Pic'Arts Festival — Contemporary music at the foot of the Septmonts keep
The eclectic and family-friendly festival at the foot of the Septmonts keep since 1998
About Pic'Arts Festival
Created in 1998, the Pic'Arts Festival is one of the oldest contemporary music festivals in the Aisne region. For twenty-five years, it took place at the foot of the keep of Septmonts Castle, in a green setting between moats and ancient woods. Its eclectic programming mixes rock, reggae, world music, French chanson, and emerging discoveries, attracting up to 15,000 festival-goers. Since 2024, the festival has reinvented itself at Axo'Plage in Monampteuil, retaining its family atmosphere with a capacity of 6,000 spectators.
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A quarter of a century at the foot of the keep
The Pic'Arts Festival was born in 1998 in the enchanting setting of the Château de Septmonts, a few kilometers from Soissons. Located at the foot of the 14th-century keep, 43 meters high, the festival transforms the wooded park of the former residence of the bishops of Soissons into a unique festive venue every summer. The main stage, set up facing the medieval tower, and the stands arranged in the wooded moats offer a spectacular backdrop that has made the event famous.
An eclectic and committed program
From its origins, Pic'Arts has championed an open vision of music. The programming mixes rock, reggae, world music, ska, French chanson, electro, and hip-hop, with a particular focus on emerging artists and discoveries. Over its twenty-seven editions, the festival has hosted major artists such as HF Thiéfaine, Cali, Matmatah, Naâman, Claudio Capéo, Pierre de Maere, Suzane, Taïro, 47 Ter, Hervé, Debout sur le Zinc, Faada Freddy, Les Fatals Picards, and Babylon Circus.
2023: the historic 25th edition at Septmonts
On July 7 and 8, 2023, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary in the park of the Château de Septmonts with an exceptional lineup. HF Thiéfaine, Matmatah, and Naâman electrified Saturday, while Claudio Capéo, Pierre de Maere, and Suzane set the stage on Friday. Thousands of festival-goers gathered for a memorable edition that marked the end of an era at Septmonts.
A new breath of fresh air: feet in the sand
In 2024, facing increasing logistical constraints (parking, traffic, safety standards), the Association Festival Pic'Arts announced that the Septmonts site could no longer host the festival. After a period of searching, the 2024 edition reinvented itself under the name "Les pieds dans l'sable" (Feet in the Sand) at Axo'Plage, a leisure center on the shores of the Monampteuil lake, between Laon and Soissons. The capacity was deliberately reduced to 6,000 visitors to preserve the family and intergenerational spirit that defines Pic'Arts.
On August 23 and 24, 2024, Cali, 47 Ter, Taïro, Hervé, Debout sur le Zinc, and Faada Freddy inaugurated this new chapter. The 2025 edition, still at Axo'Plage on July 11 and 12, confirms the renewal with Babylon Circus, Les Fatals Picards, Hilight Tribe, Jahneration, and Celkilt on the program.
A festival rooted in its territory
Supported by the Association Festival Pic'Arts, based in Monampteuil, Pic'Arts benefits from the support of the Hauts-de-France Region and local authorities. With its affordable prices, free camping, and a lineup mixing headliners and discoveries, it embodies a model of a popular and friendly festival in the Aisne region.
Pic'Arts Festival — edition 2025
27th edition of the Pic'Arts Festival at Axo'Plage in Monampteuil, on July 11 and 12, 2025. Eclectic programming with Babylon Circus, Les Fatals Picards, Hilight Tribe, Jahneration, Celkilt, and En Passant 100% Goldman. Family atmosphere, beach, and concerts by the lake.
27th Edition: Pic'Arts Confirms Its Renewal
The Pic'Arts Festival returns on July 11 and 12, 2025 to Axo'Plage, on the shores of the Monampteuil lake, for its 27th edition. Following the success of the "Feet in the Sand" experience in 2024, the festival confirms its establishment in this new location that combines nature, leisure, and music. The capacity remains deliberately limited to 6,000 visitors over the two days, ensuring a friendly and family atmosphere.
Ticket sales opened on April 9, 2025, with affordable prices: 22 euros for a day pass and 38 euros for a two-day pass. Approximately eight concerts are scheduled over the two days, without stadium-level headliners but with an eclectic selection of artists known for their stage energy.
On Friday, July 11, Babylon Circus brings its festive ska-reggae, Celkilt electrifies the stage with its Celtic punk, En Passant 100% Goldman pays tribute to Jean-Jacques Goldman's repertoire, Tambour Tambour offers its captivating percussion, and Aérostat Palace opens the festivities.
On Saturday, July 12, Les Fatals Picards deploy their humorous and unifying rock, Jahneration lays down its reggae basslines, Hilight Tribe invites listeners on a journey with its trance-world sounds, and Palnik & Lewa complete the lineup.
The Axo'Plage site offers a 300-meter beach accessible until 6 PM, play areas, water slides, and vast green spaces. Food and drink stands are available on site.
Programme Pic'Arts Festival 2025
Friday, July 11, 2025
- Aérostat Palace
- Tambour Tambour
- En Passant 100% Goldman
- Celkilt
- Babylon Circus
Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Palnik & Lewa
- Hilight Tribe
- Jahneration
- Les Fatals Picards
Highlights Pic'Arts Festival 2025
- 27th edition at Axo'Plage, Monampteuil
- Babylon Circus and Les Fatals Picards headlining
- Hilight Tribe for trance and world sounds
- Jahneration and Celkilt for reggae and Celtic punk
- Tribute to Goldman with En Passant 100% Goldman
- Beach access and water activities included until 6 PM
- Capacity limited to 6,000 spectators
Prices Pic'Arts Festival 2025
Practical information — Pic'Arts Festival
Practical Information
Historic Venue (1998-2023)
The festival was held for 25 years at the Parc du Château de Septmonts, at the foot of the medieval keep. Address: 7 rue d'Acy, 02200 Septmonts.
New Venue (since 2024)
Since 2024, the festival takes place at Axo'Plage, a leisure center located on the shores of the Monampteuil lake, between Laon and Soissons. The park is privatized for the occasion and offers a beach, play areas, water slides, and green spaces.
Access
- By car: From Soissons (20 min) or Laon (20 min) via the RN2. Parking available on site.
- By train: SNCF stations in Soissons or Laon, then shuttle or carpooling.
Prices (2025 edition)
- 1-day pass: 22 euros
- 2-day pass: 38 euros
- Children under 5: free
Camping
Free camping area provided by the municipality for festival-goers.
Ticketing
Online sales on picartsfestival.com and usual points of sale (Ticketnet network, Fnac, cultural hypermarkets).
Contact
- Association Festival Pic'Arts
- Address: 21 rue de la Chaussée Romaine, 02000 Monampteuil
- Phone: 03 23 23 12 13
- Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Pic'Arts Festival
Parc du Château de Septmonts
7 rue d'Acy, 02200 Septmonts