Illustration by © Céline Chollet for the May/June 2025 issue
**This article is a direct feature from the May/June 2025 My French Country Home magazine with illustrations by Céline Chollet and written by Olivia Hoffman. To see more articles like this, be sure to subscribe to the magazine**
Trumpets sound, drummers pound and angelic voices fill the air for France’s longest day of the year. The annual open-air music festival known as La Fête de la Musique has spread to cities and neighborhoods around the world – but its rhythmic soul remains deeply rooted in Paris.
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The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is an annual music celebration held on June 21, the summer solstice of the northern hemisphere. In the May/June magazine, we dive into the history behind the event and offer suggestions for how to best partake in the celebrations.
The History of Fête de la Musique
The idea for the festival was initially conceived by American musician Joel Cohen in the 1970s, while he was working for a French radio station. He proposed an all-night music celebration to mark the long-awaited beginning of summer. The festival was then officially brought to fruition in Paris in 1982 by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, with the ministry’s director of music and dance, French composer Maurice Fleuret.
Fleuret’s vision was to bring music out of the concert halls and onto the streets, making it accessible to everyone. He believed that music should be free and open to all, regardless of social or economic status. This sentiment is exemplified even through the event’s clever name and matching slogan. Both pronounced exactly the same, Fête de la Musique translates to “Festival of Music,” while the slogan, “Faîtes de la Musique,” literally means “Make Music!”
In the early years, this is exactly what happened as the festival was characterized by spontaneous and impromptu performances. Musicians would set up wherever they could find space, and the city would transform into one giant concert venue, with amateur and professional musicians alike performing in parks, from balconies and on street corners. Over time, the festival has become more organized, with some designated stages and scheduled performances. However, the spirit of spontaneity and inclusivity remains intact.
What to Expect on June 21st
In addition to traditional instrumental performances, Fête de la Musique also embraces new and innovative forms of music. Electronic music, hip-hop and alternative genres have found their place alongside more classical styles. This blend of old and new reflects the evolving nature of French culture and its ability to adapt while preserving its heritage.
Paris, being the birthplace of the festival, hosts some of the most spectacular and diverse celebrations, beginning in the early afternoon and continuing well into the night. From the cobblestone streets of Montmartre to the medieval corners of the Latin Quarter, every arrondissement in Paris comes alive with the sound of music.
The streets are filled with people of all ages, enjoying the diverse array of performances which has expanded to include not just musicians, but also dancers, actors and other performers. It is not uncommon to catch an intimate acoustic set in a neighborhood café before a formal concert in a public square and then stumble upon a swing dancing session on the banks of the Seine. There is truly something for everyone!
Where to go for Fête de la Musique in Paris
To make the most of the Fête de la Musique experience, there are several events and locations throughout Paris that tend to specialize in specific music genres.
For smooth tunes, Saint-Germain-des-Prés — known for its jazz heritage — is the perfect place to enjoy classic standards in a historic setting. For something a little more trendy, Le Marais is where you will find indie and alternative music performances, as well as pop DJ sets at night. For those who want a taste of it all, the iconic Place de la Bastille is a hub of musical activity, offering a diverse range of performances.
Where to go for Fête de la Musique across France
Across France, music can be found in the central plazas, waterfront and vibrant historical centers of smaller towns and cities.
Some of the main hubs include Marseille’s Old Port and Cours Julien for a mix of Mediterranean and Afro-inspired beats; Lyon’s Old Town for the best of classical music and symphonic orchestra; and Toulouse’s Place du Capitole and “Toulouse Plages” riverbanks for a diverse mix of electronic and rock performances.
The success of Fête de la Musique lies in its simplicity, inclusivity and universal appeal. Having since spread to more than 120 countries, it is a day when barriers are broken down and people come together to celebrate the joy of longer, sunnier days through music. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, its impact remains proof of the power that this universal language has to unite and inspire.