Nuits Sonores – France 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Nuits Sonores was founded in 2003 by the Arty Farty association in Lyon, France, with the goal of celebrating electronic music and transforming urban spaces into cultural hubs. It emerged from a radical idea to reclaim the city through music, art, and thought, starting at Le Transbordeur concert hall.
• Evolution and Growth: From its inaugural edition attracting 15,000 attendees, the festival has expanded to over 150,000 visitors annually by 2025, featuring nearly 200 artists each year. It has evolved to include daytime and nighttime programs, labs, and family events, exploring Lyon’s streets, public spaces, and cultural institutions.
• Cultural Significance: Recognized as one of Europe’s most respected electronic music festivals, Nuits Sonores promotes independent culture, diversity, and freedom of expression. It bridges local and international scenes, fostering dialogue on social issues and serving as a platform for emerging artists and innovative formats.
• Musical Diversity: The festival encompasses a wide range of genres including techno, house, electro, experimental, ambient, and global sounds, with past lineups featuring icons like Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, and Laurent Garnier alongside newcomers.
• Innovative Programming: Known for site-specific events in unique venues, audiovisual installations, and thematic editions (e.g., 2025’s “Celebrating the Ephemeral” with kinetic visual identity by DIA Studio). It integrates music with visual arts, film, and discussions.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives like Nuits Sonores Lab (professional talks) and Mini Sonore (family programs), it engages artists, youth, and locals, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange.
• Sustainability and Social Impact: Committed to eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, reusable materials, and carbon footprint minimization. Supports global causes, e.g., “Stand Together” for Ukraine and Georgia, and emphasizes resistance through dance and culture.
• Awards and Recognition: Praised for its urban integration and artistic curation, it has become a landmark in Lyon’s cultural calendar, contributing to the city’s UNESCO Creative City status in gastronomy and media arts.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Daytime at Les Grandes Locos: Features diverse acts like Peggy Gou, BICEP (CHROMA AV DJ set), Chase & Status (DJ set), John Maus (live), and experimental performances such as Renick Bell (live coding) and Mohammad Reza Mortazavi (live).
  • Nighttime at La Sucrière: Includes high-energy sets from Solomun, The Blessed Madonna, Jennifer Cardini b2b Pablo Bozzi, and live acts like Violent Magic Orchestra and Polar Inertia across three stages: 360-degree dancefloor, intimate club, and immersive live space.
  • Special Concerts: Jeff Mills’ “WOMAN IN THE MOON” cinemix at Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse and Suzanne Ciani’s live performance at Les Célestins, Théâtre de Lyon, blending music with film and theater.
  • Nuits Sonores Lab: Daytime forums with talks, workshops, and performances on music, technology, and society, featuring speakers like Meredith Whittaker, Tariq Krim, and live sets from artists like Lyra Pramuk.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Curated audiovisual (AV) and hybrid live/DJ sets, such as Heith, James K & Günseli Yalcinkaya (live AV) and Speedy J (hybrid live), pushing electronic music boundaries.
  • Free open-air events at HEAT, including collaborations like Konbini x Batekoo and High Budub Sound Takeover, promoting accessibility and cultural diversity.
  • Mini Sonore at La Station Mue: Family-oriented activities with musical naps (Sieste musicale), storytelling (Bouquet de Contes en musique), and workshops like Les Acousmaflics.
  • Le Sampler Vidéo-club: Screenings of music-related films and visuals, enhancing the multidisciplinary experience.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Exploration of 40+ venues across Lyon, from industrial sites to historic theaters, offering immersive urban adventures.
  • Interdisciplinary blends of music, art, and technology, with generative visuals (e.g., DIA Studio’s particle system for 2025 poster) and live art installations.
  • Community-focused initiatives like “Au-delà du club x Réinventer la Nuit” discussions and eco-conscious festival practices for a sustainable vibe.

Date & Duration

• Dates: May 13 – May 17, 2026 (based on announced schedule; subject to confirmation).
• Duration: 5 days, including daytime programs, nighttime events, labs, and closing day.

