x

security at the festival
 In line with measures taken throughout Europe on safety in public places, all people accessing the site will be required to present their bags to our security staff. 
​We thank you for your cooperation and your understanding.
On the site, a team of trainee security guards from the Sainte Famille High School are on duty at all times. This is part of their training and they are under supervision.

festival FAQs

Vertical Divider
Everything you need to know about attending the festival
x
Ticketing and Access
Tickets can be bought online or on the day at the festival entrance.
Prices are:
- Thursday Free
- Friday €6
- Saturday €10
- Sunday €8 (€4 for inhabitants of Haute Savoie department)
- Full weekend pass €20
Entrance is free for children under 13.
Visitors will be given wrist bands to show when entering the festival in exchange for online tickets or directly if buying at the gate. 
In line with ongoing security measures in France, everyone is required to go through a control point and bag check when accesssing the site
Information on site
Immediately after the entrance is the information chalet and festival shop. Our volunteers will answer all your questions, give out programmes and sell you any festival merchandise you may want to buy. 
Paying with €uroches on the festival site
To avoid having cash at too many points around the festival, all food and drink must be paid for using our own local currency the €uroche. These may be obtained at the cashpoint "caisse" chalet next to the main bar at the exchange rate of 1 €uro to 1 €uroche.
Credit and debit cards may be used to buy €uroches and for CD and merchandise purchases.
There are no €roche refunds at the end of the festival.
Market sellers are not subject to festival payment conditions and may accept whatever form of payment they wish.
Wheelchair access
Access to the site for wheelchairs is possible as there are no stairs or steep climbs to get in and the entire festival site is tarmac.
There are blue badge parking spaces in town. We cannot guarantee they will be free during the weekend of the festival.
There is a dedicated wheelchair viewing area for evening concerts next to the sound engineers.
Toilets reserved for diabled users are on the ground floor behind and to the left of the food court.
Children
Chilrdren under 13 get into the festival for free under supervision.
There is a children's play area on the upper level behind the food court. 
Children should be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Instrument check
There is an instrument check in the gymnasium behind the stage (entrance to the left of the stage next to the Red Cross). This is a free service open to all, performers and spectators. Bags and bike helmets are not accepted unless checked in with an instrument.
The instrument check opens at 6pm on Thursday and Friday and at midday on Saturday and Sunday. It closes half an hour after the last band finishes playing.
​The instrument check is not locked overnight.
Festival merch
The festival has a collection of tee shirts, caps and other merchandise for sale from the merchandise chalet between the main stage and the entrance. 
Festival market
Independent market stalls are open along the back wall of  the festival site.
​They sell a variety of arts and crafts, clothing, head wear.
There is also a luthier's expo hall where you can try out and buy instruments directly from the makers.
A 2nd hand book and music album sale takes place on the town square under the old market on Saturday and Sunday.
Band merch
​Nearly all bands performing at the festival have music (CDs, Vinyls, Downloads) and sometimes other merchandise for sale in the chalet next to the stage.
After their set, bands will go to the tent next to the CD chalet to meet and greet, sign autographs and take photos.
Luthiers expo
Master instrument builders from Europe and the USA show their products for anyone to try and buy. What could be better than dealing direct with the luthier? 
​There is also a musical accessories stand in the luthiers hall.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on the festival site provided they are kept on a lead. Owners are asked to clean up after them and keep them muzzled according their category as defined by French law.
Seating
Seats are available in front of the stage. There is no reservation and seats cannot be retained by leaving possessions on them. 
There is also plenty of free seating with tables available around  the site, mainly next to the food court, the Champagne bar. There is a also a quiet family space on the balcony behind the food court.
The Environment
As far as we can, we try to be environmentally friendlyl. Our food and drinks are, where possible, sourced locally. We use recyclable plates and festival goers are asked to use (and re-use) our festival drinking beakers. These may be taken on deposit (1 euro, given back at the end of the festival).
Please try to respect the waste sorting system when throwing anything away.
What to wear
La Roche sur Foron is 600 m (2000 ft) high and the festival is outdoors. It can get very hot during the day and quite cold at night.
You will need sun cream and a hat in the day, and a fleece jacket for the evening.
You may also need rainwear as we nearly always get some rain - usually a light shower or a short, spectacular mountain storm (we only had to cancel a show once in 19 years).
There are areas that are protected from the elemnents by tents, parasols and trees, and the ground is tarmac (no mud) but most of the site is exposed so please come prepared.
Red Cross
A Red Cross tent is staffed permanently throughout the festival in case of sickness or injury. It is located in the gymnasium behind the stage. The entrance is to the left of the stage.
Toilets
Public toilets are available on the first floor of the new school building behind the food court.
Toilets reserved for the disabled are on the ground floor.
Where to stay
For information on places to stay, see the page WHERE TO STAY on this site or go the website of the Tourist Office.

