Montjoux Festival

From the Castle Courtyard to the Shores of Lake Geneva

The history of the Montjoux Festival began in 1997, when a small event named Estivalpe was born in the courtyard of the Château de Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains. In its early days, about a hundred standing spectators attended a few concerts on a single stage. The event grew rapidly and moved to the Domaine de Montjoux, a wooded park by the lake that gave it its current name and offers an exceptional natural setting between the waters of Lake Geneva and the Alpine peaks.

Over nearly three decades, the festival has established itself as a must-attend summer music event in Haute-Savoie, attracting a family and intergenerational audience thanks to an eclectic program that mixes national headliners and discoveries.

A Francophone and Eclectic Program

The artistic direction of the Montjoux Festival emphasizes French chanson, pop, rock, and variety music, with an openness to rap, soul, and world music. Over the years, the festival has hosted artists such as Bigflo et Oli, SCH, Kendji Girac, Emma Peters, Tiakola, and Julien Granel. Two stages allow for alternating genres and discovering young talents as opening acts for the headliners.

Each evening begins in the late afternoon and continues into the summer night, with Lake Geneva as a backdrop, creating a friendly and festive atmosphere that is the event's signature.

An Exceptional Natural Setting

The Domaine de Montjoux, located on the edge of Lake Geneva, offers a remarkable green setting for an open-air festival. Spectators enjoy shaded lawns, proximity to the water, and a panorama of the Chablais mountains and the Swiss shore of the lake. This unique landscape setting greatly contributes to the festival's identity and the experience of festival-goers, who can combine concerts with walks along the water.

15,000 Spectators and Strong Local Roots

With a capacity of up to 15,000 people per evening, the Montjoux Festival has become a major cultural and economic player for Thonon-les-Bains and the Chablais region. The event mobilizes numerous local volunteers and partners, and contributes to the tourist appeal of the spa town during the summer period. Accessible via the Pass Culture, the festival strives to remain open to the widest possible audience with a controlled pricing policy.