The Festival des Vieilles Charrues 2026 runs from 16 to 19 July in Carhaix-Plouguer (Brittany), celebrating its 34th edition under a Nordic boreal theme. Headliners are Katy Perry (Thursday), Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Friday), Aya Nakamura and Mika (Saturday), Orelsan and Vanessa Paradis (Sunday). Single-day tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are still available at €52. Camping is free but must be booked in advance. Carhaix station is a 10-minute walk from the site — the train from Brest or Rennes is the best option. From the UK, fly direct to Brest from London Gatwick (from around £29 with easyJet) or take the ferry with Brittany Ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff.
France’s biggest music festival — bigger by paid attendance than Glastonbury — Vieilles Charrues turns a small Breton town into the summer’s most unlikely music capital every July. For its 34th edition, from 16 to 19 July 2026, the line-up is genuinely jaw-dropping: Katy Perry making her Brittany debut, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Aya Nakamura, Orelsan, Mika, Vanessa Paradis — over 100 artists across 6 stages, wrapped in an immersive Arctic scenography they’re calling the boreal edition, heading for the Arctic Circle. This is your complete guide to getting there from the UK.
2026 Lineup: the boreal edition, day by day
According to the official Vieilles Charrues website, the 2026 programme was unveiled progressively from October 2025, built around an unprecedented scenographic concept: immersive Arctic sets, icy landscapes and aurora-inspired lighting — a striking contrast to the usual Breton warmth of the crowd.
Thursday 16 July: Opening night (sold out)
Thursday belongs to Katy Perry — her first major French summer festival — making this a Brittany exclusive. According to Stéphane Larue, Perry herself announced her appearance with a message in Breton (« Kenavo »), triggering an instant sell-out rush. Gims, Josman and Biga*Ranx complete the main stage bill. Thursday’s day ticket (€61) has been sold out since November 2025.
- Katy Perry, Brittany exclusive — her 2026 summer tour French debut
- Gims: R&B/urban, mainstream crowd-pleaser
- Josman: introspective rap
- Biga*Ranx: reggae-dub, Jamaican energy
- Iliona, Piché, Upsilone on the smaller stages
Friday 17 July: Rock and raw creation
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds headline Friday with their gothic, poetic rock. According to Hartzine, the Australian group is « at the peak of their powers » and stands as one of the genuine artistic highlights of the 2026 edition. Jean-Louis Aubert celebrates 50 years on stage with a Brittany-exclusive set. The new live creation Vald × Vladimir Cauchemar × Todiefor — described as « improbable and brilliant » — is tipped as one of the weekend’s great surprises. Patrick Watson, Jehnny Beth and Joy Crookes round out a high-quality rock/electronic Friday.
- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: gothic/poetic rock, headliner
- Jean-Louis Aubert: 50 years of performing, Brittany exclusive
- Vald × Vladimir Cauchemar × Todiefor: new rap/electronic live creation
- Mosimann, Patrick Watson, Jehnny Beth, Joy Crookes
- Disiz, Lalalar (Turkish psychedelic rock), Cocanha on smaller stages
Saturday 18 July: Pop and Fest Noz
Saturday brings global pop royalty with Aya Nakamura — the world’s most-streamed French-speaking artist — and Mika in what’s billed as a rare, exclusive Brittany show. Interpol, the New York post-punk indie outfit, celebrate 20+ years of career. According to JDS.fr, Saturday closes with a traditional Breton Fest Noz (Enneade, Zord, Kelt’Duo, Maden) — a communal, joyful experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Aya Nakamura: afropop/R&B, world’s most-streamed French-language artist
- Mika: rare exclusive Brittany concert
- Interpol: New York indie rock, 20-year anniversary
- Nico Moreno, Cassius (French Touch), Yelle, Dub Inc
- Fest Noz closing set: traditional Breton folk dancing
Sunday 19 July: The grand finale
Orelsan closes the festival on Sunday night — a set that’s being billed as a genuine event. Vanessa Paradis returns to Carhaix for the first time since 2014, with her eighth album. Miossec, born in Brest, returns to the Charrues ten years on — the ultimate homecoming. Feu! Chatterton, Xavier Rudd and Suzane complete a final day full of emotional moments.