FOOD & DRINK

Check out our great selection of locally sourced,  home made, affordable hot and cold food
x
Food and drink bars on site
The F&B stands are located at the far end of the site from the entrance.
They are entirely staffed by volunteers.
The festival offers a wide choice of hot and cold home made food (including vegetarian options), and beers, wines and soft drinks. 
All food is sourced locally and prepared on site in compliance with French and European hygiene standards. 
F&B bars are open at all festival times, including Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to take advantage of the Lunchtime Sessions with reduced prices for lunchtime stage concerts.
The Champagne Bar is also open to the public.
Food and drinks at the festival must be paid for with our local €uroche currency (= €1) which can be exchanged at the cashpoint chalet (CAISSE) on site.
F&B remains our primary source of income. We really appreciate that you consume food made on site rather than bring your own.
Food menu
MAINS
Jambalaya - Chilli sin Carne (V) - Croziflettes - Spit Roast Ham and Fries - Salads (V)
FESTIVAL FARE
Burgers - Veggie Burgers (V) - Sausages - Merguez -
Best Fries on the festival circuit
DESSERTS
Crêpes - Ice Cream - Fresh Fruit - Popcorn
Drinks menu
BEERS
Mont Blanc Lager , White Beer, Red, Green (Genepi), Rosé (raspberry)
Mont Blanc Brewery has won international awards at beer festivals in Europe and the USA
WINES
Champagne  - Sparkling wine
Red - White - Rosé
Cider
SOFT DRINKS
Sodas - Juices
Coffee - Tea
  • PRACTICAL
  • LA ROCHE SUR FORON
  • ACCESS
  • WHERE TO STAY
  • PLACES TO VISIT
<
>

our MISSION & VALUES

Vertical Divider
Our mission is to provide quality entertainment from around the world at affordable prices; to educate the community about Bluegrass music, its history, musical relevance and spirit; and to contribute to our local tourism and economic vitality.
​These are reflected in three core values that we share with our local population, and with our Bluegrass and festival community:
  • Authenticity - Excellence - Accessibility
By respecting these values, we are able to offer our artists, visitors and workers fair and equitable treatment for a great experience at Bluegrass in La Roche
We thank the town of La Roche, the department of Haute-Savoie and the AURA region, whose generous support enable us to accomplish our mission.
x
AUTHENTICITY
The music is 100% hand made and passed down through the generations in family and community jam sessions. The artists look to innovate while remaining very respectful of the historic roots of traditional music.
We are not in this to make money; most of us do it for free because we have a passion for it. No-one tries to do too much -- in the music, at the festival, or in our relations with festival visitors.
We are not trying to get rich and this makes it easy for us to make the right choices
EXCELLENCE
Bluegrass grew out of the roots of black and white Appalachian mountain music, and it continues to grow creatively absorbing influences from jazz, rock, reggae and even classical music to nurture the growth of new branches, and thanks to the highly talented musicians.
Every year we sit down with our teams to see what we can do that's new or different to make the festival better for everyone. Thus over the years, our teams have become experts at what they do to make sure artists and vistors get the best from their time at Bluegrass in La Roche
ACCESSIBILITY
Bluegrass is a world wide community of artists and fans who share their love of the music through playing on stage, at home and in jam sessions. The artists do not come to La Roche just to play their set. They generously share their time and their joy of playing with anyone who shares the same love for the music.
In this spirit we strive to make the festival accessible to all with home cooked food, family zones and affordable prices for a happy and sustainable festival.

