Cognac Blues Passions
The unmissable event for blues and African-American music in Charente
About Blues Passions
Created in 1994, the Cognac Blues Passions festival is one of the largest blues and African-American music festivals in France. Every year in early July, the Public Garden of Cognac and Île Madame in Jarnac welcome tens of thousands of festival-goers to vibrate to the sound of blues, rock, soul, funk, and world music. With over 30 editions under its belt, Blues Passions offers a lineup combining international legends and emerging artists, in a green and friendly setting in the heart of Charente.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Blues Passions at the best price.
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An internationally renowned blues festival since 1994
Since its creation in 1994, the Cognac Blues Passions festival has established itself as one of the most important musical events in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and one of the most reputable blues festivals in Europe. Every early July, the city of Cognac transforms into the capital of blues, welcoming world-renowned artists in the exceptional setting of the Jardin Public de l'Hôtel de Ville. Since 2008, the festival has expanded to Jarnac, taking over the magnificent site of Île Madame.
An eclectic lineup centered around blues and African-American music
While blues remains the beating heart of the festival, the Blues Passions lineup embraces a wide spectrum of African-American music and its descendants: rock, soul, funk, gospel, reggae, world music, and French chanson. The stages at the Jardin Public, Place François Ier, and in the streets of Cognac host both international legends and emerging artists, in a warm and popular atmosphere.
Legendary artists throughout the editions
Blues Passions has hosted the biggest names in music over its editions: BB King, Santana, Keziah Jones, Deep Purple, Ben Harper, Vanessa Paradis, and many others. The 2024 edition (31st) notably featured Deep Purple, Caravan Palace, Pretenders, Fatoumata Diawara, Gloria Gaynor, and Rival Sons. In 2025 (32nd edition), the audience will be able to applaud Thomas Dutronc, Barbara Hendricks, Ibrahim Maalouf, The Kills, Keziah Jones, and Robert Cray. The 2026 edition (33rd) promises to be exceptional with Jean-Louis Aubert, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Vanessa Paradis, Curtis Harding, Nectar Woode, and Théo Charaf.
A popular festival in the heart of Cognac's Public Garden
The Jardin Public de Cognac, a listed English-style park, offers a unique green setting for the festival. The various stages are spread throughout the park, on the Place François Ier, and in the city streets. The Théâtre de la Nature, located in the heart of the Public Garden, hosts the major evening concerts. During the day, free concerts, activities, and cognac tastings complement the program, making Blues Passions a true popular celebration.
Blues Passions — edition 2026
33rd edition of the Cognac Blues Passions festival, from July 1st to 4th, 2026. Jean-Louis Aubert, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Vanessa Paradis, Curtis Harding, Nectar Woode, and Théo Charaf on the program.
33rd Edition: Jean-Louis Aubert, Ben Harper, and Vanessa Paradis
The 33rd edition of the Cognac Blues Passions festival takes place from July 1st to 4th, 2026 in the Public Garden of Cognac and on Île Madame in Jarnac. The 2026 edition promises an exceptional lineup with three major headliners.
Jean-Louis Aubert, an iconic figure of French rock, opens the festivities at the Jardin Public. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals return to Cognac for a highly anticipated concert. Vanessa Paradis, an iconic French singer, performs at the festival for the first time. Curtis Harding, a rising star of American soul, Nectar Woode, and the promising Théo Charaf complete a high-caliber lineup.
Programme Blues Passions 2026
2026 Lineup
- Jean-Louis Aubert — Jardin Public de Cognac
- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
- Vanessa Paradis
- Curtis Harding
- Nectar Woode
- Théo Charaf
Highlights Blues Passions 2026
- 33rd edition of the festival from July 1st to 4th, 2026
- Jean-Louis Aubert headlining at the Jardin Public
- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals returning to Cognac
- Vanessa Paradis performing at the festival for the first time
- Curtis Harding, a rising star of American soul
- Free daytime concerts and activities in the city
Prices Blues Passions 2026
Practical information — Blues Passions
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place at the Jardin Public de l'Hôtel de Ville, boulevard Denfert-Rochereau, 16100 Cognac, as well as on Île Madame in Jarnac.
- By car: Cognac is accessible via the N141 from Angoulême (45 min) or Saintes (30 min). Signposted parking near the Jardin Public.
- By train: Cognac SNCF station, a 10-minute walk from the Jardin Public. Connections from Angoulême and Saintes.
Prices
- Paid concerts: from 30 euros depending on the evening
- Festival pass: available on the official website
- Free concerts: during the day on outdoor stages
Ticketing
Online booking at bluespassions.com and usual points of sale (Ticketmaster, France Billet).
Contact
- Website: bluespassions.com
- Address: Boulevard Denfert-Rochereau, 16100 Cognac
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Blues Passions at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Blues Passions
Jardin Public de l'Hôtel de Ville de Cognac
Boulevard Denfert-Rochereau, 16100 Cognac