Chamonix Summer Festival Frenzy

Every summer there are loads of music festivals dotted around the French Alps that are well worth checking out; they are often cheaper than the more well-known UK events but still feature some big-name acts. This year you can catch Stevie Wonder, Pharell Williams, Damon Albarn, Elton John, The Prodigy, The Black Keys, Motörhead, John Butler Trio and many more...

The festivals are usually much smaller than their UK counterparts as well, so you get closer to the stages and have to queue less for toilets/bars/parking/etc. And although we can’t guarantee it, the weather is usually much nicer too!

Musiques en Stock 2-5 July - 30mins from Chamonix

Musiques en Stock is a much smaller affair, taking place in the normally sedate rural town of Cluses. However, as well as a mix of local French bands there is also the opportunity to catch the John Butler Trio and the Family Rain. Best of all, the festival is completely FREE! A chilled out atmosphere and a small venue make it one of the more friendly events.

Montreux Jazz Festival 4-19 July - 1hr from Chamonix

The Montreux Jazz Festival is a 16 day extravaganza of diverse and eclectic acts. Although the emphasis is on jazz music, there is a massive range of gigs to go and see embracing everything from soul superstar Stevie Wonder, to hip-hop genius Pharrell Williams with plenty of big names and obscure acts throw in for good measure. The festival takes place along the banks of Lake Geneva and there are plenty of free gigs, as well as street theatre, market stalls, food stands, etc. There are even musical boat trips on the lake, New Orleans Jazz Trains and special concerts in nearby palaces. Even if you don’t want to pay for concert tickets it is well worth a wander round, just to enjoy the atmosphere.

Musilac 11-13 July - 1hr20mins from Chamonix

Musilac is a fast-growing event that seems to attract bigger names each year, whilst still featuring the lesser-known but often more interesting acts that make it memorable. This year they have Motörhead, Placebo, Kavinsky, Seasick Steve and much more for your musical delectation. Despite having quite an impressive line-up, Musilac still feels like a small friendly affair with a beautiful location by the lake at Aix-Les-Bains.

Paleo 22-27 July - 1hr20mins from Chamonix

If you don’t mind travelling a bit further afield the Paleo Festival just over the border in Switzerland is well worth a trip, set in a field on the northern shores of lake Leman. Jack Johnson, Elton John, The Black Keys, James Blunt, and the Prodigy are just some of the confirmed act.

Open Air Gampel 18-21 August - 1hr30mins from Chamonix

Another little jaunt over the border will get you to Gampel, a small town just past Sion and only a 1 hour drive from the border at Le Chatelard. This little-known Open Air Gampel festival runs for 4 days and features MArilyn Manson, Volbeat & Jimmy Eat World amongst others. Gampel is known for its partying and fun carnival atmosphere.

Cosmojazz 26 July - 3 August - Chamonix

The Cosmojazz is well worth a mention, not because it has a superstar line-up but because of it's unique locations, original concepts and free enetry. The festival was founded by Chamonix local André Manoukian, a well known musician in France - Andre pulls in a fine selection of jazz artists every year to make this a joy to attend.