Le BōM Festival
Free, participatory and eco-sensitive festival facing the Sainte-Baume massif
About BōM Festival
Le BōM Festival: A Citizen Celebration at the Foot of Sainte-Baume
Nestled in Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, a small village in the Var perched at 670 meters altitude facing the Sainte-Baume forest massif, Le BōM Festival is one of the most unique cultural events in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Born from the initiative of the Collectif Citoyen de Plan-d'Aups, an association of passionate volunteers, it brings together hundreds of festival-goers each early July around strong values: total freeness, citizen participation, ecological responsibility.
100% Volunteer and Citizen Organization
Le BōM Festival is a unique model of citizen cultural organization. Around 30 volunteers work year-round to prepare the event, voluntarily covering nearly 50% of the operational costs. The festival's funding relies on three pillars:
- Institutional and private partners (approximately 25% of the budget)
- Voluntary donations from festival-goers at the bar and food trucks (approximately 25%)
- The volunteer work of the organizing team (equivalent to 50% of the budget)
This solidarity-based economic model allows for completely free entry, including on-site camping, while ensuring a quality artistic program. The organization emphasizes: "The festival thrives thanks to you."
Sainte-Baume: An Exceptional Natural Setting
Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume is located at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, one of Provence's most remarkable forest massifs. The Sainte-Baume forest, classified as an integral biological reserve, is home to a thousand-year-old beech forest, century-old lime trees, and exceptional biodiversity. The massif culminates at the Pic de Bertagne (1,041 m) and is crossed by trails imbued with spirituality.
In this preserved and majestic setting, Le BōM Festival takes place at the Halle de la Maison de Pays, in the heart of the village, offering a natural stage at the foot of the wooded hills. The coolness of the altitude (nights are cool even in July), the pure forest air, and the view of the massif create an extraordinary festive atmosphere.
An Eclectic and Quality Program
The BōM Festival's program encompasses a wide diversity of musical styles, all united by artistic excellence and a taste for contemporary creation. World music, Mediterranean folk, organic electro, jazz, street arts, and live performances mingle in a program that surprises and delights.
The 2025 Edition, July 4th and 5th
The 2025 edition offered two days of exceptionally rich concerts and shows:
Friday, July 4th:
- Sam Karpienia — internationally renowned Provençal singer, a figure of traditional Mediterranean music
- Vinzoo — original creation with electro-folk sounds
- Medusa — band with powerful Mediterranean influences
- Didier la Rafale — electro DJ set
- F.U.R Cròia Musica
- Monsieur Pioup — closing act
Saturday, July 5th:
- Tutte Quante
- Taal Tarang — Indian classical music
- Atomic Ping Pong
- High Fade
- Mamie Vortex — closing act
During the day, theater and street performances enriched the program: Mr François for young audiences, DoctoLibre, Au Faubourg des Mers, La Quête du Râle.
An Eco-Sensitive and Inclusive Festival
Le BōM Festival places ecology and inclusion at the heart of its project. Specifically:
- Reusable cups and tableware to reduce waste
- Dry toilets to conserve water resources
- Encouragement of carpooling and soft mobility
- Free camping on-site to limit evening travel
- Secure space for children and inclusion protocols
- Safety officer (the "Angel") to report problematic behavior
Stands from engaged partners — environmental associations, social organizations — allow the public to get informed and involved.
Workshops and Participatory Activities
Le BōM Festival is more than just a concert festival. Workshops are offered during the day:
- Water locks, DIY filters, sensory paths, painting (morning)
- Pottery, visual arts, face painting, board games, yoga (afternoon)
Dedicated children's areas with adapted activities allow families to fully enjoy the festival. The intergenerational atmosphere is one of Le BōM's hallmarks.
BōM Festival — edition 2026
The BōM Festival returns on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the Halle de la Maison de Pays in Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, for a new edition that is entirely free, participatory, and eco-sensitive. Two days of concerts (electro-fusion, afro-electro-trance, jazz-maloya, electro punk trad, brass live…), shows, and workshops at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, with free on-site camping and catering by food trucks.
2026 Edition — Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in Plan-d'Aups
For its 2026 edition, the BōM Festival once again takes over the Halle de la Maison de Pays and its gardens, in the heart of the village of Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, with breathtaking views of the Sainte-Baume massif. True to its DNA — free, participatory, eco-sensitive — the festival offers two days of concerts, shows, workshops, and shared moments, organized by the Collectif Citoyen de Plan-d'Aups and nearly thirty volunteers.
