Why the Fête de la Musique is particularly attracting foreign tourists this year

By Marie Fiachetti

Published on June 21, 2025 at 2:25 p.m.

Google News Subscribe

Reading time: 2 min.

Decryption Many foreign Internet users, fascinated by the images of the large street concerts that dot France every June 21, have expressed their intention to join the celebrations.

Could the Fête de la Musique be a French Coachella? On social media, many foreign internet users seem to have become convinced. For several weeks, the musical event, which takes place every year on June 21st, the summer solstice, has been generating a buzz online, particularly on TikTok. British, German, and American internet users have vowed to make the trip to take part in the celebrations.

As every year, the Fête de la Musique will feature street performances, bringing together tourists and locals from across France for hundreds of free concerts. This great musical mass has often caused a stir, with images of massive crowds vibrating in the streets to the sound of DJs perched in their apartment windows or musicians propped up on a stretch of sidewalk sometimes racking up millions of views.

This has generated so much fascination abroad that some have announced they will travel to France, particularly Paris, to participate. On social media, videos are multiplying from foreign Internet users detailing their preparations and their best plans for dancing on Friday night, and sharing their tips for blending in as best as possible.

Also read

Interview on the Death of Brian Wilson: "The Beach Boys' 'surf music' contributed to the commodification of a practice of Native Hawaiians"

"I just booked my plane ticket!! Can you recommend the best spots for the 21st please?", we read under a video going over the ABCs of the party ( "Download the RATP app", "When you find your spot, stay there, it's like the London carnival, the city will be packed!") Still others are asking for advice on the best outfits to wear for the occasion. One British internet user in particular caused hilarity - and exasperation - by mentioning the 15 outfits packed in her suitcase for the evening.

Because the trend, even if it is sometimes taken to the second degree, has had the gift of annoying certain French Internet users, worried about seeing the event become a pseudo-"Coachella", the name of this large Californian music festival almost more known for the celebrities and influencers who like to take pictures of themselves there than for its program.

“I’m warning you, it’s just a huge block party. You just need good shoes, a tote bag to carry the essentials, a power bank, a bottle of water, a pack of gum and that’s it!” explained a young French woman in a TikTok video , trying to dampen the expectations of tourists expecting a grandiose party. Other French people were more irritated by the potential influx of tourists: “Who invited you?” complained the comments under many videos of foreigners sharing their plans for the evening.

Also read