Le Son by Toulon
Open-air contemporary music festival in the heart of Toulon
About Le Son
Le Son by Toulon: The 100% Toulon Contemporary Music Festival
Le Son by Toulon has established itself in just a few editions as the unmissable musical event of the Var summer. Supported by the City of Toulon, this open-air festival brings together the biggest headliners of the pop, rock, rap, hip-hop, and world music scene every July at the parvis of the Zénith, the large outdoor space along the Boulevard du Commandant Nicolas in the heart of the city.
The concept is simple and effective: a large-capacity outdoor stage, powerful sound system, food trucks, and night after night, artists who achieve consensus with the general public and contemporary music lovers. The result? Festive and convivial evenings that bring together tens of thousands of spectators throughout July.
The 2025 Edition: A Dream Lineup
The 2025 edition of Le Son by Toulon, held from July 12 to 25, featured an eclectic and ambitious lineup, bringing together several generations of major artists:
- Michel Polnareff — the French rock dandy, author of timeless classics, on an exceptional tour
- GIMS — one of the most listened-to French-speaking artists in the world, blending rap, R&B, and pop
- Simple Minds — the British rock legends of the 1980s, still electrifying on stage
- Ibrahim Maalouf — virtuoso trumpeter and Franco-Lebanese composer, a world jazz star
Each evening, the gates open at 6 PM to allow festival-goers to enjoy the food trucks and atmosphere before the concerts. The diversity of the programming reflects the festival's commitment to being accessible to all audiences, from teenagers who are rap fans to lovers of vintage rock.
The 2026 Edition: Renewal and Continuity
For 2026, Le Son by Toulon promises once again a first-class lineup, from July 12 to 25. The confirmed artists demonstrate a deliberate stylistic diversity:
- Ben Harper with Charlie Winston in support — the Californian bluesman with folk, soul, and reggae roots
- Bigflo & Oli with Fredz opening — the Toulouse duo of conscious and popular rap
- Mika with The Avener — the British-Lebanese singer and the Savoyard electro-pop DJ, a sold-out evening
- Patrick Bruel — the essential French chanson singer
- Tayc & Jok'Air — the cream of current French R&B and rap
- Damso — the Belgian-Congolese rapper closing the festival
A Committed and Eco-Responsible Festival
Le Son by Toulon has been integrating sustainable development and solidarity initiatives for several years. Reusable cups, waste sorting, partnerships with local associations: the festival strives to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining the high standards that have earned it its reputation.
Le Zénith de Toulon: An Exceptional Venue
The parvis of the Zénith de Toulon, located at 244 Boulevard du Commandant Nicolas, offers a large outdoor capacity with a view of the Toulon hills. Its central location, close to the train station and numerous parking lots, makes it easily accessible for all festival-goers in the region. The 13 food trucks offering world cuisines, regional specialties, and drinks contribute to creating a complete festive atmosphere beyond just the concerts.
Le Son — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Le Son by Toulon takes place from July 12th to 25th on the Zénith's forecourt. Ben Harper with Charlie Winston, Tayc & Jok'Air, Bigflo & Oli with Fredz, Mika with The Avener, and Damso make up a lineup blending rock soul, conscious rap, international pop, and the French urban scene. Patrick Bruel's concert, initially scheduled for July 22nd, has been cancelled.
2026 Edition — From July 12th to 25th
Le Son by Toulon returns in 2026 with a lineup that blends legendary artists and current headliners. From July 12th to 25th, the Zénith de Toulon forecourt welcomes the biggest stars of the moment in a Mediterranean festive atmosphere, with a capacity of over 10,000 people.
2026 Program
- July 12th — Ben Harper + Charlie Winston: the Californian bluesman with soul, folk, and reggae roots opens the festivities. Charlie Winston, author of «Like a Hobo», performs the first part.
- July 17th — Tayc & Jok'Air: R&B and rap night with two of the most prominent artists on the current French urban scene.
- July 18th — Bigflo & Oli + Fredz: the Toulouse duo of positive and committed rap, with Fredz opening.
- July 23rd — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: a tribute night to the musical universe of the successful video game, in a symphonic version.
- July 24th — Mika + The Avener: an exceptional pop and electro night bringing together two artists of incomparable talent and charisma.
- July 25th — Damso: the Belgian-Congolese rapper closes the festival, with his unique flow and finely crafted lyrics.
Concert cancelled: Patrick Bruel's concert scheduled for July 22nd has been cancelled. The artist announced the withdrawal of all his festival concerts for summer 2026. Ticket holders are invited to contact their point of sale (Fnac, Ticketmaster, etc.) for a refund.
The Spirit of the Festival
True to its philosophy, Le Son by Toulon 2026 combines musical genre diversity and accessibility for the greatest number. The opening of the doors and the convivial atmosphere of the Zénith forecourt guarantee memorable evenings for all lovers of contemporary music.
Programme Le Son 2026
2026 Program
- 12/07: Ben Harper + Charlie Winston
- 17/07: Tayc & Jok'Air
- 18/07: Bigflo & Oli + Fredz
- 22/07: Patrick Bruel — cancelled
- 23/07: Clair Obscur — Expedition 33
- 24/07: Mika + The Avener
- 25/07: Damso
Highlights Le Son 2026
Highlights of the 2026 Edition
- Ben Harper opening — soul, blues, and folk under the Var sky
- Bigflo & Oli — French conscious rap in their adopted southern city
- Mika + The Avener — an unforgettable pop-electro evening
- Damso closing — an electric end to the festival
Prices Le Son 2026
Practical information — Le Son
Practical Information
Location
Parvis du Zénith de Toulon
244 Boulevard du Commandant Nicolas
83000 Toulon
Hours
Gates open at 6 PM. Concerts start in the evening.
Prices
Online and on-site ticketing. Prices vary depending on the artists. Each evening is offered separately or as a multi-evening pass.
Access
By car: 244 Boulevard du Commandant Nicolas, 83000 Toulon. Nearby parking: Q-Park Zénith Préfecture, Indigo Park Palais Liberté, Parking des Lices (free), Parking Préfecture P2 (free).
By train: Toulon station (TGV and TER), then bus or taxi to the Zénith (approx. 15 min walk).
By bus: Mistral network — stops near the Zénith.
Accessibility
The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Dedicated parking at the Music Conservatory. Entrance and reserved seating for PRM. Contact: 04 94 22 66 77.
Restrictions
Ticket required for everyone, including children. Not recommended for children under 3 years old (high sound volume). Professional cameras, video, and recording equipment prohibited. Large bags and backpacks not allowed.
Contact
Website: www.sonbytoulon.com
Organizer: Ville de Toulon
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Where does it take place — Le Son
Parvis du Zénith de Toulon
244 boulevard du Commandant Nicolas, 83000 Toulon