Venue / Location

• City: Lyon, France, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gastronomy and cultural heritage.
• Main Venues:
  • Les Grandes Locos: 12, rue Gabriel Péri, 69350 La Mulatière. A former SNCF technicenter with four stages in dizzying halls, hosting Days and Closing Day since 2024.
  • La Sucrière: 49, quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon. Historic sugar warehouse in Confluence district, hosting Nuits with three themed stages for immersive nightlife.
  • Théâtre des Célestins: Place des Célestins, 69002 Lyon. A creative theater producing classical and contemporary works, hosting special concerts like Suzanne Ciani.
  • Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse: Place Joannes Ambre, 69004 Lyon. Inclusive venue in Canuts district, focused on community ties and contemporary creation, hosting Jeff Mills’ cinemix.
  • HEAT: 70 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon. Semi-open former foundry blending food court and community space, ideal for free open-air events.
  • Hôtel71: 71 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon. Arty Farty headquarters for cultural projects, hosting Nuits Sonores Lab.
  • La Station Mue: 155 Cr Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon. Participatory space in Confluence for concerts, workshops, and citizen engagement, perfect for Mini Sonore.
• Notable Areas: Venues span Lyon’s districts, from industrial Confluence to historic Vieux Lyon, allowing festival-goers to explore the city’s Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and modern developments.
• Google Maps Address: Les Grandes Locos, 12 rue Gabriel Péri, 69350 La Mulatière, France (primary daytime venue).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via official website (nuits-sonores.com) and partners like Shotgun, Dice, or Pass Culture app (for eligible users).
  • On-site at venue box offices during the festival (e.g., Les Grandes Locos, La Sucrière), subject to availability and last-minute sales.
  • Priority presales for loyalty members or early birds, typically starting February, with limited quantities.
• Admission Type: Paid for main events, with free access to open-air at HEAT and Mini Sonore (some may require registration).
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Price: ~$13 USD (3rd category for special concerts like Suzanne Ciani, based on €12, converted at 1 USD ≈ 1.1 EUR).
  • Maximum Price: ~$53 USD (last chance fare for Closing Day, based on €48).
  • Single Day tickets: ~$46–$51 USD (regular €42 to last chance €46).
  • Single Nuit tickets: ~$39–$43 USD (regular €35 to last chance €39).
  • Special concert tickets: ~$13–$34 USD (€12–€31).
  • Global passes (e.g., Pass Days or Pass Nuits): Historically ~$110–$143 USD (€100–€130), often sold out early.
  • Service fees apply (~$2–$5 USD per ticket); prices may increase closer to the event.
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Categorized seating for theater concerts (1st–3rd category at Les Célestins), with reduced fares for eligible attendees.
  • VIP packages: May include priority entry, exclusive lounge access at La Sucrière, or meet-and-greets (~$110–$220 USD extra, based on past editions).
  • Reduced fares for students, Lyon residents, or Pass Culture users; proof required via email to billetterie@arty-farty.eu within 7 days, or order cancelled.
  • Group or loyalty discounts occasionally offered; check for bundled packages including labs or special events.

