop, reggae, world music, committed songs: all genres meet on the festival stages. The 2025 edition featured internationally renowned artists such as CocoRosie, Nneka, Kap Bambino, and THK (Tetra Hydro K), alongside the emerging French scene with Porridge Radio, Ela Minus, Yin Yin, Tshegue, and Zinée. Each edition is built around a unifying theme: in 2025, "Quel chantier !" (What a project!), and in 2026, "Arrête ton cirque !" (Stop your circus!).

A community festival rooted in its territory

Organized by the association Béton Production, Aucard de Tours cultivates a resolutely community and activist spirit. The festival is driven by a team of committed volunteers and benefits from the support of Radio Béton (93.6 FM), which promotes and broadcasts alternative music throughout the year. The Offs d'Aucard, free concerts organized in the Tours urban area and in several towns in the department, extend the festival's spirit beyond the Gloriette and contribute to cultural democratization.

A unique atmosphere on the Gloriette

The Gloriette plain offers an exceptional setting in the heart of Tours, between greenery and the banks of the Cher. The festival features several stages, various catering areas, a community village, and activities for all ages. The atmosphere is friendly and festive, bringing together families, students, and music lovers in a spirit of sharing and discovery. With an affordable price (12 € for an evening, 35 € for a 5-day pass), Aucard de Tours remains true to its mission of being accessible to the widest possible audience.

Aucard d'Hiver, the winter extension

For several years, Béton Production has also organized Aucard d'Hiver, a winter counterpart to the festival held in February in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. This event helps maintain cultural momentum throughout the year and discover new artists in a more intimate format.