Vache de Blues
The cross-border blues festival of northern Lorraine
About Vache de Blues
A festival born from a tribute
Vache de Blues was born in July 2001 from a tribute to Patrick Guyot, a passionate guitarist from the bands Rocky, Los Nullos, and Vecchi e Brutti, who passed away in November 2000. His musician friends then gathered for a weekend of blues in Xivry-Circourt in Meurthe-et-Moselle, laying the groundwork for a festival that would become a must-attend blues event in Lorraine and the Greater Cross-border Region.
A traveling history
The association Vache d'assos', created in 2002, has carried the festival through several emblematic sites in northern Lorraine. After two editions in Xivry-Circourt (2001-2002), the festival was held from 2003 to 2007 on the former steel site of Micheville in Audun-le-Tiche, on the Luxembourg border. From 2008 to 2015, it took place in Villerupt at LEP Henry Wallon, welcoming thousands of blues enthusiasts from France, Luxembourg, and Belgium each year.
Renaissance after ten years of silence
After the association's dissolution in 2015 for financial reasons, the festival is reborn in 2025 thanks to a new team of volunteers. The 2025 edition will be held at the Bassompierre pond in Boulange, in an exceptional natural setting, with two days of free concerts, over 40 artists on stage, a marquee, and an entertainment village.
Musical programming
The festival offers a comprehensive panorama of blues: from Delta blues to Chicago blues, including blues-rock and more contemporary sounds blending soul and funk. The programming highlights both established artists from the European blues scene and emerging talents from the Greater Region.
A festive and supportive spirit
True to its original spirit, Vache de Blues remains a free festival, driven by passionate volunteers. The event emphasizes conviviality with catering stands, an exhibitors' village, and entertainment throughout the weekend. Free camping on site allows festival-goers to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
A strong territorial anchor
Located in the northern Lorraine mining basin, the Vache de Blues festival contributes to the cultural dynamism of a cross-border territory. It perpetuates the industrial memory of the region while creating a space for meeting and sharing around blues music, attracting audiences from France, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
Vache de Blues — edition 2026
The Vache de Blues festival returns to the Bassompierre pond, in Boulange (57), on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2026, for a second edition after its revival in 2025. Two days of free open-air concerts, featuring about ten bands including Texan singer and guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, and over 40 artists throughout the weekend.
2026 Edition: The Return Confirmed
One year after its revival at the Bassompierre pond, the Vache de Blues festival confirms its roots in Boulange with a new edition on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2026. Organized by the Label Cadence association, the event remains true to its original spirit: an entirely free, friendly, and open-to-all blues festival, in a natural setting by the water.
About Ten Concerts on the Bill
The 2026 program brings together about ten bands from France, Europe, and the United States, covering the entire spectrum of blues, from Delta blues to contemporary blues-rock, including soul and swing sounds. Headlining is Texan blues singer and guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, specially coming from Austin (Texas).
More Than Just a Festival
Beyond the concerts, the 2026 edition offers street performances by the Strate Company, an exhibitors' village, food and drink stalls, as well as awareness-raising activities on the history of blues for local schoolchildren. Admission remains free and no ticketing is required.
Programme Vache de Blues 2026
Official 2026 Program — about ten concerts spread over two days (day-by-day details and performance times have not yet been published by the organization at the time of verification).
On the Bill for June 26 and 27, 2026
- Carolyn Wonderland — headliner, blues singer and guitarist from Austin (Texas)
- Kirk Fletcher Band feat. Erika Baier
- JJ Appleton
- Denis Agenet & Nolapsters Big Band
- Veronica Sbergia & The Red Wine Serenaders
- The Suitcase Brothers
- The Freaky Buds
- Jakez & The Jacks
- Sean « Mack » Mc Donald
Over 40 artists throughout the weekend, complemented by street performances from the Strate Company.
Schedule
- Friday, June 26: doors open at 6:00 PM, first concerts from 7:00 PM
- Saturday, June 27: doors open from 5:30 PM
Highlights Vache de Blues 2026
- 100% free blues festival, no ticketing required
- International headliner: Carolyn Wonderland (Austin, Texas)
- About ten concerts, over 40 artists over two days
- Open-air setting at Bassompierre pond, in Boulange
- Exhibitors' village, food, drink, and street performances
Prices Vache de Blues 2026
Practical information — Vache de Blues
Access and transport
The festival takes place at the Bassompierre pond in Boulange (57), near Villerupt, in the cross-border region of northern Lorraine, at the gateway to Luxembourg and Belgium.
- By car from Nancy : Take the A31 towards Metz/Luxembourg, then the D16 towards Villerupt/Boulange (approx. 1h30). Free parking is available near the pond site.
- By car from Metz : Approximately 45 minutes via the A31 then the D16 towards Villerupt.
- From Luxembourg : The border is only a few kilometers away. Easy access from Esch-sur-Alzette or Differdange.
- From Belgium : Access via the E411 then direction Longwy/Villerupt.
- By train : Audun-le-Tiche station or Villerupt station (TER Nancy-Longwy line). Allow for additional travel by car or taxi.
Festival location
The Bassompierre pond offers an exceptional natural setting for the festival. The site is equipped with a main marquee for concerts, an exhibitors' village, and relaxation areas by the water. Access to the site is signposted from the center of Boulange.
Hours
Friday from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of the concerts.
Prices
The festival is entirely free. No tickets are required. Food and drinks are payable on site.
Food and drink
Various food stands are present on site throughout the festival, offering hot meals, sandwiches, fries, and local specialties. A bar with local beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks completes the offer. An exhibitors' village allows you to discover artisanal products from the region.
Camping
Free camping is available for festival-goers on the pond site itself. It is recommended to bring your own camping equipment. Camping opens on Friday afternoon and closes on Sunday morning.
Recommendations
Bring warm clothing for the evenings, shoes suitable for grassy terrain, and protection against possible rain. The site is outdoors and uncovered (except for the marquee).
Contact and information
Website: vachedeblues.free.fr
All updated information on the program and access conditions are available on the festival's official website.
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Where does it take place — Vache de Blues
Étang de Bassompierre
Étang de Bassompierre, Boulange, 54190 Villerupt