- Orelsan: rap/hip-hop, headline closing set
- Vanessa Paradis: first appearance since 2014, new album
- Feu! Chatterton: poetic rock, intensely live
- Miossec: Brest native returning to Carhaix after 10 years
- Xavier Rudd, Rilès, Suzane, Pact (Joachim Pastor, Joris Delacroix, Teho)
Tickets: what’s still available
According to the official announcement of 27 February 2026, all multi-day passes are sold out. The box office opened on 17 October 2025 at 1pm French time — a record-breaking sell-out for the festival.
| Ticket | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 4-day pass | €196 | SOLD OUT |
| 3-day pass Thu–Fri–Sat | €149 | SOLD OUT |
| 3-day pass Fri–Sat–Sun | €144 | SOLD OUT |
| Single day, Thursday 16 July | €61 | SOLD OUT |
| Single day, Friday 17 July | €52 | AVAILABLE |
| Single day, Saturday 18 July | €52 | AVAILABLE |
| Single day, Sunday 19 July | €52 | AVAILABLE |
According to Musicaddict, the €52 single-day ticket price has remained stable for 11 years — a deliberate accessibility commitment from the festival. Children’s ticket: 50% off for under-14s (born after 16 July 2012), available only at physical outlets or by email.
Official box office: lesvieillescharrues.seetickets.com.
Getting there from the UK
The Kerampuilh site is in Carhaix-Plouguer (29270), in the heart of Brittany’s interior — around 80 km from Brest, 140 km from Rennes, and 6 hours from London. Carhaix station is a 10-minute walk from the site.
By plane + train (fastest from UK)
The quickest route from the UK is to fly direct to Brest (BES) from London Gatwick — easyJet operates this route from around £29 one-way, with a flight time of just 1h20. Ryanair also serves Brest from London Stansted. From Brest, TER BreizhGo offers special festival fares of just €4 (under-26s) or €5 (over-26) per leg into Carhaix. Festival return tickets from any Breton station are available for €19 when you show your festival ticket.
| Departure | Journey time | BreizhGo festival fare |
|---|---|---|
| Brest (from UK flights) | ~1h | From €4 (under-26) / €5 (26+) per leg |
| Quimper | ~45 min | €19 return (with festival ticket) |
| Rennes (from UK flights) | ~1h45 | €19 return (with festival ticket) |
By ferry (for van and camping kit)
If you’re bringing camping gear, a van or want a more relaxed crossing, Brittany Ferries runs regular services from Plymouth to Roscoff (6 hours overnight) — Roscoff is just 60 km from Carhaix. According to Brittany Ferries, summer 2026 Plymouth–Roscoff fares start from £117. Note: vans and camper vans are not allowed on the festival camping ground — dedicated van parking areas are available near the site.
- Plymouth → Roscoff (Brittany Ferries): from £117, daily sailings in July
- Roscoff → Carhaix: ~60 km by road (approx. 50 min drive)
- Free car parking (Mauve and Orange car parks) with free shuttle to the site
- Van/campervan parking available near the site — not on camping ground
- Bike parking at Mauve and Orange entrances
Camping: free, and unmissable
Free camping (20 hectares)
According to the official camping page, camping is completely free for all ticket holders — but booking is compulsory from June 2026 via your Charrues account. The camping ground is open from Thursday 16 July at 10:00 to Monday 20 July at noon. Tents only — vans, campervans and lorries must use the dedicated vehicle car parks.
