Jesus Festival

Jesus Festival: Faith in Music in Paray-le-Monial

In the heart of Southern Burgundy, Paray-le-Monial — a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the Sacred Heart — hosts a unique event every summer: the Jesus Festival. Launched in 2022 by the AFAC (Association for the Christian Artistic Festival), this Christian music festival has become, in just a few editions, the largest interdenominational music gathering in France.

Rapid Growth

The Jesus Festival's trajectory is remarkable. From its first edition in 2022, the festival attracted around 4,000 attendees. The enthusiasm has continued to grow: 5,000 festival-goers in 2023, nearly 6,000 in 2024, and over 5,200 in 2025. The organizers identify a natural equilibrium point around 6,500 people, which they aim to reach.

The audience is remarkably diverse: 42% evangelicals, 36% Catholics, 10% Reformed Protestants, and 12% non-practicing or non-believers. All age groups are represented, from families with children (16% under 15) to seniors (13% over 55).

Three Days of Concerts and Worship

The Jesus Festival unfolds over three days at the Parc du Moulin Liron, a vast green space on the banks of the Bourdonnaise. The lineup features renowned French and international artists, covering a wide musical spectrum: praise pop, gospel, hip-hop, drill, electro, acoustic, and sacred classical music.

Headliners and Discoveries

Among the artists who have graced the Jesus Festival stage: the Irish band Rend Collective, Morijah, the Collectif Cieux Ouverts, Matt Marvane, Louange Collectif Pierre, and rappers Imrah, RST, and Kunghino. The festival also offers a Tremplin (Springboard) program that selects and supports four emerging bands, providing them with coaching and a stage to perform in front of thousands of spectators.

A Spiritual and Festive Experience

Beyond the concerts, the Jesus Festival offers a unique spiritual dimension with 24 hours of uninterrupted worship on the basilica stage, prayer times, family entertainment, and creative activities for all ages. The atmosphere is intended to be "fraternal, joyful, and open," uniting Christians from different denominations — Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals — in a spirit of communion and celebration.

Strong Local Roots

The choice of Paray-le-Monial is no accident. This town in Saône-et-Loire has been a major pilgrimage site since the apparitions of the Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. The festival builds on this tradition of spiritual hospitality while infusing it with a resolutely contemporary energy.