Contemporary music festival on the shores of Lake Nantua
The Nantua Fest is an eclectic contemporary music festival on the shores of Lake Nantua in Ain. Founded in 2022 by Rémi Rochaix and Kilian Minjollet, it draws over 15,000 festivalgoers each year with a line-up blending rap, electro, reggae and pop in an exceptional natural setting between mountains and an emerald lake, one hour from Lyon. Its 5th edition in May 2026 features Tayc, Josman, Danakil, Petit Biscuit, Keblack and The Avener over three days of open-air concerts.
Nestled in a green haven on the shores of Lake Nantua, Nantua Fest was born in 2022 from the ambition of two enthusiasts, Rémi Rochaix and Kilian Minjollet, to create a strong cultural event combining concerts, artistic activities and conviviality in the Haut-Bugey. In just a few editions, the festival has grown from 2,000 to over 15,000 festivalgoers, establishing itself as what its founders like to call 'the biggest of France's small festivals'.
The Nantua Fest stands out for its eclectic line-up focused on contemporary music: rap, electro, reggae, pop and hip-hop share the main stage on the Plaine des Sports, at the foot of the mountains. Each edition brings together established headliners and rising artists. In 2025, the 4th edition hosted names like Gazo, Soolking, Dub Inc, Biga*Ranx, Jok'Air and Taïro over three intense evenings from Friday to Sunday. For 2026, the 5th edition steps it up further with Tayc, Josman, Danakil, Petit Biscuit, Keblack, The Avener and Meryl among the confirmed artists.
Located just one hour from Lyon and one and a half hours from Geneva, the festival site offers a unique panorama between the emerald waters of the lake and the cliffs of the Haut-Bugey. The Le Signal campsite, 100% pedestrian and equipped with showers, toilets and recycling bins, lets festivalgoers fully enjoy the multi-day experience. The sports village, free to access during the day, offers activities such as slacklining, table tennis and other fun activities.
The Nantua Fest promotes values of accessibility, inclusivity and environmental responsibility. Accessible areas are set up for people with disabilities, with preferential rates. Children under 12 get free admission, making the festival a truly multi-generational event. On the environmental front, the organisers minimise the ecological footprint through rigorous waste management, recycling, material reuse and support for local producers and artisans. The festival works closely with local businesses and volunteers, contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the Haut-Bugey.
Each edition is designed around original set design that transforms the site into a world of its own. The 'forgotten village' concept with a shaman overlooking the mountains, developed during the early editions, illustrates the organisers' desire to offer much more than a simple succession of concerts: a genuine immersive experience where music, sport and nature come together in a spirit of freedom and sharing.
5th edition of Nantua Fest on the shores of Lake Nantua. Three days of eclectic concerts featuring Tayc, Josman, Danakil, Petit Biscuit, Keblack, The Avener and Meryl at the Plaine des Sports, between the emerald lake and the Haut-Bugey mountains.
Nantua Fest returns for its 5th edition from 22 to 24 May 2026, confirming its status as a must-attend contemporary music event in Ain. Three concert evenings are scheduled from 6:30pm to 3:30am, with an active campsite and on-site food.
Friday 22 May promises a party with Tayc, the French R&B sensation, joined by Hypaton, Maureen and Danitsa. Saturday 23 May offers a rich and varied evening with rapper Josman, reggae band Danakil, electro producer Petit Biscuit, singer Laura Laffon and Juste Shani. Sunday 24 May closes the festival in style with Keblack, DJ The Avener, singer Meryl, Anaïs Mva and Urumi.
New for 2026: an exceptional competition offers one lucky festivalgoer a round-the-world festival trip worth 50,000 euros. Nantua Fest thus confirms its ambition to offer much more than a simple music festival: a complete experience blending artistic discoveries, sport, nature and conviviality in a unique setting in the heart of the Haut-Bugey.
The Nantua Fest takes place at the Plaine des Sports, Avenue du Camping, 01130 Nantua. The site is about 1 hour from Lyon and 1h30 from Geneva.
Concerts run from 6:30pm to 3:30am each evening. The sports village is open from 10am to 6pm (free access). Entry to the concert site is possible until 11:30pm.
The Le Signal campsite is 100% pedestrian (no vehicles) and equipped with showers, toilets and recycling bins. Festivalgoers must bring their own tent. Camping available as an add-on when purchasing a pass.
On-site food from stalls and food trucks. The festival uses a cashless system (wristband topped up by card or cash). Minimum top-up: 1.50 euros. Unused balance refundable online up to 15 days after the festival.
Tickets on sale online via Weezevent on the official website. 1-day, 2-day and 3-day passes available. Free for children under 12 (booking required, limited places). Pass Culture and Pass'Région accepted.
Any exit from the site is final (no re-entry). Prohibited items: outside food and alcohol, glass bottles, cans, bags over 20 litres, umbrellas, animals (except guide dogs), professional cameras, drones, laser pointers, selfie sticks. Free earplugs available at the prevention stand. Free anti-spiking drink covers available.
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Plaine des Sports - Esplanade du Lac
Avenue du Camping, 01130 Nantua