A memorable evening at the Francofolies in La Rochelle

Every summer, La Rochelle transforms into a vibrant musical epicenter thanks to the Francofolies de La Rochelle. In July 2025, the Charente-Maritime Guide was invited to the first concert of the summer edition. From the first steps in the city, the air already vibrates with a contagious energy, promising an evening that promises to be unforgettable.

Welcome to the immersion in the teeming world of French-speaking music in La Rochelle!

Cover photo: Francofolies de La Rochelle - 11/07/25 - ©Carolinejollin

The Francofolies: what is it?

Created in 1985, Les Francofolies de La Rochelle have become over the decades an unmissable event on the music scene.

Its main mission is clear and essential: to promote and disseminate contemporary songs and music. This festival stands out for its particularity of being both a springboard for young emerging talents and a prestigious stage for established artists, thus anchoring its history deeply in the French musical landscape.

Every year in July, the entire city vibrates to the rhythm of concerts taking place in emblematic places such as the Scène Jean-Louis Foulquier (the main one), the Grand Théâtre, the Coursive or the Théâtre Verdière. The spirit of the Francofolies is above all one of conviviality, eclecticism and discovery in order to provide festival-goers with a unique experience.

Practical information

To fully enjoy the Francofolies, good preparation is essential. Here are some practical tips for organizing your visit.

How to come ?

La Rochelle is well served by train (TGV direct from Paris) and by road. During the festival, it is strongly recommended to use public transport once there (buses, self-service bicycles) or to favor walking, as the city center is pedestrianized.

Where to park?

If you're driving, parking can be a challenge during the festival. Park -and-ride facilities are usually set up on the outskirts of the city, with shuttles to the center. It's advisable to arrive early or use the paid underground parking lots in the city center, although they're often full. Remember to reserve your space if possible.

Where to stay?

La Rochelle offers a wide range of accommodations : hotels, campsites, vacation rentals, and guesthouses. However, once again, demand is extremely high during the Francofolies festival. It's imperative to book your accommodation several months in advance to ensure a wide selection and reasonable rates. Surrounding towns can also be an option, provided you plan ahead for transportation.

Where does it take place?

The heart of the festival beats at the Vieux Port of La Rochelle, with the Jean-Louis Foulquier stage as the nerve center, which is set up in the Saint-Jean d'Acre (or Vieux Port Ouest) parking lot. But many other concerts take place in emblematic venues around the city (Grand Théâtre, La Coursive, Théâtre Verdière, etc.). Consult the official program for the precise locations of each performance.

What time to come?

For outdoor concerts on the Main Stage, arriving in the early evening (or even late afternoon for headliners) is recommended to secure a good seat and enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere. It also depends on whether you have a seat in the pit or in the stands.
For indoor concerts, access is often smoother, but it is always better to arrive a little early to avoid the crowds.

Where to eat?

La Rochelle is full of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, especially around the Vieux Port and in the surrounding streets. During the festival, many fast food stands are also set up at the concert sites, offering sandwiches, local dishes, and drinks. Remember to book in advance if you want to dine at a popular restaurant. You can also bring your own packed lunch, but be aware of the festival's restrictions.

July 10, 2025: The Charente-Maritime Guide attends the Francofolies de La Rochelle

Our arrival in La Rochelle

It's 5 p.m. when we arrive in La Rochelle. The city has already been buzzing for several days: the Francofolies festival is preparing for a month to set up the Grande Scène.

Our first stop naturally leads us to the Tourist Office, where, beyond practical information, exhibitions dedicated to the history of the festival and its leading artists already attract the curious.

As you wander the cobbled streets, the spectacle is everywhere. The majestic Ferris Wheel dominates the skyline, its gondolas slowly rising, offering breathtaking views of the city and the port. Everywhere, ice cream parlors are always full, as are the restaurant terraces.

Near the iconic Grosse Horloge, a charming local craft market has been set up. This is also where we get a glimpse of the more intimate behind-the-scenes of the festival: radio crews conduct interviews with artists before going on stage. We then come across the band Kyo, the opening act for our evening.

Along the port, festival-goers form a gigantic queue near the famous towers of La Rochelle.

We walk to the Lantern Tower. It's here, at the back of the Hôtel de la Monnaie, in the VIP area, that we pick up our wristbands to enter the party. But perhaps the real spectacle is there, spontaneous and vibrant: these groups of fans patiently waiting for the arrival of their favorite artists, the hope of an autograph or a photo in their eyes.

