Festival
Aux Heures d’Été
Nantes · Loire-Atlantique
Aux Heures d’Été in Nantes: world music, open-air cinema and family events in public spaces. 2027 edition: from 6 July to 6 August 2027.
- Suggested time
- One evening to several events over a month
- Type of place
- Free summer festival · world music
- Atmosphere
- Festive, cultural and immersive, with an identity strongly linked to the place and the line-up
- Getting there
- Nantes; tram, bus, bike and walking are the easiest ways to get between the sites.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 9/10
- As a couple
- 8/10
- With friends
- 10/10
- Solo
- 9/10
- With a dog
- 6/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
Every summer, Aux Heures d’Été turns Nantes into a stage open to the world. The festival focuses on cultural diversity, languages, world music and events open to all. The 2026 edition took over more than ten venues with concerts, open-air cinema, shows and family events; the evenings in the moats of the Château des ducs were among the highlights. The 2026 edition is over. The festival ran from 7 July to 7 August 2026 and welcomed nearly 30,000 people. The next edition will take place from 6 July to 6 August 2027.
What you will see
- An entirely free festival
- More than 70 artists announced in 2026
- More than 11 venues
- Concerts in the château moats
- Open-air cinema and family events
- An identity strongly linked to Nantes.
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- A line-up centred on contemporary world music and cultures, open-air cinema, family events and discoveries in the public spaces of Nantes.
- Big crowds possible: plan transport, accommodation and bookings ahead.
Practical information
- Address
- Parks, gardens, the moats of the Château des ducs de Bretagne and other venues in Nantes
- Public transport
- Nantes; tram, bus, bike and walking are the easiest ways to get between the sites
- Pets
- Rules vary by park and cultural venue; dogs must be on a lead in the public spaces concerned
- Accessibility
- Accessibility varies by site, generally good in urban spaces; check each event
- Best time
- Arrive early for the big moments and leave time for security checks, shuttles and moving between stages
Tips on the spot
- 2027 dates: from 6 July to 6 August 2027.
- The 2026 edition ran from 7 July to 7 August 2026 and welcomed nearly 30,000 people.
- Tickets: the 2026 programme was announced as 100 % free.
- Check the official website just before you travel: times, bag checks, banned items and traffic plans can change.
- For a big festival, book accommodation and transport well in advance.
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- Bring comfortable shoes, clothes for the weather, ear protection for loud concerts and a power bank.
- If a cashless system is used, create and top up your account before you arrive.
- With children or teenagers, check the age and supervision rules and the recommended ear protection.
Frequently asked questions
When is Aux Heures d’Été?
From 6 July to 6 August 2027.
Where does Aux Heures d’Été take place?
Parks, gardens, the moats of the Château des ducs de Bretagne and other venues in Nantes.
Is the festival free?
Yes, the 2026 programme was announced as 100 % free.
What style of festival is it?
Contemporary world music and cultures, open-air cinema, family events and discoveries in the public spaces of Nantes.
How much time should I allow?
One evening to several events over a month, depending on your plans.
How do I get there?
Nantes; tram, bus, bike and walking are the easiest ways to get between the sites.
See also all the festivals in Loire-Atlantique.
Stay in Nantes
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Read in the journal
- SeasonWhat to do in Nantes during the All Saints’ holidaysThe Utopiales, the Machines de l’île, the Château des ducs, Trentemoult and the markets: our ideas for enjoying Nantes during the 2026 All Saints’ holidays.
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Photograph: François de Dijon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons