Là-Haut sur la Colline

Là-Haut sur la Colline: A Unique Humanist and Musical Festival in Lorraine

Created in 2005 by the popular education association Festi-Eurolive, the Là-Haut sur la Colline festival was born on the mythical colline inspirée de Sion, a spiritual and cultural landmark in Lorraine dear to Maurice Barrès. For nearly fifteen years, this biennial event brought together thousands of festival-goers on this historic promontory, before settling in Épinal in 2021, first at the castle and then at the Parc du Cours, a 2.8-hectare green setting along the Moselle in the heart of the City of Images.

An Original Concept: When Music Meets Thought

What sets Là-Haut sur la Colline apart from other festivals is its deeply humanist and European DNA. Each edition revolves around a societal theme explored in all its forms: conferences with renowned thinkers, round tables, citizen discussion spaces, fun and creative workshops during the day, followed by festive concerts in the evening. The 2023 edition, chaired by Edgar Morin, explored the theme "Go, live, learn! The apprenticeships of life" and welcomed Germany as the guest country, highlighting the European dimension of the project.

An Eclectic and Popular Musical Program

The festival's concert evenings attract a large, family audience with a program combining French variety music, world music, reggae, and pop. Over the years, the Là-Haut sur la Colline stage has hosted artists as diverse as Black M, Trois Cafés Gourmands, KeBlack, Luc Arbogast, Sinsemilia, Yseult, Hugues Aufray, Zebda, Akli D., and Juliette Emrose. This musical diversity reflects the spirit of openness and cultural mixing that has driven the festival since its inception.

An Associative Village at the Heart of the Festival

Beyond the music stage, the village of initiatives brings together more than fifty exhibitors—associations, artisans, players in the social and solidarity economy—offering activities, demonstrations, and exchanges with the public. Dance battles, screenings, and a day dedicated to schoolchildren complete a program designed to reach all audiences, from the youngest to the most discerning.

A Festival Rooted in the Vosges and Open to Europe

Supported by around forty passionate volunteers and local authorities, Là-Haut sur la Colline embodies a vision of culture as a vector of social connection and living together. By settling in Épinal, the festival has found new momentum while preserving the spirit of the inspired hill: that of a joyful gathering where celebration and reflection mutually nourish each other, in service of a more fraternal society.