Les Givrés

Les Givrés: The Festival That Warms Up Melle's Winters

In the French festival landscape, few events dare to schedule concerts in the dead of winter. Yet, this is the bold gamble that the association La Ronde des Jurons takes every year with the Les Givrés festival, which has established itself since 2015 as a must-attend event on the independent music scene in Deux-Sèvres.

Deliberately Offbeat Programming

The hallmark of Les Givrés is its assumed eclecticism. From electro to rock, from cumbia to French chanson, from poetic punk to world music, the programming mixes genres and styles with a preference for atypical artists, electrifying bands, and shows that go off the beaten track. The festival defines itself as an event for "punks from 7 to 99 years old," signifying a desire to welcome all generations.

Salle Jacques Prévert: A Winter Gem

The festival takes place at the Salle Jacques Prévert in Melle, transformed for the occasion into a festive space with retro accents. The vintage dance floor, eccentric decorations, and warm atmosphere joyfully contrast with the February cold. Under the adjoining tent, festival-goers gather around a friendly bar and carefully prepared food, extending the party between concerts.

A Festival Rooted in Mellois

Melle, a small medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its silver mines and Romanesque churches, offers a unique setting for this offbeat festival. La Ronde des Jurons, a dynamic cultural association from Mellois, carries the event with a team of passionate volunteers who manage the entire organization. The festival contributes to the winter cultural animation of a rural area often dormant during the cold months.

Two Days of Celebration in February

The festival spans two days, Friday and Saturday, with evening concerts and more family-friendly and relaxed offerings on Saturday afternoon. DJ Moule, an emblematic figure of the event, regularly provides the late-night sets, joyfully mixing rock, soul, and electro standards, from AC/DC to Daft Punk, including The Beatles and LCD Soundsystem.