The Folle Journée festival celebrates its 32nd edition

What is La Folle journée?

Created in 1995 by René Martin, who is its artistic director, La Folle Journée de Nantes is a musical event dedicated to classical music, which shakes up the codes.

This unique cultural event aims to desacralize classical music, while maintaining a certain level of excellence. This allows a wider audience to discover and appreciate this musical style.

Live a total and immersive experience at the heart of music

The event is a unique gathering place, which brings together the public, artists and other players in the music scene for 5 days.

Meet great artists from all over the world. Each year, the event unites the public around a major movement in history, a composer or a theme.

The theme of the 2026 edition

This year, the theme is in the spotlight: rivers.

Embark on a musical journey around the world, guided by the great rivers that have shaped civilizations and inspired composers.

From Strauss's Danube to Schumann's and Wagner's Rhine, from Smetana's Moldau to the Russian Volga, these iconic waterways have fueled the European imagination and musical creativity.

Elsewhere, the Ganges, the Niger, and the Euphrates have given rise to works imbued with spirituality and culture, while the Mississippi gave birth to blues and jazz.

In South America, the Amazon inspired Villa-Lobos and other composers.

And in France, the Loire, cradle of the musical Renaissance, will remind us how rivers unite peoples as much as they inspire music.

When will the 32st edition of the La Folle journée Festival take place?

The next edition will take place from January 28 to February 01 , 2026. 📅

The 31st edition of the La Folle journée festival in a few figures:
 

• 1 theme on rivers.
• 5 days of festival.
• More than 270 concerts.
• 140,000 tickets available.
• 2,000 artists.

Book your hotel near the Cité des Congrès in Nantes

Would you like to attend the next edition of the La Folle journée Festival at the Cité des Congrès in Nantes? Book your hotel in Nantes now so you don't miss this exceptional event!

Discover the Hotel The Originals City Novella Centre Gare, an ideal location in the heart of Nantes, just a few steps from the Cité des Congrès!

🧡 We like: Practical, our hotel is located just 1km from the Cité des Congrès!

Check our availability of rooms online now and be sure to take advantage of the best En Direct rate.