Mardis des Rives

Les Mardis des Rives: Free Summer Concerts in Grand Besançon

Mardis des Rives is a traveling festival of free open-air concerts, organized every summer by Grand Besançon Métropole in partnership with the host towns. Created in 2014, this musical event offers a concert evening every Tuesday in July and August in a town located along the Doubs.

A Traveling Festival Along the Doubs

Each week, Mardis des Rives stops in a different town along the Doubs. The concert venues change each evening, offering spectators the opportunity to discover various sites along the river:

• Saint-Vit
• Avanne-Aveney
• Thise
• Deluz
• Roche-lez-Beaupré
• Byans-sur-Doubs
• Montferrand-le-Château
• Besançon — Gare d'Eau, for the closing evening

An Eclectic Program

The programming of Mardis des Rives is resolutely eclectic, mixing regional and national bands in various musical genres: rock, pop, reggae, salsa, world music, French chanson, electro, and many other styles. Each evening generally features two bands, sometimes with an opening act early in the evening.

Growing Popular Success

Since its creation, the festival has won over an increasingly large audience. With over 12,000 spectators each summer (and up to 18,300 in 2019), Mardis des Rives has established itself as an unmissable summer event in the Grand Besançon area. The friendly atmosphere, free admission, and diverse locations contribute to the success of these open-air evenings.

Evenings Accessible to All

Access to the concerts is completely free. A free shuttle service is provided from Besançon to reach the concert venues. Public welcome starts at 6:45 PM, with concerts at 7:10 PM for the opening act and 8:00 PM for the main concert. Food and drink stands are available at each site.