Contact Information

• Email: bonjour@arty-farty.eu (general inquiries); billetterie@arty-farty.eu (tickets and reduced fare validation).
• Phone: +33 (0)4 78 30 41 44 (Arty Farty office, English available).
• Website: https://www.nuits-sonores.com
• Social Media: @nuits_sonores (Instagram), @NuitsSonores (Facebook), @Nuits_Sonores (Twitter/X), @nuits_sonores (TikTok).
• Key Staff: Organized by Arty Farty association; contact for directors or curators via bonjour@arty-farty.eu.
• Press/Volunteers: Email presse@arty-farty.eu for press; benevoles@arty-farty.eu for volunteer opportunities (applications open early 2026).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Multilingual support (English, French); accessibility info for disabled attendees available on request.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Reinvents Lyon’s urban spaces annually, blending electronic music with the city’s Roman, Renaissance, and industrial heritage for a site-specific festival experience.
  • Emphasizes resistance and joy through dance, celebrating ephemeral moments amid global anxieties, as per the 2025 edito.
• Music:
  • Diverse electronic genres from techno (e.g., Manu Le Malin) to experimental (e.g., Nadah El Shazly live), with global influences like Raïna Raï and Ghettão.
  • Features innovative formats: AV shows, live coding, hybrid sets, and collaborations (e.g., Helena Hauff b2b DJ MELL G).
• Costumes:
  • Attendees don eclectic, vibrant outfits inspired by club culture—neon, glitter, futuristic elements—reflecting Lyon’s youthful, artistic scene.
  • Performers often wear thematic attire, enhancing AV performances (e.g., futuristic for BICEP’s CHROMA).
• Local Customs:
  • Encourages respectful exploration of venues, especially historic sites; modest dress in theaters.
  • Fosters community through free events, promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural dialogue in Lyon’s gastronomic capital.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Saucisson Lyonnais: Local sausage in brioche or with potatoes, available at HEAT food court (~$9–$13 USD).
  • Tarte à la Praline: Iconic pink praline tart, a sweet Lyon treat (~$4–$8 USD).
  • Cervelle de Canut: Herb-infused cheese spread with bread, a fresh appetizer (~$7–$11 USD).
  • Quenelles: Dumplings in Nantua sauce, a creamy Lyonnais classic (~$11–$16 USD).
  • Beaujolais Wine: Local reds or rosés from nearby vineyards (~$6–$9 USD/glass).
  • Crêpes or Galettes: Savory buckwheat pancakes with fillings like ham and cheese (~$4–$7 USD).
• Event-Specific Offerings:
  • Food trucks and bars at venues like Les Grandes Locos and HEAT offer quick service with local/international options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes (~$4–$11 USD).
  • Cocktails at festival bars (e.g., gin tonics, mojitos) and craft beers from Ninkasi brewery (~$4–$11 USD); non-alcoholic mocktails available.
  • Pop-up markets featuring regional producers, emphasizing seasonal, sustainable ingredients from Lyon’s UNESCO gastronomy status.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), 25 km from city center, ~30–45 min by taxi (~$44–$66 USD) or Rhônexpress tram (~$20 USD).
  • Geneva Airport (GVA), 150 km away, ~2-hour drive or train via SNCF (~$22–$44 USD).
• Public Transport:
  • Metro: Lines A (Perrache for HEAT), B/D (city center for Les Célestins), efficient TCL network (~$2 USD/ride; day pass ~$7 USD).
  • Tram: T1/T2 serve Confluence (La Sucrière, La Station Mue); T3 for La Mulatière (Les Grandes Locos).
  • Bus: TCL lines connect all venues; use TCL app or website for real-time routes and tickets.
  • Bike: Vélo’v sharing system with 5,000 bikes (~$2 USD/hour; stations near venues).
  • Train: Perrache or Part-Dieu stations for high-speed TGV from Paris (~2 hours, ~$33–$110 USD).
• Parking:
  • Limited at venues; public lots at Perrache/Confluence (~$11–$22 USD/day); book via Indigo or Parkopedia apps.
  • Street parking scarce; eco-parking incentives for low-emission vehicles.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Uber, Bolt, or local taxis (~$11–$22 USD within Lyon); airport shuttles available.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Sofitel Lyon Bellecour (near Les Célestins), ~$220–$385 USD/night, with city views and gourmet restaurant Les Trois Dômes.
  • Villa Maia (Lyon 5th), ~$330–$550 USD/night, luxury spa and panoramic views.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe-Lafayette (near Confluence), ~$110–$220 USD/night, modern amenities.
  • Hotel Carlton Lyon (MGallery, near Bellecour), ~$132–$242 USD/night, historic charm with metro access.
  • Best Western Hôtel Créqui (city center), ~$110–$198 USD/night, comfortable for festival attendees.
• Budget Options:
  • Slo Living Hostel (Confluence), ~$33–$66 USD/night for dorms/private rooms, social vibe.
  • MEININGER Hotel Lyon Centre Berthelot, ~$55–$110 USD/night, affordable and central.
  • Airbnb apartments in Vieux Lyon or Confluence, ~$55–$132 USD/night, with kitchens.
• Unique Options:
  • Hôtel Vaubecour or Hôtel De L’Abbaye (near venues), ~$110–$220 USD/night, boutique historic stays.
  • Houseboats on Saône River, ~$110–$220 USD/night, scenic and immersive.
  • Logis Hôtel Tante Yvonne (near Lyon), ~$88–$165 USD/night, with semi-gastronomic restaurant.
• Booking Tips:
  • Reserve 3–6 months ahead via Booking.com, Airbnb, or hotel sites; festival demand peaks in May.
  • Choose Confluence or Pentes de la Croix-Rousse for food/scene proximity; Novotel Confluence recommended for convenience.