Chauffer dans la Noirceur
The eco-citizen festival on the beach of Montmartin-sur-Mer
2026
About Chauffer dans la Noirceur
Chauffer dans la Noirceur — edition 2026
The 34th edition of Chauffer dans la Noirceur will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026, on the beach of Montmartin-sur-Mer (Manche). Three days of festivities with your feet in the sand, with free daytime "art'nimations" and concert evenings starting at 7:00 PM in a friendly atmosphere by the sea. On the program: Sleaford Mods, Fat Dog, Lila Iké, Ukandanz, Zentone, Celkilt, and many others, for an eclectic lineup mixing rock, electro, reggae, dub, and world music.
34th edition — July 10 to 12, 2026
Chauffer dans la Noirceur returns for its 34th edition from July 10 to 12, 2026, on the beach of Montmartin-sur-Mer. A human-sized festival with a strong character, it offers three days of festivities with your feet in the sand: free daytime "art'nimations" (with its emblematic activities like the tightrope walker or the absurd village of Electric Sheep) and concert evenings starting at 7:00 PM, in a friendly atmosphere by the sea.
The 2026 edition, themed "WILD," builds bridges between peoples, cultures, and musical universes, true to its eclectic program focused on independent scenes and French and international discoveries.
Programme Chauffer dans la Noirceur 2026
Headliners and first names 2026
- Sleaford Mods — electro and acidic spoken word (post-punk)
- Fat Dog — electro rock
- Lila Iké — Jamaican reggae
- Ukandanz — ethio-jazz with rock energy
- Zentone — dub fusion
- Celkilt
- Zélie
- Marlon Magnée
- Felhur x Andro
- Yuston XIII
Full lineup and daily schedule to be announced progressively by the organizer. Concert evenings from 7:00 PM.
Prices Chauffer dans la Noirceur 2026
Regular price (from June 8): Day Pass €33 · 3-Day Pass €78
(excluding distribution fees)
Daytime "art'nimations": free.
Ticketing: https://association.chaufferdanslanoirceur.org/billetterie/
Chauffer dans la Noirceur — 2027 edition
The 2026 edition was held from 10 July to 12 July 2026. The dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced yet. This page will be updated as soon as the official programme is published.
Practical information — Chauffer dans la Noirceur
Practical Information
Access
By car: Montmartin-sur-Mer is accessible from the A84 (exit Villedieu-les-Poêles) then direction Coutances/west coast. Follow festival signs from Coutances.
By train: Coutances station (15 km), then shuttle buses or carpooling.
Camping
Camping is free for festival-goers. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the festival site, on grassy grounds.
Prices
The festival offers 3-day passes and day tickets at affordable prices, true to its philosophy of a festival for everyone.
Catering
Catering stands favoring local products and short supply chains, in line with the festival's eco-citizen commitment.
Accessibility
The festival is attentive to welcoming people with disabilities. Contact the organization for specific needs.
Chauffer dans la Noirceur: From Franco-Quebecois Encounters to an Eco-Citizen Festival
The story of Chauffer dans la Noirceur began in July 1992, during a meeting between Quebecois and Norman musicians in the province of Quebec. In April 1993, a group of friends from the Coutances region decided to invite a Quebecois band, Les Morissets, organizing a 13-date tour and Franco-Quebecois encounters in Montmartin-sur-Mer. This meeting gave birth to the first edition of the festival, under the name "Premières Rencontres Francos/Québécoises" (First Franco/Quebecois Encounters).
A Name That Tells a Story
In Quebecois, "chauffer dans la noirceur" means "to drive at night." This evocative name encapsulates the spirit of the festival: adventure, discovery, musical journeys in the benevolent darkness of summer nights on the beach. For over thirty years, the festival has grown while retaining its original spirit of sharing, conviviality, and musical curiosity.
Exemplary Eco-Citizen Commitment
Chauffer dans la Noirceur is recognized as a benchmark eco-event in Normandy. The festival implements numerous actions for sustainable development: selective sorting, reusable cups, dry toilets, renewable energy, short supply chains for catering, and public awareness of environmental and solidarity issues.
A Committed and Solidarity Festival
Beyond ecology, the festival champions values of solidarity and openness. It hosts associations, players in the social and solidarity economy, and offers spaces for debate and reflection on contemporary societal issues.
Bold Programming
The programming of Chauffer dans la Noirceur is distinguished by its boldness and eclecticism. The festival showcases world music, reggae, dub, rock, electro, and mixed sounds. True to its Franco-Quebecois roots, it continues to regularly invite artists from Quebec and elsewhere, fostering cultural exchange and musical discoveries.
A Unique Maritime Setting
Located on the beach of Montmartin-sur-Mer, facing the Bay of Sienne, the festival offers an exceptional natural setting. Concerts at sunset, with your feet in the sand and a view of the sea, create an incomparable atmosphere that attracts thousands of loyal festival-goers each year.
Where does it take place — Chauffer dans la Noirceur
Chauffer dans la Noirceur in brief
History of Chauffer dans la Noirceur
Edition 2025 Jul 2025Other festivals near Montmartin-sur-Mer
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