Morzine Summer Festival Frenzy

Festival fans and Alpine addicts be prepared for a super summer in Morzine, as there are loads of big names playing across the Alps in a number of festivals not far from Morzine.

Every summer there are loads of music festivals dotted around the French Alps that are well worth checking out; they are often cheaper than the more well-known UK events but still feature some big-name acts. This year you can catch Stevie Wonder, Pharell Williams, Damon Albarn, Elton John, The Prodigy, The Black Keys, Motörhead, John Butler Trio and many more...

The festivals are usually much smaller than their UK counterparts as well, so you get closer to the stages and have to queue less for toilets/bars/parking/etc. And although we can’t guarantee it, the weather is usually much nicer too!

Musiques en Stock 2-5 July - 40mins from Morzine

Musiques en Stock is a much smaller affair, taking place in the normally sedate rural town of Cluses. However, as well as a mix of local French bands there is also the opportunity to catch the John Butler Trio and the Family Rain. Best of all, the festival is completely FREE! A chilled out atmosphere and a small venue make it one of the more friendly events.

Montreux Jazz Festival 4-19 July - 1hr30 from Morzine

The Montreux Jazz Festival is a 16 day extravaganza of diverse and eclectic acts. Although the emphasis is on jazz music, there is a massive range of gigs to go and see embracing everything from soul superstar Stevie Wonder, to hip-hop genius Pharrell Williams with plenty of big names and obscure acts throw in for good measure. The festival takes place along the banks of Lake Geneva and there are plenty of free gigs, as well as street theatre, market stalls, food stands, etc. There are even musical boat trips on the lake, New Orleans Jazz Trains and special concerts in nearby palaces. Even if you don’t want to pay for concert tickets it is well worth a wander round, just to enjoy the atmosphere.

Musilac 11-13 July - 1hr35mins from Morzine

Musilac is a fast-growing event that seems to attract bigger names each year, whilst still featuring the lesser-known but often more interesting acts that make it memorable. This year they have Motörhead, Placebo, Kavinsky, Seasick Steve and much more for your musical delectation. Despite having quite an impressive line-up, Musilac still feels like a small friendly affair with a beautiful location by the lake at Aix-Les-Bains.

Bastille Day 14th July - Morzine

Simple Minds will be playing a one-off gig in Morzine on 14th July 2014.

Paleo 22-27 July - 1hr30mins from Morzine

If you don’t mind travelling a bit further afield the Paleo Festival just over the border in Switzerland is well worth a trip, set in a field on the northern shores of lake Leman. Jack Johnson, Elton John, The Black Keys, James Blunt, and the Prodigy are just some of the confirmed act.