Les Suds, a Arles
World music festival in the heart of the ancient city of Arles
About Les Suds
World music in the heart of the ancient city
Founded in 1996, the Les Suds, a Arles festival has become over three decades the unmissable event for world music in the south of France. Every summer, in July, the festival transforms the historic center of Arles into a huge celebration space where music from Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Maghreb, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean meet.
Exceptional heritage sites
One of the strengths of Les Suds lies in its choice of concert venues. The Ancient Theatre of Arles, a Roman amphitheater from the 1st century, hosts the major open-air evenings. The Cloister of Saint-Trophime, the Romanesque churches, and the squares of the city center offer intimate settings for the "Moments Précieux", "Salons de Musique", and "Siestes Musicales". This dissemination within Arles' heritage creates a unique experience where architecture and music dialogue.
Concerts, workshops, and masterclasses
The Les Suds program is not limited to evening concerts. Every day, the festival offers around forty workshops and masterclasses in dance, singing, instruments, and lifestyle, open to both beginners and professionals. The "Aperos-découvertes", film screenings, and meetings with artists punctuate days rich in discovery, from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.
A complementary winter festival
Since 2018, "Les Suds, en Hiver" has offered a winter edition in February, with concerts, films, and workshops, extending the festival's spirit throughout the year and anchoring world music in Arles' cultural life.
Les Suds — edition 2026
The 31st edition of Les Suds, in Arles, will take place from July 13 to 19, 2026, featuring nearly 60 concerts and musical events dedicated to world music in the heart of the ancient city. The program for the Soirées Suds at the Ancient Theatre includes: Gaël Faye, Fatoumata Diawara, Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI, Camélia Jordana invited by Sofiane Saidi, Mari Froes, Jowee Omicil, L'Antidote and Aïta Mon Amour.
31st edition: seven days of world music
From July 13 to 19, 2026, the 31st edition of Les Suds, in Arles, takes over the city's historic center and its most beautiful monuments — Ancient Theatre, Cour de l'Archevêché, Alyscamps, Place Voltaire, Rhône River Cruise — for an entire week dedicated to world music.
The festival offers nearly 60 concerts and musical events through its emblematic formats: Soirées Suds at the Ancient Theatre, Moments Précieux, Nuits Suds, Salons de Musique, Siestes Musicales and Apéros-découvertes. Free daytime concerts punctuate the week (Cruise at 10:30 AM, Place Voltaire at 5:30 PM).
In parallel, 40 workshops and masterclasses in dance, singing, instruments, and lifestyle arts (Afro-urban dance, diphonic singing, Arabic calligraphy, accordion, Argentine tango, world cuisines) are offered to beginners, professionals, and young audiences, from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17.
Programme Les Suds 2026
Soirées Suds at the Ancient Theatre (headliners)
- Wednesday, July 15 — Aïta Mon Amour, then Sofiane Saidi & Camélia Jordana
- Thursday, July 16 — Mari Froes, then Fatoumata Diawara
- Friday, July 17 — L'Antidote, then Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI
- Saturday, July 18 — Jowee Omicil, then Gaël Faye
Other formats
- Moments Précieux — intimate concerts in heritage monuments
- Nuits Suds — nocturnal performances in various locations throughout the city
- Salons de Musique, Siestes Musicales, Apéros-découvertes
- Free daytime concerts — Rhône River Cruise at 10:30 AM, Place Voltaire at 5:30 PM
- Monday, July 13, 6 PM — Mediapart meeting with Edwy Plenel
Workshops & masterclasses
40 workshops from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17: Afro-urban dance, Mongolian diphonic singing, Arabic calligraphy, accordion, Argentine tango, cuisines from Peru, Japan, and Morocco.
Highlights Les Suds 2026
- 31st edition, July 13 to 19, 2026
- Nearly 60 concerts and 200 artists
- Headliners: Gaël Faye, Fatoumata Diawara, Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI, Camélia Jordana, Sofiane Saidi
- 40 workshops and masterclasses of world music and dances
- Free concerts every day in the city center
Prices Les Suds 2026
Practical information — Les Suds
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place in various locations in the historic center of Arles.
- Address: 14, rue des Arenes, 13200 Arles
- By train: Arles SNCF station, a 10-minute walk away.
- By car: A54 from Nimes or Salon-de-Provence.
Schedules
- Concerts and events from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. throughout the festival week.
Prices
- Evenings at the Ancient Theatre: from 20 to 45 euros
- Workshops and masterclasses: variable prices
- Free events: "Aperos-découvertes", "Siestes Musicales"
Contact
- Website: www.suds-arles.com
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Where does it take place — Les Suds
Theatre Antique et lieux patrimoniaux d'Arles
14 rue des Arènes, 13200 Arles, 13200 Arles