If the Nuits de Fourvière festival hasn’t crossed your path yet, then you’re overlooking one of Europe’s most vibrant and engaging events.

Situated atop the Fourvière Hill, the festival occurs each summer amidst the remnants of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Théâtre Antique de Fourvière.

It’s definitely one of our

favourite European festivals

With its remarkable setting complementing equally spectacular rosters, the uniqueness of this festival shines through its multidisciplinary approach, featuring music, ballet, dance, and theater across a span of two months.

This year’s event, taking place from June 2nd to July 26th, follows suit—with notable performers including Kraftwerk, The Kills, Kool & The Gang, Chilly Gonzales, and The Libertines joining forces at Fourvière. Alongside them will be an array of circus, magic, and theater performances.

The tickets

will be available for purchase later this week

(Wednesday at 12 PM), here’s our carefully selected, sequential list of performances you definitely shouldn’t overlook this year. The absence of previously mentioned artists from our selection underscores just how impressive 2025’s lineup truly is…

Fontaines D.C.

When? 9 June

Inspired by the triumph of their fourth studio album, ‘

Romance

‘, which was one of

our top album picks for 2024

The Dublin-based five-piece band is set to perform in Lyon this June. Known as consistent frontrunners in the contemporary music scene, these Irish post-punk artists continue to impress with each release, showing significant progressions both lyrically and sonically. ‘Romance’ stands out as a testament to their growth. Missing the chance to witness Grian Chatten & Company at the peak of their abilities simply isn’t possible.

Cirque Queer

When? 12 June

Founded in 2020, the circus ensemble Cirque Queer has established itself by reinventing traditional big-top and freak-show performances into an elaborate display characterized as delightfully vibrant. The performance, not held at the Grand Théatre but beneath a large tent on the picturesque Place de la Croix-Rousse, is set to be a subtle standout feature of this year’s event. Make sure you catch it.

Clara Luciani

When? 13 June

The renowned French singer-songwriter Clara Luciani is returning to perform at the Nuits de Fourvière, and her inclusion has only strengthened this year’s lineup. Known initially as one of the lead singers in the band La Femme (we’ll delve into their story shortly), she gained recognition through her solo works such as ‘Sainte-Victoire’ from 2018 and ‘Cœur’ released in 2021. These releases positioned her among France’s top emerging talents in popular music. Her latest album, ‘Mon Sang’, further cements her status with heartfelt ballads intertwined with catchy melodies, solidifying her place as an essential artist worth watching during this exciting phase of her musical journey.

Benjamin Millepied – GRACE – Jeff Buckley’s Dance Performance

When? 17-18 June

Are you acquainted with ‘

Grace

If you’re familiar with “Grace,” the sole studio album by the late Jeff Buckley, then renowned French choreographer Benjamin Millepied has an exciting show for you. And even if you haven’t heard of this beloved artist, Millepied’s production will still captivate you. His performance blends music and dance to honor the legacy of the ’90s musical legend, presenting a mesmerizing spectacle through various dance scenes.

Cypress Hill

When? 29 June

It’s quite a coup for Les Nuits de Fourvière to secure Cypress Hill for their lineup. By now, they require no introduction, and one can expect nothing less than an unforgettable chaos from their performance. Picture witnessing these icons of West Coast rap within the grand setting of a massive Roman amphitheater, with fans joining in harmony to sing classics such as ‘Insane in the Brain,’ ‘Superstar,’ and ‘When the Shit Goes Down.’ Count me in!

Beth Gibbons

When? 30 June

Last year was significant as it commemorated both 30 years since Portishead’s debut album ‘Dummy’ and the release of Beth Gibbons’ first solo record, ‘HomeAs’

صند

Lives Outgrown

It’s an exquisite compilation of tracks that reflect on life and sorrow, infused with captivating sensuality and a moving performance style exclusive to Gibbons. We’re eager to experience what it will sound like during her live show. Additionally, she’ll be accompanied by the lo-fi rock artist Bill Callahan who sets the stage as her opening act. Given that his latest records, ‘YTILAER’ and ‘Resuscitate!’, have become instant classics, this joint appearance is sure to create a somber yet enthralling night.

La Femme

When? 3 July

The renowned French psychedelic punk group La Femme is famous for putting on dynamic performances. Their latest album, ‘Rock Machine,’ echoes the vigor of their first release in 2013, ‘Psycho Tropical Berlin.’ This makes an upcoming concert particularly appealing. Adding to this excitement, French vocalist Thomas de Pourquery—who has worked alongside artists like Oxmo Puccino and Metronomy—will kick off the night. According to the Fourvière program guide, he’ll perform accompanied by “a large, welcoming, and generous choir.” We’re definitely curious about this lineup.

De La Soul / Oxmo Puccino / George Ka

H.I.P.H.O.P.

When? 5 July

American hip-hop legends De La Soul team up with Franco-Malian artist Oxmo Puccino and dynamic spoken word performer George Ka for an electrifying evening dubbed ‘H.I.P.H.O.P.’ We won’t even try to hide that securing tickets as soon as they become available on Wednesday will be our top priority.

Max Richter – In A Landscape & The Blue Notebooks

When? 11 July

Max Richter, a German-born British composer and pianist, stands out as one of the most significant artists of our era. His compositions have graced concert halls, art exhibitions, and blockbuster movies alike.

Waltz With Bashir

,

Ad Astra

) along with shorter works such as “The Leftovers” and “Black Mirror.” This year, the post-minimalist and neo-classical musician will present his captivating compositions in Lyon. Accompanied by a string ensemble, he’ll perform selections from his stunning 2024 release ‘In A Landscape,’ alongside tracks from his acclaimed 2004 album ‘The Blue Notebooks,’ which we rated

leading European album of the 21st century

‘It goes without saying’ would be an understatement here.’

Compagnie Bravache – L’illiade

When? 16 July

What about some theater as a refreshing break from all the musical delights? The mischievous quartet from Compagnie Bravache, equipped with plastic helmets and faux blood, has taken on a significant challenge: presenting the entire “Iliad” in just 50 minutes. That’s right—in under an hour, they aim to cover Achilles, Odysseus, Helen, and Paris. Ambitious? Definitely. Challenging? Undoubtedly. Will it bring laughter? Most certainly.

Tickets for this year’s festival will be available starting Wednesday, March 19th, and you can also view them.
the whole programme here
.