Behind the scenes, there is a whole world

After passing through the hands of festival security, we enter an unexpected universe, a microcosm where the excitement of the festival takes on another dimension. Accessing the backstage of the Francofolies is discovering a haven of peace and abundant activities.

At the heart of the VIP village, the Patio stands out as the preferred meeting point. This is where you'll meet artists, producers, partners, and special guests. Everyone gathers in an atmosphere that's both relaxed and studious. Several restaurants in La Rochelle have set up their pop-up stalls, offering refined, local cuisine : pizzas, seafood, artisanal ice cream... Feeling a little thirsty? The bar is open until closing time. In a small corner, a photo booth awaits festival-goers to immortalize the moment.

One of the jewels of this village is undoubtedly its terrace offering a breathtaking view of the ocean. It is a magical place where you can escape for a moment from the hustle and bustle, admire the sunset over the Atlantic, while hearing the distant echo of concerts. An ideal setting for chatting, relaxing, or simply savoring the moment.

A little further on, the press area is buzzing with activity. Journalists, photographers, and television crews are busy interviewing the day's artists. This is the beating heart of the festival's news, where every word and every image is captured to be shared with the outside world.

Finally, we access the platforms using our wristbands. They are located just above the stage and the pit, high up, and offer a bird's eye view of the artists. Even higher up are the boxes reserved for prestigious partners, exclusive spaces where petits fours and champagne are served.

Behind the scenes, there is a whole world working to create the magic of the Francofolies.

The festival-goers' village

This is where the spirit of the festival comes to life, long before the first notes even sound on the main stage.

As soon as the gates open, the village fills with a joyful crowd. The atmosphere is one of simplicity and sharing. Smiles are present, conversations easily begin between strangers, and a feeling of musical brotherhood unites everyone.

It's a real festive ecosystem. Numerous fast food stands offer a multitude of flavors to satisfy all desires: potatoes from the Île de Ré, sandwiches, local specialties to take away... The queues lengthen in front of the refreshment stands, where you can refresh yourself in a good mood. But the village is not limited to food and drinks: festival merchandising stands display t-shirts and souvenirs, while associations or partners offer entertainment or information.

The collective energy is palpable. Laughter erupts, bursts of joy rise in the air, and the first songs begin to be heard a cappella by eager groups. It's in this village that the magic really happens, that of a temporary community united by a love of music and a desire to celebrate. People are already dancing, singing, and fully experiencing Francofolies, even before the headliners take the stage.

When the music rings, rings, rings…

As the sun begins to set over the Old Port, a shiver of anticipation runs through the crowd. The lights of the Jean-Louis Foulquier Stage come to life, and the show can finally begin. The evening promises to be rich in emotion, with a succession of iconic artists from the French scene.

The kick-off is given by Kyo, around 6 p.m., whose rock energy instantly electrifies the audience. The group plays a series of hits, from timeless classics to more recent tracks. The crowd sings along to each chorus, arms raised. Their stage presence is undeniable and the interaction with the audience creates an undeniable communion.

Between each major performance, the Francofolies offers a valuable stage for the talents of tomorrow. The young artists are part of the Chantier des Francofolies, a program that showcases talent. These moments, often more intimate, are an opportunity for wonderful discoveries, to be surprised by new voices and new worlds, recalling the festival's role as a springboard.

Then, it was the turn of the iconic Véronique Sanson to take the stage. Her arrival on the guitar was greeted by a standing ovation. She then sat down at the piano and captivated the audience with her inimitable voice and timeless melodies. Each note was imbued with emotion, each word resonating with a rare depth. It was a moment of pure grace, where time seemed to stand still.

The mood changes again with the arrival of Santa. Her boundless energy and powerful voice captivate the audience. Even more so: her entrance on stage will remain etched in their memories. Indeed, she launches from the Chaîne tower to travel 180 meters on a zip line. Between vocal power and intoxicating madness, she has the crowd dancing and singing with contagious intensity. It is a performance full of vitality that sets the stage for what follows.

Finally, the evening culminates with the legend Jean-Louis Aubert. From the first notes of his guitar, the emotion is palpable. He plays his hymns, pieces that have marked generations, and the audience, conquered, accompanies him with fervor. It is a moment of sharing, where the artist and his audience become one, carried by the magic of the music and the power of the lyrics. Each solo is applauded, each song is celebrated. The collective energy reaches its peak.

These performances, between headliners and discoveries, created a mosaic of emotions, making this evening an unforgettable musical journey. We left with stars in our eyes and memories in our heads.

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