Le Son by Toulon

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.