Montluçon French Song Festival
The free weekend of French song in the medieval city
About Montluçon French Song
Created in 2006, the Montluçon French Song Festival is an entirely free event that takes over the medieval city every year on the third weekend of August. For three days, the Esplanade du Château des ducs de Bourbon and the banks of the Cher river host concerts by established and emerging artists from the French-speaking scene. The "Off" program features five stages in five emblematic locations in old Montluçon, making French song resonate in the heart of the medieval heritage.
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Montluçon French Song Festival: A Free and Popular Event
Since 2006, the Montluçon French Song Festival has celebrated the richness and diversity of French-language music every summer. Organized by the City of Montluçon, this free event has become an essential fixture on the French music scene over more than twenty editions.
The Medieval City in Music
The festival takes place in an exceptional setting: the medieval city of Montluçon, dominated by the majestic Château des ducs de Bourbon built in 1370. The Esplanade du Château, offering a striking panorama of the city and the loops of the Cher river, is the festival's main stage. The banks of the Cher also host concerts, creating a unique atmosphere between historical heritage and contemporary musical creation.
A Rich and Eclectic Program
Each edition offers about fifteen completely free concerts spread over three days. The main program features established French artists—text-based songs, French pop, folk, slam—as well as musical tributes to great figures of French song. In parallel, the "Off" program features five stages in five emblematic locations in the medieval city, providing a showcase for emerging artists and local talents.
The festival emphasizes the discovery of new talents and offers platforms that allow winners to benefit from studio recordings and opening slots at subsequent editions.
A Unifying and Accessible Event
The complete freeness of the festival is at the heart of its philosophy: making culture accessible to all, without economic barriers. Every year, thousands of spectators gather in the cobbled streets of old Montluçon to share moments of conviviality around music. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of Montluçon and the enhancement of its exceptional medieval heritage, classified among the most remarkable in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Over the years, the French Song Festival has hosted renowned artists and revealed many talents, establishing itself as a major French song event in the center of France.
Montluçon French Song — edition 2026
21st edition of the Montluçon French Song Festival. The free French-language song event returns to the medieval city on the third weekend of August with concerts at the Esplanade du Château and the "Off" program in old Montluçon.
21st Edition — August 14 to 16, 2026
The Montluçon French Song Festival returns for its 21st edition from August 14 to 16, 2026. On the third weekend of August, the medieval city will once again vibrate to the rhythm of French-language song with a completely free program.
The main stage will be set up on the Esplanade du Château des ducs de Bourbon, while the "Off" program will take over five locations in old Montluçon. The full program will be announced during the summer of 2026.
Programme Montluçon French Song 2026
2026 Program
The program for the 21st edition will be announced in the summer of 2026. As every year, the festival will offer:
- About fifteen free concerts over three days
- Main stage at the Esplanade du Château
- Concerts on the banks of the Cher
- "Off" program with 5 stages in the medieval city
- Platform for emerging artists
Prices Montluçon French Song 2026
Practical information — Montluçon French Song
Practical Information
Access
By car: Montluçon is accessible via the A71 motorway from Paris or Clermont-Ferrand. The Esplanade du Château is located in the medieval city, at the top of the town. Parking is available near the city center.
By train: Montluçon-Ville station is served from Paris-Austerlitz (via Vierzon) and Clermont-Ferrand. The medieval city is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
Prices
Completely free entry for all concerts, both on the main stage and the "Off" stages.
Dates
The festival traditionally takes place on the third weekend of August (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Contact
Ville de Montluçon - Service Culture
Phone: 04 70 02 55 00
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Montluçon French Song at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Montluçon French Song
Esplanade du Château et berges du Cher
Esplanade du Château, 03100 Montluçon