Cognac Blues Passions
The unmissable event for blues and African-American music in Charente
About Blues Passions
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 Wednesday, July 1st to Saturday, July 4th, 2026, in the Jardin Public of Cognac and on Île Madame in Jarnac. Four evenings with Ben l'Oncle Soul, Jean-Louis Aubert, Vanessa Paradis, and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals as headliners, complemented by Curtis Harding, Théo Charaf, Fantastic Negrito, Kēpa, Nectar Woode, and many others.
33rd Edition: Ben l'Oncle Soul, Jean-Louis Aubert, Vanessa Paradis, and Ben Harper
The 33rd edition of the Cognac Blues Passions festival takes place from Wednesday, July 1st to Saturday, July 4th, 2026, in the Jardin Public of Cognac and on Île Madame in Jarnac. Four evenings bring together the great voices of blues, soul, and rock, with over sixty concerts spread between paid stages and free daytime concerts.
On Wednesday, July 1st, Ben l'Oncle Soul opens the festival with his universe blending contemporary soul and vintage influences, alongside Lusaint and the American Fantastic Negrito. On Thursday, July 2nd, Jean-Louis Aubert, an emblematic figure of French rock, performs at the Jardin Public, in an evening that also brings together Hugh Coltman, Kēpa, and Théo Charaf, winner of the Cognac Passions Award 2025.
On Friday, July 3rd, Vanessa Paradis takes the stage, surrounded by Nectar Woode, Jon Muq, and Isaya. On Saturday, July 4th, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals close the edition with a highly anticipated concert, accompanied by Curtis Harding, a star of American soul.
During the day, the festival offers free concerts, entertainment in the streets of Cognac, as well as unique events such as « Groove au Château » in the castle's guardroom and « The Road to Soul » hosted by Kēpa at Maison Rémy Martin.
Programme Blues Passions 2026
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
- Ben l'Oncle Soul — contemporary soul with vintage influences
- Fantastic Negrito — American blues-rock
- Lusaint
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
- Jean-Louis Aubert — Jardin Public de Cognac · French rock icon
- Théo Charaf — winner of the Cognac Passions Award 2025
- Kēpa
- Hugh Coltman Duo
Friday, July 3rd, 2026
- Vanessa Paradis — French song
- Nectar Woode
- Jon Muq
- Isaya
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals — closing concert
- Curtis Harding — American soul
Full program and detailed schedule on the official website bluespassions.com. Free concerts and daytime entertainment in Cognac.
Highlights Blues Passions 2026
- 33rd edition of the festival, from July 1st to 4th, 2026 in Cognac and Jarnac
- Ben l'Oncle Soul opening on Wednesday, July 1st
- Jean-Louis Aubert at Jardin Public on Thursday, July 2nd
- Vanessa Paradis on Friday, July 3rd
- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals closing on Saturday, July 4th
- Over 60 concerts, paid stages in the evening and free daytime concerts
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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Where does it take place — Blues Passions
Jardin Public de l'Hôtel de Ville de Cognac
Boulevard Denfert-Rochereau, 16100 Cognac