Pause Guitare Festival
The great musical event of the Albi summer since 1997
About Pause Guitare
Created in 1997 by the association Arpèges & Trémolos, the Pause Guitare festival has become one of the major musical events in the south of France. Every year in early July, the Pratgraussals leisure center in Albi hosts international headliners on its open-air stages, while free concerts take over the historic city center. From variety to rock, from hip-hop to French chanson, Pause Guitare celebrates musical diversity in an exceptional setting, at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage episcopal city.
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Pause Guitare: 30 Years of Music in the Heart of Albi
Since its creation in 1997, the Pause Guitare festival has established itself as one of the unmissable musical events in the Occitanie region and the south of France. Driven by the association Arpèges & Trémolos, this event transforms the city of Albi into a huge open-air musical stage every summer, attracting nearly 60,000 festival-goers over five days of concerts.
An Exceptional Site: Pratgraussals
The heart of the festival beats at the Pratgraussals leisure center, a green setting located on the banks of the Tarn, a few minutes from the historic center of Albi. This site offers a remarkable natural setting to host the festival's main stages and headliners. In parallel, the city center of Albi comes alive with numerous free stages—up to eleven spread across squares, alleys, and courtyards—allowing festival-goers to discover emerging artists and local bands.
An Eclectic and Ambitious Program
The strength of Pause Guitare lies in its bold programming that blends genres and generations. From Sting to Julien Doré, from The Kills to SCH, from Ben Harper to Orelsan, the festival has hosted the biggest names in French and international music over the years. Variety, rock, pop, French chanson, hip-hop, electro, and blues all share the stage, offering a rich and diverse musical experience.
In addition to the concerts on the main stage at Pratgraussals, the festival offers exceptional concerts in the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a Gothic gem classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing unique acoustics and atmosphere. The free stages in the city center allow festival-goers to discover the next generation of musicians in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Strong Territorial Roots
Pause Guitare is more than just a music festival: it is a true economic and cultural driver for the Albi region. The event generates significant economic benefits for the city and its businesses, while contributing to Albi's national and international tourism appeal. The festival relies on a network of passionate volunteers and the support of local authorities, the Occitanie Region, and numerous private partners.
2026: An Exceptional Anniversary Edition
The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pause Guitare festival, a major milestone celebrated with an exceptional program. For this historic edition, the festival promises five days of celebration with top-tier artists and an ephemeral museum retracing three decades of unforgettable memories and moments. Pause Guitare invites its loyal festival-goers to share their memories—photos, videos, objects—to build this collective memory.
Pause Guitare — edition 2026
The Pause Guitare festival celebrates its 30th anniversary from July 8th to 12th, 2026 in Albi with an exceptional lineup. Orelsan, Gims, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Jean-Louis Aubert, Véronique Sanson, The Kooks, Magic System, and Rilès are among the first announced artists for this historic edition on the Pratgraussals stage.
30th Anniversary — July 8-12, 2026
Pause Guitare celebrates its 30 years with an exceptional anniversary edition from July 8th to 12th, 2026. To mark this historic event, the festival has unveiled a top-tier lineup:
- Friday, July 10: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Jean-Louis Aubert, The Kooks, Véronique Sanson
- Saturday, July 11: Orelsan in an unprecedented 1.5-hour concert
- Sunday, July 12: Gims and Magic System
Other artists such as Rilès, Helena, Luiza, Miki, and Mosimann complete the bill. An ephemeral museum will retrace three decades of festival memories, inviting festival-goers to share photos, videos, and objects to build this collective memory.
Prices Pause Guitare 2026
Practical information — Pause Guitare
Practical Information
Access
By car: Albi is accessible via the A68 motorway from Toulouse (75 km, approx. 1 hour). The Pratgraussals leisure center is located east of the city center, on the banks of the Tarn. Free parking is available near the site with shuttle services.
By train: Albi-Ville station is served by regional trains (liO) from Toulouse (approx. 1h15). Shuttles connect the station to the festival site.
By bus: The Albibus network serves the city center of Albi. Special festival lines are set up during the event.
Ticketing
Tickets are available on the official website pauseguitare.net and on partner ticketing platforms. Multi-day passes and day tickets are offered. The city center concerts are free.
Food and Services
Numerous food stalls are present at the Pratgraussals site, offering local specialties and various cuisines. Water points and rest areas are set up on site.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Pause Guitare at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Pause Guitare
Pratgraussals
Base de loisirs de Pratgraussals, 81000 Albi