Free Music Festival
Contemporary music festival on the shore of Lake Montendre
About Freemusic
The Freemusic Festival (also written Free Music Festival) is a contemporary music festival held annually in June on the shore of Lake Baron Desqueyroux in Montendre, Charente-Maritime. Organized by the 'à donf' association and directed since 2001 by Samuel Vincent, the two-day event offers an eclectic program mixing reggae, dub, rock, French chanson, hard techno, and electronic music, in an exceptional natural setting with your feet in the water.
A festival on the lake shore
The Freemusic Festival takes place in the exceptional natural setting of Lake Baron Desqueyroux in Montendre, Charente-Maritime. The site offers an ideal backdrop for a musical weekend, with open-air concerts, forest camping, a lake and beach for swimming, all in the heart of the South Saintonge pine forest.
Multiple stages, an eclectic program
The festival spreads its program across five areas: the Fire Stage (main stage), the Moonlight Area, the Feel Free Village, the Mayarena, and the Pool Party. The program, open from noon to 6 AM, covers various styles: reggae, dub, hip-hop, rock, French chanson, hard techno, and electronic music. Over the editions, the festival has hosted artists such as Claudio Capéo, Biga*Ranx, Jahneration, La Ruda, and Pogo Car Crash Control.
A locally rooted associative history
The festival is supported by the 'à donf' association, created in 1995 to develop artistic practices in the Haute-Saintonge region. Artistic direction has been provided since 2001 by Samuel Vincent. Production is entrusted to the Belle Factory agency. The phoenix, symbol of the festival, illustrates the philosophy of permanent renewal that drives the event.
Camping and accommodation
Several camping options are available on site: Festival Camping (in the heart of the festival, for ages 16 and up), Family Camping, and Converted Vehicle Camping. For those who prefer a solid roof over their heads, Camping Domaine du Lac and various accommodations in Montendre and the surrounding area complete the offer.
Freemusic — edition 2026
The Freemusic Festival returns on June 19 and 20, 2026 to the shores of Lac Baron Desqueyroux in Montendre (17). Two days of contemporary music with Claudio Capéo, Biga*Ranx, Jahneration, La Ruda, Pogo Car Crash Control, Luiza, Soom T, Cachemire, THK and Flymeon, spread across five stages in the heart of the South Saintonge pine forest.
2026 Edition: June 19 & 20
For this new edition, the Freemusic Festival extends its program over two days on the shores of Lac Baron Desqueyroux. Regular ticketing is open after the Xmas Phénix and Early Phénix offers sold out.
Five stages, a hundred hours of music
The program is spread across five areas: Fire Stage (main stage), Moonlight Area (electronic music), Feel Free Village, Mayarena and the Pool Party. Music plays from noon to 6 AM.
Headliners: Claudio Capéo and Biga*Ranx
The 2026 edition sees the return of Claudio Capéo to the Fire Stage with his accordion pop, and Biga*Ranx, a major figure in French-speaking reggae. Alongside them, Jahneration (modern reggae), La Ruda (rock-ska returning 25 years after their debut), Luiza, Pogo Car Crash Control (fresh from Hellfest), Soom T, Cachemire, THK (ex-Tetra Hydro K, dub) and Flymeon (hard techno).
Weekend with your feet in the water
Open-air concerts, forest camping, beach for swimming, on-site catering and entertainment: Freemusic offers an immersive festival experience, in the natural setting of Lac Baron Desqueyroux.
Programme Freemusic 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026
- Claudio Capéo — Fire Stage · accordion pop, powerful voice
- Jahneration — Fire Stage · modern reggae, reggae/hip-hop fusion
- La Ruda — Fire Stage · French rock-ska legend, returning after several years of absence
- THK (ex-Tetra Hydro K) — powerful and immersive dub/electronic performance opening the weekend
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Biga*Ranx — Fire Stage · major figure in French-speaking reggae with Jamaican sounds
- Luiza — Fire Stage · dub/pop artist
- Pogo Car Crash Control — Fire Stage · angry rock, freshly out of Hellfest
- Flymeon — Moonlight Area · explosive hard techno show mixing devastating beats, live guitars and overclocked synths
- Soom T — Fire Stage · ragga/dub
- Cachemire — Fire Stage
Official program communicated by the organization. Specific times and day-by-day artist assignments will be detailed on freemusic-festival.com/programmation-2026 closer to the event.
Highlights Freemusic 2026
- Headliners: Claudio Capéo, Biga*Ranx, Jahneration, La Ruda
- Five stages (Fire Stage, Moonlight Area, Feel Free Village, Mayarena, Pool Party)
- Continuous programming from noon to 6 AM
- On-site camping by the lake
- Free access beach and swimming
- Pass Culture eligible (15-18 years old)
- Haute-Saintonge reduced rate
Prices Freemusic 2026
Practical information — Freemusic
Location
Lac Baron Desqueyroux — Allée du lac, 17130 Montendre
Access
- By car: A10 then D730 towards Montendre, then follow signs for Lac de Montendre
- On-site parking
- Shuttles available from Montendre town center
On-site camping
- Festival Camping (heart of the festival, 16+ years)
- Family Camping
- Converted Vehicle Camping
Children's tickets
Free for children born after June 19, 2016 (ticket required). Reduced price for children born between June 21, 2010, and June 19, 2016. Parental authorization and ID are mandatory for minors.
Culture Pass
Young people aged 15 to 18 can obtain their pass via the Pass Culture application.
Payment
Secure 3D Secure credit card payment, payment in 3 installments possible (up to 30 days before the event), cancellation insurance available.
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Where does it take place — Freemusic
Lac Baron Desqueyroux
Allée du lac, 17130 Montendre, 17130 Montendre