This July, France is pulsating with a different kind of magic – the magic of festivals! From electronic artistry to open-air jazz, and opera that defies convention, these eight festivals promise an experience that’s anything but cliché. So, ditch the tourist traps and dive into the heart of French culture with our electrifying picks for July 2024.

 Electropixel Festival #14

• Where: Nantes, France
• When: 5^th Jul -1^st Sep, 2024

Electropixel is a gathering for artists, thinkers, and innovators from various backgrounds, including electronic arts. This year, they’re focusing on collaboration and shared creation across the globe. The festival aims to explore new artistic approaches in a post-pandemic world, where connection and community are more important than ever. They’re looking for ways for artists to work together, even when physically apart, to create new and exciting works of art.

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Fluctuations x Urban Boat 2024

• Where: Lille, France
• When: 6^th-7^th Jul, 2024

This summer, Fluctuations, a festival launching in 2025, teams up with Urban Boat for a taste of what’s to come. Across July, Lille, Brussels, and Utrecht will host “beta-events” on a riverboat transformed into a hub of creativity. Expect music, art, workshops, and discussions tackling social and environmental issues. The festival explores new forms of artistic creation that thrive even with physical distance, fostering collaboration and pushing artistic boundaries. It’s a stimulating summer experience for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking connection and a glimpse into the future of festivals.

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28th edition of Festival Villeneuve en Scène

• Where: Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France
• When: 8^th– 20^th Jul, 2024

Get ready for the 28th edition of Villeneuve en Scène, a festival celebrating “travelling writing” from July 8th to 20th, 2024! Held across the Plaine de l’Abbaye and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon’s historic center, this event is your chance to experience a unique kind of storytelling. Villeneuve en Scène brings writers who break free from traditional theaters, inviting you into their world through their captivating and unconventional works.

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Les Longues Journées 2024

• Where: Ville-sur-Jarnioux, France
• When: 5^th– 7^th Jul, 2024

This year’s festival (July 5th-7th, 2024) in Ville-sur-Jarnioux promises a vibrant mix of art forms! Expect music, delicious food, theatrical performances, and captivating artistic displays. The festival brings together artists from across France, alongside a local talent exploring themes of home and place, and even a special guest from Europe. Immerse yourself in the beauty of southern France for three days of artistic discovery!

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Saint-Omer Jaaz Festival

• Where: Saint-Omer, France
• When: 4^th -7^th Jul, 2024

Immerse yourself in jazz in northern France! This free, outdoor festival transforms Saint-Omer’s iconic spaces into vibrant jazz stages. Catch renowned artists like Pierre de Bethmann alongside up-and-coming French and international talents. The festival also champions local youth with its “Laboratoire” stage. Beyond the music, enjoy brunches, “Jazz’Apéro” events, and the charm of this historic town. It’s a perfect summer blend of music, community, and French flair.

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Les Pavillons du futur

• Where: Avignon, France
• When: 4^th– 24^th Jul, 2024

A collaborative effort emerged between French and Ukrainian partners, spearheaded by La Manufacture in Avignon. Launched just a few weeks later, the initiative aimed to create a platform showcasing Ukrainian art in Avignon as early as July 2022. This platform wasn’t just about offering immediate support to Ukrainian artists. It envisioned a future of reconstruction and lasting connection. With a focus on young Ukrainian talents, the project aspired to build a permanent bridge between the Avignon art scene and Ukraine. But the benefits weren’t one-sided. The initiative also aimed to equip Ukrainian public and private arts organizations with the expertise needed to navigate and propose projects effectively within the Avignon marketplace, and more broadly, Western Europe.

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33° ESTIVALES DE BROU

• Where: Bourg-en-Bresse, France
• When: 30^th Jun -10^th Jul, 2024

Love opera? The “Estivales de Brou” festival is back for its 33rd year! See young singers shine in 4 shows: a fun opera, a unique vocal duet, a sacred choir performance, and traditional Corsican singing. It’s a great way to enjoy music and support upcoming talent!

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Festival de Marseille

• Where: Marseille, France
• When: 14^th Jun -06 Jul, 2024

The Festival de Marseille isn’t just about dance; it’s a cultural hub buzzing with innovation. Committed to both local artists and international stars, they build connections with audiences and the city itself. Dance, in all its forms, takes center stage, with a focus on pushing boundaries and exploring new styles. The festival even encourages collaboration between artists and residents, transforming Marseille into a living canvas for artistic expression. It’s a celebration of the city’s multicultural spirit and a testament to its openness to the global artistic exchange.

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