Le Grand Unisson
Orléans Métropole's premier contemporary music festival
About Le Grand U
Le Grand Unisson: Over Thirty Years of Music and Camaraderie
Since 1990, Le Grand Unisson – affectionately nicknamed "Le Grand U" – has been the unmissable musical event in Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle and the Orléans Métropole. Born in the late 1980s in the Corbolottes district, where concerts were held on the roofs of buildings, the festival has grown over the decades to become a major event on the Loiret cultural scene.
From Popular Origins to a Large-Scale Festival
Initially, the creation of a recording studio in Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle made the town a meeting place for local bands. As early as 1992, the festival evolved with the establishment of six "young talent" stages designed to give visibility to regional bands, in addition to a main stage hosting major national artists. In 2003, due to the growing influx of the public, the festival moved to the IRESDA stadium, rue de Bagneaux, where it has been held every year since.
A Claimed Musical Eclecticism
The identity of Le Grand Unisson is based on the diversity of its programming. Rock, pop, French chanson, hip-hop, world music, soul, funk, folk, reggae, electro-pop: genres cross and respond to each other on the festival's two stages. The main stage hosts recognized headliners – including Tryo, Superbus, Amel Bent, Ben l'Oncle Soul, Gérald De Palmas, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Les Négresses Vertes, KYO, Princess Erika, Emily Loizeau, and many others – while the discovery stage highlights emerging artists from the Centre-Val de Loire region.
A Festive and Solidarity Village
Beyond the concerts, Le Grand Unisson offers an association village bringing together about thirty organizations that showcase the cultural, eco-responsible, and civic vitality of Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle. Drawing and graffiti workshops, composting initiation, games from the toy library, open-air reading areas, prevention and information stands: the festival is a place for sharing open to all audiences and all ages.
Catering is provided by local associations and artisans offering specialties from around the world, accompanied by local craft beers. Each edition concludes with a fireworks display fired from the stadium, a highlight that brings together young and old.
An Eco-Responsible Commitment
Le Grand Unisson is committed to sustainable development: reusable and compostable tableware, waste sorting, accessible pathways for people with reduced mobility, bicycle parking, and hearing protection awareness. The festival champions the values of free access, musical eclecticism, and openness to all audiences, making each edition a moment of popular celebration and togetherness.
Le Grand U — edition 2026
The 34th edition of Le Grand Unisson will be held on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the IRJS stadium in Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle. Two days of free open-air concerts featuring headliners Emily Loizeau, Broken Back, Sages comme des Sauvages, Tambour Tambour, and Cumbia Boom Box, accompanied by emerging artists on the discovery stage.
34th Edition — June 12 and 13, 2026
Le Grand Unisson returns on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 2026 for its 34th edition at the IRJS stadium in Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle. The first contemporary music festival of the Orléans Métropole offers two days of free open-air concerts, with an eclectic program blending pop, rock, folk, soul, hip-hop, and world music on the main stage and the discovery stage.
A Committed and Accessible Festival
This 2026 edition emphasizes civic engagement with the participation of the Maison des femmes, focusing on the fight against violence against women. The organizers maintain heightened vigilance against any behavior of harassment or discrimination, to preserve the benevolent festive spirit of the festival.
A Festive and Eco-Responsible Village
Beyond the concerts, the festival hosts an associative village bringing together about thirty local organizations, creative workshops, and outdoor play and reading areas. Waste management is carried out by cargo bike, and reusable tableware boasts a 96% return rate. Each evening concludes with a fireworks display.
2026 Mascot
The «choupisson» is the animal mascot of this 34th edition.
Important note: unaccompanied minors under 15 years old are not allowed on the festival site.
Programme Le Grand U 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
Doors open at 6:30 PM
- 6:30 PM — Batucada Ziriguidum (samba) · Opening
- 7:00 PM — Passion Coco (Colombian rhythms / rock) · Main Stage
- 8:10 PM — Tallou (hip-hop / soul) · Discovery Stage
- 9:00 PM — Tambour Tambour (chanson) · Main Stage
- 10:10 PM — Pledge of Healing (rock) · Discovery Stage
- 11:00 PM — Sarāb (oriental rock) · Main Stage
- 12:10 AM — Copycat (pop) · Discovery Stage
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Village opens at 4:00 PM, concerts from 4:15 PM
- 4:15 PM — Le Manuscrit des chiens (family show) · Lawn
- 5:20 PM — Fred Ferrand (solo accordion) · Lawn
- 5:50 PM — Al Ghar (soul) · Discovery Stage
- 6:40 PM — Sages comme des Sauvages (world fusion) · Main Stage
- 7:50 PM — Darkrose (rock) · Discovery Stage
- 8:40 PM — Broken Back (pop folk) · Main Stage
- 9:55 PM — Ysé (pop) · Discovery Stage
- 10:50 PM — Cumbia Boom Box (Colombian cumbia) · Main Stage
- 11:45 PM — Closing fireworks
Highlights Le Grand U 2026
- 34th edition of the first contemporary music festival of the Orléans Métropole
- Two days of free open-air concerts
- Headliners: Emily Loizeau, Broken Back, Sages comme des Sauvages, Tambour Tambour, Cumbia Boom Box
- Eclectic program: pop, rock, folk, soul, hip-hop, world music
- Associative village with about thirty local organizations
- Family show «Le Manuscrit des chiens» on Saturday at 4:15 PM
- Committed festival: participation of the Maison des femmes
- Eco-responsible approach: reusable tableware, waste management by cargo bike
- Closing fireworks on Saturday evening at 11:45 PM
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility, guide dogs admitted
Prices Le Grand U 2026
Practical information — Le Grand U
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle is accessible from the A10 motorway (Orléans-Nord exit). Free parking near the IRESDA stadium.
By bus: Lines 3 and 4 of the TAO network (www.reseau-tao.fr) serve the festival. Stop near the stadium.
By bike: Bicycle parking available at the festival site.
Prices
Admission to the festival is completely free. Food and drinks for sale on site.
Accessibility
The festival is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Guide dogs are allowed. Adapted pathways are set up on the site.
Opening Hours
The festival opens its doors on Friday from 6:30 PM and on Saturday from 4:00 PM (village) and 6:30 PM (concerts). Festivities conclude with fireworks around 11:45 PM on Saturday evening.
Contact
City of Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle — Culture Department
L'Unisson performance hall
1 place de la Mairie, 45140 Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle
Website: www.ville-saintjeandelaruelle.fr
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Where does it take place — Le Grand U
Stade de l'IRJS
Rue de Bagneaux, 45140 Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle