La Route du Rock – Collection Hiver & Été 2026 Saint-Malo, France
Overview
La Route du Rock is one of France’s most cherished independent music festivals, offering two distinct seasonal experiences: the intimate “Collection Hiver” (Winter) and the legendary “Collection Été” (Summer). The festival has a long-standing reputation for its high-fashion approach to musical curation, focusing on indie-rock, electronic, and alternative genres. While the summer edition is famous for its large-scale open-air performances at the historic Fort de Saint-Père, the winter edition provides a “cocooning” atmosphere, spreading its programming across smaller, high-quality venues and cinema spaces in Saint-Malo and nearby Rennes.
Both editions are organized by the Rock Tympans association and serve as a vital platform for emerging international artists and established indie icons. The summer version transforms the Emerald Coast into a massive musical playground, featuring afternoon concerts on the beaches of Saint-Malo followed by evening sets within the castle ruins. In contrast, the winter version focuses on indoor intimacy and cultural depth, incorporating film screenings and musical conferences alongside live performances. Together, these two collections offer a year-round celebration of the “indie way of life” in one of Brittany’s most picturesque coastal settings.
Event Highlights
- Historic Fort Performances: Experience world-class summer headliners like Fontaines D.C. performing within the majestic stone ruins of the 18th-century Fort de Saint-Père.
- Seaside Beach Concerts: Spend summer afternoons with “feet in the water” at Bon Secours beach, enjoying free live sets and animations at the foot of Saint-Malo’s ramparts.
- Winter Cultural Program: The Hiver edition features the “Rock’n’Roll Film Festival” and specialized conferences alongside live sets from acts like Stereolab and Jehnny Beth.
- Dual City Hosting: The festival uniquely bridges the cities of Saint-Malo and Rennes, utilizing top-tier venues like La Nouvelle Vague, Antipode, and L’Arvor.
Why Attend
La Route du Rock is a must-attend for music aficionados who prefer carefully curated lineups over generic commercial festivals. The “Collection Hiver” is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated indoor experience where they can discover the next big thing in indie music in a cozy, intimate setting. It attracts a dedicated crowd of audiophiles and industry insiders who appreciate the high technical production and the opportunity to engage with music through multiple formats, including film and discussion.
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The “Collection Été” is the ultimate summer pilgrimage for fans of alternative culture who want to combine a seaside vacation with a high-energy music festival. Its unique location inside an old French castle provides an unparalleled atmosphere that blends history with modern sound. Whether you are looking for the vibrant energy of the summer mosh pits or the intellectual and artistic stimulation of the winter collection, La Route du Rock offers a safe, impeccably organized, and culturally rich environment for international visitors of all ages.
Date & Duration
- Collection Hiver: March 4 – March 7, 2026 (4 Days).
- Collection Été: August 12 – August 15, 2026 (4 Days).
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Saint-Malo & Rennes, France.
- Venue: Fort de Saint-Père (Summer) and La Nouvelle Vague / Antipode (Winter).
- Google Maps Address: Chem. Bertrand du Guesclin, 35430 Saint-Père-Marc-en-Poulet, France.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available via the official festival website and Shotgun.live, with options for single-day or multi-day passes.
- Admission Type: Collection Hiver Day Passes / Collection Été 3-Day Pass & Single Day Tickets.
- Ticket Pricing: Single day tickets start from approximately $42, while 3-day summer passes start from approximately $122.
- Price Range: Minimum entry price is approximately $16 for specific evening sessions, up to $148 for full event access on-site.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Limited “Early Bird” discounted passes are available; specific VIP terrace access can be requested for corporate partners.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@laroutedurock.com
- Phone: +33 2 99 54 01 11
- Website: www.laroutedurock.com
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/laroutedurock/
- https://www.instagram.com/laroutedurock/
- https://twitter.com/laroutedurock
- https://www.youtube.com/@LaRouteDuRock
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-route-du-rock/
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo (DNR), 15 km from Saint-Malo (~20 minutes); Rennes Bretagne (RNS), 75 km (~1 hour).
- Public Transport: TGV high-speed trains from Paris Montparnasse to Saint-Malo (~2.5 hours); free festival shuttles link Saint-Malo station to Fort de Saint-Père.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Local taxis from Saint-Malo city center cost approximately $32–$45; rideshare apps like Uber are limited, so local firms are recommended.
- Parking: Large free parking areas are available at Fort de Saint-Père for summer attendees; city parking in Saint-Malo applies for winter venues (~$22/day).
- Other Access: Regional TER trains frequently run between Rennes and Saint-Malo for those attending sessions in both host cities.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Grand Hôtel des Thermes (5-star, 2 km, beachfront luxury with spa, ~$280-450/night); Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde (4-star, 1.5 km, modern sea views, ~$190-280/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Kyriad Prestige Saint-Malo (3-star, 3 km, comfortable with pool, ~$110-160/night); B&B HOTEL Saint-Malo Centre (2-star, 2.5 km, clean and efficient, ~$85-130/night).
- Budget Stays: Centre Patrick Varangot (Hostel, 2 km, preferred rates for winter festival-goers, ~$35-60/night); Fort de Saint-Père Camping (On-site, 0 km, summer only, ~$6-12/stay).
Reviews
- Incredible Scenery: Watching my favorite bands inside an old fort while the sun sets over the French coast is a memory I will never forget.
- Curation Experts: I come every year because the lineup is always ahead of the curve and features the best indie talent in the world.
- Perfect Organization: The shuttle system from the city to the fort is seamless and the food stalls offer amazing local Breton crepes.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
How do I travel between the winter venues in Rennes and Saint-Malo?
The festival organizes its schedule so that major performances do not overlap across cities on the same day, allowing fans to follow the tour. Regional TER trains run hourly between Rennes and Saint-Malo, taking approximately 50 minutes and costing about $16 for a one-way trip. Many attendees choose to stay in Saint-Malo and commute to Rennes for the opening nights before the festival moves fully to the coast.
What is the camping situation for the Summer Collection?
Official festival camping is located directly adjacent to the Fort de Saint-Père and is available to anyone holding a valid festival pass for an additional small fee. The campsite features basic amenities including showers, toilets, and a morning breakfast stall, providing a highly social atmosphere for thousands of fans. Camping is usually free on the inaugural Wednesday night for those with a 3-day pass, but you must reserve your spot in advance through the ticketing site.
Is the winter edition suitable for international visitors who don't speak French?
While the conferences and film introductions are primarily in French, the music and artistic performances are universal and attract a very international crowd. The festival staff at the main venues (La Nouvelle Vague and Antipode) are generally bilingual and can assist with ticketing and general information in English. The "cocooning" nature of the winter event makes it very easy to meet local fans and engage with the community regardless of language barriers.
Are children allowed at the Fort de Saint-Père during the summer?
The festival is open to all ages, but the loud volumes and large crowds at the fort mean it is best suited for older children and teenagers. Parents must ensure children wear high-quality ear protection, and strollers can be difficult to navigate on the uneven grass and stone terrain of the fort. The afternoon beach concerts are much more family-friendly and offer a relaxed way for younger children to experience the festival atmosphere.
Can I buy tickets at the gate if the event isn't sold out?
Tickets are sold at the venue entrance each day, but prices are typically $5 to $10 higher than the online "pre-sale" prices. Popular nights featuring major headliners often sell out weeks in advance, so purchasing online is highly recommended to avoid disappointment at the gate. The winter venues have much smaller capacities than the summer fort, so door sales for the Hiver collection are extremely rare.
