The unmissable festivals in la Manche
the biggest events hosted in the department
Do you want to kick back and have some fun for an evening or a weekend? Come and discover la Manche, an exciting cultural destination! Every year, around 20 festivals are held in the department. The programmes are varied, and include street performances, jazz concerts, brass bands, world music and current music, and heritage festivals. Head to one of these events for which the Manche is renowned, and prepare to treat your eyes and ears!
In February
Granville Carnaval
13 to 17 february 2026This popular celebration is one of the oldest events in Granville. The carnival is usually held in late February. For several days, the lively streets of Granville go crazy, filling with colourful and costumed carnival-goers. Join the revellers for some festive madness, with floats, parades and plenty of confetti! Granville Carnival takes a satirical look at the latest news. On the programme: an opening concert, a children’s ball, the famous Bal à Papa, a confetti fight, and much more. Prepare for an unforgettable experience!
In May
Jazz sous les pommiers festival
8 to 16 may 2026For more than 40 years, Coutances has moved to the rhythm of jazz for one week every year. Latin jazz, nu jazz, blues, funk and soul: combining the different genres has been the DNA of this festival since its creation. Big names, new discoveries, street performances, brass bands, and an “amateur” stage: come and enjoy the music! Are you a jazz fan? Then this festival is the place to be!
In june
Papillons de Nuit festival
22 to 24 may 2026Papillons de Nuit is definitely one of the biggest musical events held in la Manche. Every year in Saint-Laurent-de-Cuve, thousands of festival-goers meet for two or three days of partying. Lots of artists, both national and international, have already hit the stage at this famous festival in la Manche. Every year, the Papillons de Nuit lineup goes from strength to strength, and has something for everyone. Grab your wellies and get ready to dance!
Green River Valley
19 to 20 june 2026Every year the Cara-Meuh Farm in Vains hosts the Green River Valley festival, with a varied musical lineup and a big festival village showcasing different associations. With games and activities, conferences and debates all focusing on a given cause, Green River Valley is an eco-friendly festival that’s committed to tackling the climate problem.
Les Art’Zimutés festival
24 to 27 june 2026Art’Zimutés is a multidisciplinary festival that hosts big regional names, ensuring a lively atmosphere at the Plage Verte in Cherbourg. Organised by the Musiques en Herbe association, the festival has an eclectic programme including concerts, art, circus, sustainable development events for all ages, and much more.
Dox'Art Festival
25 to 28 june 2026In Hambye, take part in the 8th edition of the Dox'Art Festival. This electro and techno music festival is one of the big events in La Manche. Free activities are organised in the afternoon for all ages, and you can also sample local products at the festival. Prepare to dance till the early hours!
In july
Sorties de bain festival
2 to 5 july 2026The Sorties de Bain festival is a cultural event that’s family-friendly and completely free. The lineup of this street performance festival includes dance, theatre, comedy, storytelling and singing. A fun way to celebrate the beginning of the holidays and to enjoy the long summer evenings in Granville!
Les Pluies de Juillet
17 to 19 july 2026Les Pluies de Juillet is a cultural festival to promote the ecological transition. During the event, a festival village is set up, with conferences, workshops and exhibitions. Over three days, a number of artists and bands put on a great show. Listen out and discover the names of the future!
Chauffer dans la noirceur festival
10 to 12 july 2026This contemporary music festival is held in a protected natural site, right by the sea. Chauffer dans la Noirceur spotlights new musical discoveries, without forgetting some big names. An unmissable festive event that’s held every summer on the beach in Montmartin-sur-Mer.
The Grandes Marées festival
18 to 26 july 2026The Grandes Marées festival is a unique experience that you can enjoy over seven days in Jullouville. This small-scale contemporary music festival is driven by a desire to share, to protect and to engage. Get ready for some magical moments at the Grandes Marées festival in 2024!
In August
Traversées Tatihou festival
12 to 16 august 2026The Traversées Tatihou Festival is one of the most emblematic of la Manche, where sea, nature and music merge into one. This festival, backed by the departmental council of la Manche, is organised to the rhythm of the tides and has an eclectic lineup of world music. To attend the concerts, you’ll walk across the sand at low tide from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Tatihou Island. You’ll be able to enjoy this idyllic setting, with music as a bonus! The tides determine the times of concerts, giving the festival its unique local flavour!
Voiles de travail festival
19 to 23 august 2026Granville, the number one shellfish port in France, and one-time privateer port, is the emblem of fishing in la Manche and Normandy. So it’s only natural that Granville has been hosting the Voiles de Travail festival since 2012. On the programme: boat trips, exhibitions, concerts, seafood tasting, and much more. Plenty of enjoyable ways for you to discover the maritime heritage of Granville.
MusikenSaire festival
28 to 30 august 2026MusikenSaire is the Cotentin festival that marks the end of the summer. Concerts and free events are organised on the quayside of the charming port of Barfleur, with a great family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the opportunity to discover contemporary Norman bands. With pop, rock, blues, folk and electro, there’s something for everyone!
in october
Via Aeterna festival
13 september to 4 october 2026Via Aeterna is a classical music festival that’s held in the heart of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. In an almost mystical atmosphere, famous artists, including musicians, soloists and singers, perform in the most emblematic sites around the bay. Come and enjoy a unique experience, combining music and heritage!
Toute la mer sur un plateau festival
3 and 4 october 2026Head to the fishing port in Granville to try some delicious seafood in a musical atmosphere! This event is held every year for the launch of the scallop fishing season. On the programme: cookery workshops, market stalls, tasting sessions, concerts, and seafood straight from the boat. Don’t miss this fantastic festival showcasing the local produce of la Manche.
In November
Les rendez-vous soniques
november 2026A festival to “change your perspective on music”. Singing in French and English, lots of different artists have already hit the stage at Le Normandy in Saint-Lô. The Rendez-vous Soniques is an unmissable festival held in the town every autumn.
Les Égaluantes
november 2026Since 2016, Carentan-les-Marais has hosted the film festival Les Égaluantes. The name comes from the Norman dialect: “égaluer” means “to dazzle”. This promise is kept every year with a fantastic programme including films and documentaries, some of which are being screened for the first time. Les Égaluantes is also the opportunity to meet French film stars.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Many other events are held every year in la Manche.
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