A focused and demanding musical program
Friday, July 3 opens the festivities at 4:30 PM with Néanderbal (post-history dances), followed by Où l'On Danse (free dance experience and DJ set), Graal (psychedelic electro-fusion), Kimia (afro-electro-trance), Nokamoz (instrumental power trio), and Monsieur Pioup for the nocturnal closing. The mobile sound sculpture Circular Octopulse sets the rhythm throughout the weekend.
Saturday, July 4 brings together Kèr Maloya (traditional Reunion Island songs), Gaël Horellou Identité (jazz-maloya fusion), Ganagobie (electro punk trad), TechnoBrass (live electro brass), and Dub4 as the grand finale. The afternoon features the shows Les Corps Parlants (offered dances) and Au Faubourg des Mers (pedal-powered musical carousel).
Workshops, youth shows, and participation
Starting at 9 AM on Saturday, creative and fun workshops are offered. At 11 AM, a show for all ages opens the day. Throughout the festival, children have a dedicated secure space, and the spirit of intergenerational sharing remains one of BōM's hallmarks.
Free entry, donations, and volunteering
Entry remains entirely free, including on-site camping (tents only). The festival thrives on voluntary donations made at the bar and with food trucks, support from institutional and private partners, and the volunteer work of the team. To support the event or join the team, contact via lebomfestival.org or the Collectif Citoyen de Plan-d'Aups.
Programme BōM Festival 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026
Doors open at 4:30 PM
- 4:30 PM — Néanderbal · post-history dances
- 6:00 PM — Où l'On Danse · free dance experience + DJ set
- 7:30 PM — Graal · psychedelic electro-fusion
- 9:30 PM — Kimia · afro-electro-trance
- 11:30 PM — Nokamoz · instrumental power trio
- 12:30 AM — Monsieur Pioup · gliding DJ (closing)
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Workshops and games starting at 9:00 AM
- 11:00 AM — Surprise show · show for all ages
- 2:00 PM — Les Corps Parlants · offered dances
- 3:00 PM — Au Faubourg des Mers · pedal-powered musical carousel
- 5:30 PM — Kèr Maloya · traditional Reunion Island songs
- 7:30 PM — Gaël Horellou Identité · jazz-maloya fusion
- 9:30 PM — Ganagobie · electro punk trad
- 11:30 PM — TechnoBrass · live electro brass
- 12:30 AM — Dub4 · skank it up (closing)
All weekend
- Circular Octopulse · itinerant sound tricycle throughout the festival
Highlights BōM Festival 2026
- Entirely free festival, funded by festival-goers' donations and volunteer work
- Free on-site camping at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif
- Eclectic program: electro-fusion, afro-trance, jazz-maloya, brass live, dub
- Dedicated children's area, creative workshops starting at 9 AM on Saturday
- Circular Octopulse sound sculpture roaming throughout the weekend
Prices BōM Festival 2026
Practical information — BōM Festival
Practical Information
Location
Halle de la Maison de Pays
185 chemin de la Morguette
83640 Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume
Access
By car: Plan-d'Aups is located 45 km from Marseille, 40 km from Aix-en-Provence, 50 km from Toulon, and 20 km from Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. From the A52 (Marseille-Aubagne), take exit Aubagne-Nord then D2 towards Auriol and D95 towards Plan-d'Aups. From the A8, take exit Saint-Maximin then D560.
Carpooling: Strongly encouraged. Togetzer carpooling platform available on the festival website.
Tip: Nights are cool at altitude, pack warm clothing even in July.
Camping
Free on-site camping (tents only). Alternatives exist nearby: Lou Pèbre d'Aï, Hostellerie Sainte-Baume. Reservations recommended.
Food
Food trucks on site with vegetarian options and accessible children's menus. Desserts, ice cream, and popcorn prepared by volunteers. No costs beyond bar and food trucks.
Entry
Completely free entry. The festival operates thanks to voluntary donations at the bar and purchases from food trucks.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 09 71 55 56 46
Website: www.lebomfestival.org
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Where does it take place — BōM Festival
Halle de la Maison de Pays de Plan-d'Aups
185 chemin de la Morguette, 83640 Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume