Break on Troux

Break on Troux: Electric Music in the Fields of Essonne

Launched in 2015 by the Trouxlive association, Break on Troux is proof that major festivals don't necessarily happen in big cities. Every summer for the past ten years, the hamlet of Boullay-les-Troux — a few hundred inhabitants nestled in the hills of Hurepoix, between Limours and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse — transforms for one Saturday into the Essonne capital of live music. In the bucolic setting of the Pré Hainault, two stages host about ten bands for a festival that combines rock energy, electronic curiosity, and a rural atmosphere.

Free Admission as a Founding Principle

The most remarkable feature of Break on Troux is undoubtedly its total free admission. Since the first edition in 2015, access to the festival has been entirely free and open, reflecting a strong conviction from the Trouxlive association: making culture accessible to all, without financial considerations. This philosophy has allowed the festival to attract a very diverse audience each year, from families with children to rock enthusiasts and the simply curious. Online registration via the HelloAsso platform is recommended to facilitate organization, but does not condition access to the site.

A Program from 3 PM to Midnight

Break on Troux spans a long festive day, from afternoon until midnight. The festival features a program dominated by rock but open to all electric and electronic nuances: energetic pop, alternative rock, indie, electronic, and sometimes welcome stylistic detours. The two stages allow for a continuous flow of bands, maintaining the audience's energy throughout the day. Special attention is given to local and emerging bands from Essonne and Île-de-France, alongside more established artists who lend their talent to this extraordinary festival.

The Unique Atmosphere of Pré Hainault

The location is a significant part of Break on Troux's magic. The Pré Hainault, located at Rue du Pré Hainault in Boullay-les-Troux, offers an open natural space that pleasantly contrasts with the electric ambiance of amplified music. Surrounded by hills and forests, this meadow offers an unobstructed view and an in-between-worlds atmosphere — neither entirely in the countryside nor entirely in the city — which gives the festival its unique identity. Food trucks, the association's bar, and activities complete a full festival experience in this pastoral setting.

Trouxlive, the Association Behind the Festival

The Trouxlive association, headquartered in Boullay-les-Troux, is the driving force behind Break on Troux. Created by music-loving residents, it manages the complete organization of the festival: programming, logistics, communication, volunteering, and relations with local authorities. The Communauté de communes du Pays de Limours is a partner of the event and contributes to its institutional support. This partnership between citizen initiative and territorial support is exemplary of what a local festival rooted in its territory can achieve.

The 8th Edition in 2025

The 8th edition of Break on Troux was held on June 7, 2025, confirming the vitality and longevity of this popular festival. With a program dominated by rock and bands presenting their own compositions, the 2025 edition maintained the level of quality and festive energy that has made Break on Troux famous since 2015.