Experiencing a Fête de la Musique event in France is just magical. I actually stumbled across this cultural occurrence quite by accident one year in Paris. And have since sought out the events across France. The brain-child of Jack Lang, the Minister of Culture in France; the first World Music Day happened in Paris in 1982. The idea is to bring music of all varieties out onto the streets for one day a year; on the 21st of June.
The Fête de la Musique in Paris
The streets of Paris are vibrant anyway, with buskers and dancers and the natural buzz of a busy city. Add to this the events of the Fête de la Musique and you have the opportunity to witness something incredible! Every street corner has a band or a singer – there are brass bands, rock bands, solo songwriters, and music students. Walk a block and you’ll hear three different kinds of music. And as the night falls, the music gets even more energetic.
Grab yourself a table at a nearby café and enjoy the vibe; or pop open a can of beer and enjoy the street festivities.
Visiting Paris? Make sure you check out my beginner’s guide to this beautiful city!
The Fête de la Musique in Lyon
Back in 2010, I decided that I wanted to play a Fête de la Musique (music is my side hustle); so I casually emailed the Mayor of Lyon. Yes, you heard it right, I emailed the Mayor. And guess what, he replied! I got myself a spot on a huge riverside stage in Lyon for the Fête in 2010. It was a surreal experience, but it really reflects the spirit of the festival; to bring musicians together and to bring that all to the streets! There were stages all around town, each one being run by different promoters. Each bringing different styles of music to the day.
The Fête in small town France
Some of the best Fête de la Musique festivities happen in small town France. There are small stages set up in town squares to showcase local talent. We were lucky to play the Fête in a tiny village in the south west of France in 2017. Our audience was a mix of locals and tourists. And then we sat out in the street until midnight, drinking wine and enjoying the other bands. It had such a wonderful feeling of community – music really does bring people together.
Plan your trip to the Fête de la Musique
The idea of a World Music Day has now spread around the world, with many countries adopting the concept. France is still, however, my favourite place to experience it. From the biggest cities to the smallest communes, the 21st of June is a special day of music and community. I recommend visiting France for the whole week around the official date, as many areas have celebrations on different dates that week (to share the audience and equipment etc). Why not base yourself somewhere like Bordeaux or Nice, where there are plenty of sites in the city as well as in the small towns around to keep you rockin’ at the Fête de la Musique.
Want to plan a trip to see some of these musical festivities? Planning is my specialty – please do get in touch!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).
this is fantastic. You’re a traveller who sings, might you be one of those legendary bards we read about in stories? Jokes apart, we haven’t heard of this particular festival but it seems rather interesting. will plan something around it this year. hope it works out and we can catch one of your performances.
Aww looks like so much fun! I have some good friends in France but they’ve never told me about this. You’re right: music is such a great way to bring people together! 💪❤
this is WELL cool! I love the attitude of “just email the mayor” – perfect!! <3
I do agree that the music really brings people together. this sounds like a great initiative that more countries should embrace!
Wow, so cool that you emailed the mayor directly in lyon to ask to perform and even got a response and the opportunity to play the fete de la musique! The festival sure sounds like a really cool way to bring skilled musicians together. fantastic idea.
Funnily enough the only time I’ve stayed in Lyon was to take part in a music festival. Not this sort though, mine was the Berlioz festival and I was singing in a small choir. I’ll have to explore and find dates for the fete de la musique in Paris or Lyon as it sounds just my cup of tea
That’s amazing that the mayor actually replied to your email! you must be a great musician that he couldn’t say no! sure does music bring people together, closer. i could be one of your audiences if i get the chance to visit paris, france and you’re there playing a beautiful music!
That would be so amazing to play the Paris Fête – I’ve only visited, but would love to play!
Fete De la Musique festival is really new to us. You are right music brings so many people together. but out of everything, the coolest thing is You are a musician. We would love seeing you performing some day.
I would love to be in france during the Fête de la Musique – it sounds like it would be such an incredible vibe! I love that the majority of events happen in small towns and really feature local talent. How incredible that you were able to email the mayor and line yourself up for a spot in the event!
A bit of cheek goes a long way 😉
This is a great way to discover new talent. Glad that even the smaller towns are included in the fiesta. I am sure it must be quite a gala Event. Cheers
love it, the traveling musician. I love experiencing live music around the world with friends. Definitely the sort of event to grab of bottle of wine, some good food, and simply experience music waving over me and my companions.
Totally! That’s exactly the experience – you’d love it!