- Dry composting toilets (175 cubicles, saving 500 m³ of water)
- Cold showers
- Quiet zone for lighter sleepers
- Snack bar (12:00–21:00) and free breakfasts Fri–Sun (09:00–12:00)
- Fresh milk offered every morning by local farmers
- Village Camping activities (10:00–18:00)
- Safe Zone night escort service back to camping
- Camping Challenge: recycling rewarded with prizes (up to an Ireland trip)
For those who prefer comfort, Noz Kamp offers fully equipped glamping lodges for 2, 4 or 6 people. According to Lodg-ing, the 2026 rate is €1,040 for 2 people over 4 nights (16–20 July). The 20 m² lodge includes bedding, wood and bamboo furnishings, solar lighting, private hot showers and 24/7 security. Breakfast available as an add-on (€14 per person).
Alternative accommodation nearby: rooms with locals (list at carhaixpohertourisme.bzh), gîtes in surrounding villages (Châteauneuf-du-Faou, Rostrenen, Huelgoat). Hotels in Carhaix have been fully booked since February 2026.
Budget and on-site logistics
| Budget item | Budget option | Comfort option |
|---|---|---|
| Single-day ticket (Fri–Sun) | €52 | €52 |
| Return travel from Brest/Rennes | €4–19 (BreizhGo TER) | £29+ flight + €19 TER |
| Accommodation | €0 (free camping) | €1,040 (Noz Kamp, 2 people) |
| Food on site | ~€50/day | ~€80/day |
| Drinks (Moneiz) | ~€15/day | ~€40/day |
| Total 1 day (camping) | ~€75 | ~€180+ |
| Total 4 days (free camping) | ~€300 | ~€500–800 |
Moneiz: the cashless system
According to the official Moneiz page, the NFC wristband is the only accepted payment method on the site and at the camping ground. Activation is free before 12 July at 23:59 (€1 fee from 13 July). The wristband can be topped up online from 17 June to 20 July, and any remaining balance is refundable until 11 August via your Charrues account.
Food and drink
The site hosts 40 food stalls sourcing from short supply chains, with 80% Breton produce. Approximate prices: full meal €7–25, beer €5, cocktail €6–10, water €2/bottle (free at water points). Vegetarian and vegan options are marked on the map. Reusable cups (€1 deposit).
Weather and practical tips
July weather in Carhaix
According to AccuWeather, July in Carhaix brings temperatures of 12–22°C. Inland Brittany can be more unpredictable than the coast — expect 3 to 8 rainy days in July, usually brief showers. Nights stay cool (around 12°C). Statistically, Friday or Saturday is the most unsettled day. Not so different from an English summer, really — so UK festivalgoers will feel right at home.
- Essentials: lightweight waterproof or poncho, closed-toe shoes or light wellies (ground can get muddy)
- Recommended: suncream, cap, sunglasses, portable charger, head torch
- Practical: 75cl water bottle max (free water on site), dry bag, layered clothing
- Official app: schedule, map, Moneiz, GPS. Works offline
Security and rules
- Prohibited: glass, bottles, drones, folding chairs, tripods > 60×9×9 cm, professional camera equipment
- Allowed: 75cl water bottle (non-glass), suncream, collapsible umbrella
- Safe Zones on site and in camping (support for victims and witnesses of assault)
- Prevention stand open 17:30–01:30
- No left-luggage facilities on site (confiscated items cannot be retrieved)
Plan your trip: useful links
Flights to Brest or Rennes
Direct flights from London Gatwick to Brest start from around £29 with easyJet (1h20). Rennes is also served from London. Compare prices — July dates sell quickly.
Compare flights to Brest / RennesFrance eSIM: stay connected
Mobile networks get hammered with 55,000 festivalgoers on site. An Airalo eSIM for France lets you switch operator to keep signal — essential for coordinating your group.
Get my France eSIMTravel Insurance — SafetyWing
Nomad Insurance covers medical emergencies and travel disruptions abroad, from €56 per 4 weeks. Your safety net if something goes wrong before or during the festival. 10% off via our link.
Get coveredFrequently asked questions
Can you still buy tickets for Vieilles Charrues 2026?
