Rock in Évreux

Rock in Évreux: Normandy's Rock Event

Rock in Évreux is a free, open-air music festival that took place annually on the last weekend of June at the Hippodrome de Navarre in Évreux, in the Eure department. Created in 2017 by the Normandy Rock association, it took over from the legendary festival « Le Rock dans tous ses états » which had enlivened the city since the 1980s.

An Eclectic and Accessible Program

True to its DNA, Rock in Évreux offered a varied program that went beyond the boundaries of rock to embrace reggae, pop, electro and urban music. Each edition mixed international headliners, established French artists and regional Norman discoveries. The festival stood out for its complete gratuity, making live music accessible to the widest audience.

An Exceptional Setting

The Hippodrome de Navarre offered a green and spacious setting, ideal for welcoming thousands of festival-goers in a friendly and family atmosphere. The stages were arranged on the equestrian site, creating a unique atmosphere where music resonated under the Norman sky. Local food stalls and bars completed the festival experience.

A Strong Musical Heritage

In December 2016, the disappearance of the festival « Le Rock dans tous ses états » left an immense void in Évreux's cultural landscape. From January 2017, the municipality and the Normandy Rock association, created for the occasion, took up the challenge of maintaining a major rock festival in Évreux. The festival experienced rapid growth, increasing from 16,000 spectators at the inaugural edition in 2017 to 39,000 in 2019, hosting artists of the stature of The Prodigy, Gojira, Jain, Matmatah, Shaka Ponk, Kyo, UB40, Nada Surf, Bigflo et Oli, Kungs, and Louis Bertignac.

Financial Difficulties and Cancellation of the 2026 Edition

The Covid-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 edition. In 2021, the festival transformed into « Rock in Chair » in a seated format adapted to health constraints, generating a deficit of €140,000. The partner company JLCD Events was placed into judicial liquidation in 2022. In September 2025, the Normandy Rock association declared itself in receivership with a cumulative deficit exceeding €900,000. The 2026 edition was officially cancelled in March 2026. The future of the festival remains uncertain.