A new era begins at the Francofolies in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime). After Jean-Louis Foulquier, from 1985 to 2005, and Gérard Pont, until 2024, the flagship festival of French-speaking song has a new direction with two heads. Émilie Yakich, who arrived in 2002 and until now has been director of the Chantier des Francos, is responsible for the cultural and artistic part, Dimitri Gavenc for the administrative part. Logically, it is the first to comment on the programming of the 41st edition of the festival, which will be held from July 10 to 14, 2025. And it is dense.
This Thursday, the festival unveils no less than 45 names, or half of the artists present. Like those of the five days on the big open-air stage, all completed. The festival will open on July 10 with, in order, Kyo, Véronique Sanson, Santa and Jean-Louis Aubert. The next day will follow Solann, Philippe Katerine, Air and Clara Luciani, on Saturday for the rap day Ronisia, Bekar, Oboy, Hamza and SDM, on Sunday Barbara Pravi, La Femme, Hoshi and Julien Doré and, finally, on July 14, Saint-Levant, Ben Mazué, IAM and the return of “Lamomali”, the Malian project of Matthieu Chedid.
A first for Ben Mazué
Last year, the festival was sold out with 150,000 spectators over five days, including 12,250 spectators per day in front of the main stage in Saint-Jean d'Acre. “It will be a first for Ben Mazué, who will present his next album on the big stage,” rejoices Émilie Yakich. These will also be the first Francofolies of the groups Kyo and Air, the return of La Femme, Cassius, Alain Chamfort… “
On the discovery side, in addition to Solann, ex-student of Chantier des Francos, the festival is currently announcing Dali and Styleto. “We are always one foot in history, one foot in the future,” rejoices the co-director of the festival.
In the La Rochelle theaters, there will also be beautiful people. On July 11, Jean-Paul Rouve will present his very beautiful show “J'ai pas l'air”, where he performs the texts of his favorite songs, accompanied by pianist Alain Lanty, in the blue room. On July 12, Ballaké Sissoko and Piers Faccini will perform at the Verdière theater, preceded by YouTube star Styleto.
Alain Chamfort, who released one of the most beautiful albums of the year, “Impermanence”, will be there the following evening. And that day, at the grand theater, Aldebert will delight families with his metal show “Helldebert”, which he will perform twice.
Prices slightly increased
Les Francofolies, for several years, has also been metal. La Sirène, the La Rochelle venue for contemporary music associated with the festival, will host an electro evening on July 12 and another on the 13th. It is Cassius who will “organize” the first with Pedro Winter, Boston Bun, Dylan Dylan, Marina Trench, Olympe 4000 and Roni, among others. The second will bring together TSS, Resolve, Novelists and as headliners the Marseillais of Landmvrks, who made a strong impression last June at Hellfest.
Not to be missed, on July 12 at the Salle Bleue, Rochelaise Émilie Marsh will pay tribute to the late Dani with several artist friends, Jil Caplan, Emmanuelle Seigner, Calypso Valois, Oiseau Joli… Les Francofolies have a long tradition of creations and “ collective party, others are being prepared. Suspense…
The next announcements are expected in early 2025. Tickets for the first concerts go on sale this Thursday, November 28 at 10 a.m. Prices have increased slightly compared to last year, i.e. 60 euros (standing) and 70 euros (sitting) for the daily pass in Saint-Jean-d'Acre and 50 euros (standing) and 60 euros (sitting) for rap day on July 12.
