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The Rock en Seine festival is set to return this summer from Wednesday, August 20, to Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Domaine national du Parc de Saint-Cloud. The Art Box portal is pleased to officially cover this festival for the first time, featuring a lineup that includes artists such as Chappell Roan, Queens of the Stone Age, Fontaines DC, Vampire Weekend, Last Train, Empire of the Sun, Justice, Doechii, Kid Cudi, Floating Points, The Limiñanas, and I Hate Models.

For over two decades, Rock en Seine has represented one of the largest summer events in France and an essential festival in Europe. With a capacity of 40,000 visitors per day, the festival brings together top musicians from the international pop and rock scene, ranging from iconic performers to emerging talents, in the idyllic setting of Domaine de Saint-Cloud.

In addition to its music program, Rock en Seine promotes artistic creation in all its forms, hosting numerous events, exhibitions, discussions, and even a youth festival called Mini Rock en Seine. The festival focuses on young artists through initiatives like Club Avant Seine and Première Seine, opening up to various cultural fields and providing young talents with maximum creative freedom.

The festival’s name is an interesting play on words; in French, „scène“ means stage, so „Rock en Seine“ refers to both „rock on stage“ and „rock by the Seine River.“ The festival organizers emphasize: „While the music lineup constitutes the DNA of the festival, our social commitment represents its heart! We advocate for independent culture, strive for inclusivity and equality, and commit to combating sexual and gender-based violence while promoting social issues.“

To create a friendly and safe atmosphere, Rock en Seine actively fights against all forms of sexual violence and discrimination. Therefore, before attending the festival, participants are required to fill out a questionnaire that supports values of kindness, tolerance, and respect, both during the festival and in the days leading up to and following the event, ensuring that Rock en Seine is a festival where everyone feels safe.

Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to accessibility for all. In collaboration with APF France Handicap, it implements a comprehensive resource system to accommodate people with disabilities and their companions. This includes various challenges in festival production, such as hiring, audience reception, and raising awareness.

The festival also supports the local scene through the Première Seine program, strengthening the local economy by employing over 1,000 people annually and opening its doors to associations and foundations dedicated to the common good. These activities affirm Rock en Seine’s role as an actor in social and solidarity economics, with a commitment that lasts throughout the year.

Environmental care and the preservation of the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud are essential to the festival. Each year, efforts are increased to reduce ecological impact and implement more responsible practices. In 2023, the festival will conduct its first carbon assessment with support from Bpifrance and the Diag Décarbon’Action program, and will join ACT Pas à Pas ADEME to develop a decarbonization strategy.

Rock en Seine stands out as one of the most recognized music festivals in France, with a focus on gender equality. Many festivals worldwide, including Rock en Seine, face criticism for the lack of women in their lineups and strive to improve balance through various initiatives.

The festival has worked to ensure more diverse performers and increase the presence of women on stage. They have also aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among attendees. Through panel discussions, workshops, and various activities, Rock en Seine encourages dialogue about the importance of equality and the fight against discrimination in the music industry.

Starting in 2023, the first day of the Rock en Seine festival is dedicated exclusively to female performers and women-led groups. This initiative was introduced to celebrate the contributions of female artists to music, and as such, the first day of the 2025 festival will be fully focused on women, with Chappell Roan, London Grammar, Suki Waterhouse, and Luvcat opening the 21st edition of this popular festival on August 20.

Among the female performers, queer artist Chappell Roan stands out, known for her eccentric fashion expression inspired by drag culture and songs that reflect her experiences of growing up in a conservative environment, the challenges faced by queer individuals, the exploration of sexuality, and more.