Yes — but only single-day tickets for Friday 17, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July at €52 each. All multi-day passes (4-day, 3-day) and the Thursday 16 July ticket (€61) have been sold out since late February 2026. An official resale exchange opens in late June 2026 for sold-out tickets.
Is the camping at Vieilles Charrues 2026 free?
Yes — camping is completely free (20 hectares) for all ticket holders, but booking is compulsory from June 2026 via your Charrues account. Open from Thursday 16 July at 10:00 to Monday 20 July at noon. Tents only — vans and campervans are not permitted on the camping ground. For more comfort, the Noz Kamp glamping option is available from €1,040 for 2 people over 4 nights.
How do you get to Vieilles Charrues from the UK?
The quickest option from the UK is to fly direct to Brest (BES) from London Gatwick (easyJet, from around £29, 1h20), then take the TER BreizhGo festival train into Carhaix (~1h, from €4 per leg). Rennes is also served by direct flights from London. If you prefer the ferry, Brittany Ferries runs Plymouth to Roscoff (from £117, 6h), with Roscoff just 60 km from Carhaix. Carhaix station is 10 minutes’ walk from the festival site.
Who are the headliners at Vieilles Charrues 2026?
The 2026 headliners are: Katy Perry (Thursday 16 July, Brittany exclusive), Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Jean-Louis Aubert (Friday 17 July), Aya Nakamura, Mika and Interpol (Saturday 18 July), Orelsan and Vanessa Paradis (Sunday 19 July). Over 100 artists across 6 stages under the boreal theme. Source: official programme.
How do you pay on site at Vieilles Charrues?
Moneiz is the only accepted payment method on the site and at the camping ground (NFC wristband issued at the entrance). Top up via the app or on site. Activation is free before 12 July at 23:59 (€1 fee from 13 July). Top up online from 17 June to 20 July. Any balance is refundable until 11 August via your Charrues account.
What’s the weather like at Vieilles Charrues in July?
In Carhaix in July, temperatures range from 12°C at night to 22°C during the day. Inland Brittany can be unpredictable — a few brief showers are likely, occasionally stormy late afternoon. A lightweight waterproof or poncho is essential, and closed shoes are recommended if the ground turns muddy. Suncream is still useful on sunny days. UK festivalgoers won’t find it too different from a British summer.
Is Vieilles Charrues 2026 the 33rd or 34th edition?
The 2026 edition is the 34th edition of the festival. The 33rd took place in 2025 (17–20 July, 264,000 festivalgoers). The festival first opened to the public in 1993 (after a private gathering in 1992) and has run without major interruption ever since — except 2020–2021. Source: vieillescharrues.asso.fr.
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/programmation: Official 2026 programme
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/billetterie: Box office and ticket status
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr: Official sell-out announcement (27 February 2026)
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/camping: Free camping and Noz Kamp
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/infos-pratiques: Access, parking, shuttles, disabled access
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/moneiz: Moneiz cashless system
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/faq-resell: Official resale exchange
- ter.sncf.com / BreizhGo festival: Special festival train fares
- brittany-ferries.co.uk: Ferry guide for Vieilles Charrues
- easyjet.com: London Gatwick to Brest direct flights
- jds.fr: Full day-by-day programme
- hartzine.com: Critical analysis of the line-up
- stephanelarue.com: Boreal edition, Katy Perry and Orelsan
- cnews.fr: 33rd edition 2025 (264,000 festivalgoers)
- musicaddict.fr: 2026 ticket pricing analysis
- accuweather.com: July weather in Carhaix
- lodg-ing.com: Noz Kamp (glamping)
- vieillescharrues.asso.fr/festival-engage: Environmental commitments
- carhaixpohertourisme.bzh: Festival accommodation 2026
Plan your Vieilles Charrues 2026
Single-day tickets are still available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday at €52. Book your camping from June, activate your Moneiz before 12 July, and sort your flights or ferry early — Brest is 1h20 from London Gatwick, and those seats fill up fast in July.
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