Fête de la Musique in Joinville-le-Pont

The Fête de la Musique in Joinville-le-Pont: music in the guinguette city

Joinville-le-Pont is one of the most emblematic cities of Parisian guinguette culture. Its banks of the Marne have hosted generations of Parisians since the 19th century, who came to dance, sing, and enjoy the river in the guinguettes and popular dances. This tradition, immortalized by Impressionist painters and filmmakers of the 1930s, is still very much alive in Joinville, and the Fête de la Musique is one of its finest contemporary expressions.

The Polangis quays take center stage

On the evening of June 21st, the Polangis quays and the banks of the Marne become the stage for a popular musical celebration that brings together all generations. The program embraces all styles, in homage to the musical diversity of the guinguettes of yesteryear:

• Accordion and musette: an essential tribute to the Joinville guinguette tradition
• Gypsy jazz and swing: in the vein of the dance orchestras of the 1940s
• Rock, pop, and French chanson: local bands ensure the atmosphere for an audience of all ages
• World music: percussion, Latin rhythms, and African music liven up the riverbanks
• Electro and DJ sets: late-night music for night owls

The tradition of the popular dance

The Fête de la Musique in Joinville-le-Pont always includes a moment of popular dance, a clear nod to the city's guinguette tradition. As soon as the accordion strikes up a waltz or a java, couples and families flood the dance floor on the quays, perpetuating the gesture of their ancestors who came here to find joy and forget their weeks of labor.

Joinville-le-Pont, an exceptional natural setting

The Marne river, the river islands of Joinville, and the tree-lined banks create an exceptional natural setting for the Fête de la Musique. The reflection of the festival lights on the water, the mild summer evening, and the murmur of the river create a poetic atmosphere that no other place can replicate. Coming to celebrate music in Joinville on June 21st means immersing yourself in a living and vibrant cultural history.