Festival de Marseille – France 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Founded in 1996 by the association MP2013 (Marseille Provence 2013, European Capital of Culture), the Festival de Marseille emerged as a platform for contemporary dance and performance art, reflecting Marseille’s multicultural identity as a Mediterranean port city.
• Cultural Significance: The festival celebrates the body’s role in society, blending dance, theater, music, cinema, and talks to explore contemporary issues like migration, identity, and community. It positions Marseille as a global crossroads, connecting local artists with international talents from the Mediterranean, Africa, and beyond.
• Growth Over the Years: From its inception with 20 events, it has expanded to over 50 performances across 30+ venues, attracting 20,000+ attendees annually. The 30th edition (June 13–July 6, 2025) featured artists like Marlene Monteiro Freitas and Christian Rizzo; the 31st in 2026 will continue this trajectory with enhanced inclusivity.
• Unique Contribution: Emphasizes emerging artists from Marseille, the Mediterranean basin, and Comoros, fostering transcontinental collaborations. It initiates community-involved projects, such as workshops in neighborhoods, promoting artistic propagation and social cohesion.
• Educational Impact: Year-round programs engage over 1,000 children and youth through school workshops, mixing disabled and able-bodied participants. Training for staff in sign language, mental health first aid, and abuse prevention ensures accessibility.
• Global Recognition: Supported by the City of Marseille and regional partners, it has become a key European festival for contemporary arts, drawing international acclaim for its eco-responsible practices and solidarity initiatives.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Over 50 events including dance (e.g., contemporary pieces by local choreographers), theater, concerts (world music, experimental), cinema screenings (documentaries on migration), and talks on body politics and societal change.
  • Key venues host premieres and collaborations, such as Théâtre du Chêne Noir for immersive performances and La Friche Belle de Mai for multimedia shows.
  • Community-engaged projects: Neighborhood workshops and participatory creations involving inhabitants in artistic processes.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Solidarity tickets: €1 for underprivileged audiences, €10 for all shows, ensuring broad access.
  • Eco-initiatives: Solar-powered equipment, bike transport for gear, green supplier selection to minimize environmental impact.
  • Inclusive programming: All bodies visible on stages, with mediation in neighborhoods and solutions for disabled/vulnerable attendees.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Citywide immersion: Events spread from mid-June to mid-July across Marseille’s diverse districts, turning the city into a living stage.
  • Youth-focused: Programs targeting young audiences with free or low-cost entry, fostering new generations of art lovers.
  • International exchanges: Transcontinental productions addressing global changes, blending local Marseille energy with worldwide perspectives.

Date & Duration

• Dates: dates to be announced

Venue / Location

• City: Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France.
• Main Venue: Théâtre du Chêne Noir (historic theater for main performances), with events across 30+ sites.
• Notable Areas:
  • La Friche Belle de Mai: Industrial creative hub for dance and multimedia (41 Rue Jobin, 13003 Marseille).
  • Théâtre du Chêne Noir: Central stage for premieres (24 Boulevard Louis Salvator, 13006 Marseille).
  • Silo: Waterfront venue for concerts and cinema (Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille).
  • Neighborhood spaces: Pop-up events in diverse districts like Noailles and Belsunce for community engagement.
  • Outdoor sites: Public squares and parks for free talks and performances.
• Google Maps Address: Théâtre du Chêne Noir, 24 Boulevard Louis Salvator, 13006 Marseille, France (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues; dedicated solutions for disabled (e.g., sign language interpretation, easy-access seating); contact info@festivaldemarseille.com for arrangements.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via festivaldemarseille.com (secure platform, French/English).
  • On-site at Théâtre du Chêne Noir box office and partner venues during the festival (10 AM–8 PM).
  • Solidarity tickets (€1–€10) available from May 2026; group rates for schools/youth via info@festivaldemarseille.com.
  • Free events for workshops and neighborhood mediations; full passes for multi-event access.
• Admission Type: Paid for main performances; free/low-cost for talks, workshops, and youth programs.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Pricing: $1 USD (solidarity tickets for underprivileged).
  • Maximum Pricing: $12 USD (standard full-price tickets, based on €10-11; exact 2026 TBD).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • €10 admission for all shows (youth/senior discounts); free for disabled companions.
  • Accessible seating and interpretation services; no VIP, but priority for solidarity ticket holders.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • info@festivaldemarseille.com (general inquiries, ticketing, accessibility).
  • programmation@festivaldemarseille.com (artist submissions, collaborations).
• Phone: +33 4 91 99 02 50 (French/English support, Mon-Fri 10 AM–6 PM).
• Physical Address: 17 Rue de la République, 13001 Marseille, France.
• Website: https://festivaldemarseille.com/en (English version for program, tickets).
• Social Media:
  • @festivaldemarseille (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for updates, artist spotlights, and live streams.
• Key Staff:
  • Festival Director: Not specified; contact info@festivaldemarseille.com.
  • Programming Team: Focuses on Mediterranean/Comoros artists and inclusivity.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email info@festivaldemarseille.com for accreditation.
  • Volunteers: Roles in mediation and setup; apply via website (details by April 2026).
• Note: Response time 24–48 hours; multilingual support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Citywide diffusion: Events interact with Marseille’s plural neighborhoods, reflecting its multicultural vibrancy.
  • Body-focused themes: Performances explore community roles, migration, and change, with transcontinental collaborations.
  • Solidarity focus: €1 tickets and neighborhood outreach promote accessibility and togetherness.
• Music and Arts:
  • Eclectic program: Dance (contemporary, hip-hop), concerts (world, experimental), cinema (documentaries), talks on societal issues.
  • Emerging artists from Marseille/Mediterranean/Comoros alongside established figures like Christian Rizzo.
• Costumes:
  • Performers in avant-garde attire reflecting themes (e.g., fluid, multicultural garments); audiences casual with festival merch.
• Local Customs:
  • Marseille’s festive energy: Street interactions, Provençal hospitality, and integration with local markets/food scenes.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Bouillabaisse (fish stew), pan bagnat (tuna sandwich), pastis (anise aperitif) at nearby stalls.
  • Mediterranean fusion: Falafel, couscous, tapenade at festival-adjacent cafés.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Ratatouille, socca (chickpea pancake), grilled veggies.
• Festival Dining:
  • On-site bars with local wines/beers; food trucks in neighborhoods (€5–€10 USD).

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Marseille Provence (MRS), 25 km (30 min taxi/train).
• Public Transport:
  • Metro: Lines M1/M2 to Vieux-Port for central venues.
  • Bus: Lines 49/82 to La Friche; RTM day pass €5 USD.
• Parking:
  • Paid lots near venues (€2–€4 USD/hour); eco-bike transport encouraged.
• Other Options:
  • Taxis/Bolt €10–€20 USD; bike rentals (Le Vélo) €2 USD/hour.

Accommodation Options

• Hôtel du Palais et des Arts**: Central, near venues, €100–€200 USD/night.
• Ibis Budget Marseille Centre: Budget, €50–€100 USD/night.
• Hostel Vertigo Vieux Port: Youth hostel, €20–€60 USD/night.
• Airbnb: Apartments in Vieux-Port, €60–€150 USD/night.
• Booking Tips: Book early for June/July; partner hotels via festival site.