festival fun

VOLUNTEEring

Join our 280 volunteers help make the festival a success. Work behind the scenes, with the artists or directly with the general public.
La Roche-sur-Foron lies at the foot of the French Alps in the historic Haute-Savoie department of south east France. The lovingly restored medieval town centre, beautifully decked in flowers, packs 1,000 years of history into its walls and ranks it as one of the “100 prettiest detours in France”.
La Roche is a lively and dynamic market town with a population of 12,000. Its location close to Geneva, Chamonix Mont-Blanc  and Annecy makes La Roche-sur-Foron a great destination in one of Europe's most beautiful mountain and lake regions.
Street market every Thursday morning.
​The Tourist Office of La Roche-sur-Foron will be happy to help organise visits and trips. Contact them ...
Click on photo gallery to expand
​Photos Emmanuel Marin
If you are living or staying locally, consider our free, safe, eco-friendly bus services to festival from nearby

GENEVA
30 MINUTES

MONT BLANC
​45 MINUTES

PARKINGS
​GRATUITS

FREE FESTIVAL
SHUTTLES
  • CAR
  • TRAIN
  • PLANE
  • LOCAL BUS
  • BICYCLE
<
>
Coming to La Roche : 
  • From Lyon - A42 via Geneva or A43 via Annecy 
  • From Paris - A6 South, A40 Geneva, A410 La Roche
  • From Germany - A1 through Switzerland to Geneva via Basel ou Zurich, then A410 La Roche
  • From Italy - Through Mont-Blanc tunnel via Chamonix, A40 Geneva, then A410 La Roche
  • From Geneva airport - A40 Chamonix + A410 La Roche
Parking in La Roche : 
The festival site is on the location of "Collège Sainte Marie"
Follow signs to free car parks in town, all within a 5 or 10 minute walk to the festival. 
Free parking is limited to two hours in the "blue zones" (blue lines in the road). Ask for a free timer badge in the Tourist Office.
Be careful if parking in town centre on Wednesday night. Thursday is market day and cars parked overnight in the streets (not the main car park) will be towed.
Select the your chosen bus route under "other options" for when ordering your festival tickets.
Coming from far :
TGV from Paris to La Roche sur Foron, change at Bellegarde or Annecy. TER local trains from Lyon, change at Bellegarde or Annecy. 

Coming from Haute Savoie :
The Léman Express line shared with Switzerland goes to La Roche-sur-Foron from Geneva twice an hour in peak times and once an hour at off peak (direction Annecy or St Gervais via Annemasse).
​Regional trains to La Roche-sur-Foron from Annecy, Annemasse, Bonneville, Chamonix, Bellegarde.
Nearest Airport Geneva Cointrin
30 minutes by car.
The "Léman Express" train goes to La Roche-sur-Foron from Genève Cornavin Main Station twice an hour. 
Trains go from the airport to Cornavin every 10 minutes and take 5 minutes.
If arriving from Paris or other domestic airport, take exit to "Switzerland" (not "France")

​Also Lyon St Exupéry Airport
​90 minutes by car.
Trams to Lyon Part Dieu central station, then train to La Roche via Annecy or Bellegarde
Train to Chambéry for connections to La Roche via Annecy. 
Our local road transporter ProximiTi is offering free bus services on 3 routes to the festival from locations across the Arve Valley
  • St Jeoire (via Marignier and Bonneville)
  • Viuz en Sallaz (via Filinges and Arenthon)
  • Nangy (via Reignier)​
See times below
Route 1: St Jeoire - Marignier - Vougy -  Bonneville -  St Pierre - Amancy
Route 2 : Viuz en Sallaz - Fillinges - P+R CHAL - Arenthon
Route 3: Nangy - Arthaz - Reigner - Pers Jussy

Proxim’iTi : NOT JUST a bus!

Proxim'iTi will provied bicycle stands at the festival entrance for those coming by bike.
​Bring your own padlocks.
​Book early! Accommodation becomes hard to find around festival weekend.
  • HOTELS
  • CAMPSITE
  • B&B
<
>

hôtel les afforêts***

Vertical Divider
​Town centre. ​Easy walk to festival.

hôtel le foron***

Vertical Divider
​Outskirts of La Roche. Pool. ​10-15 mins walk to festival

b&b hotel***

​7 kilometers. Pool. ​10 mins drive to La Roche
Other towns where you can look for accommodation that are not too far from La Roche are Reignier, Scientrier, Bonneville, Annemasse

the campsite will be open in 2025

An unofficial campsite next to the stadium is open specially for festival week off Chemin du Livron at the end of Rue des Marmotaines (see map of La Roche above).
Showers and toilets are available in the clubhouse.
  • Open Monday July 28 at 3pm, to Monday August 4 at 11am.
  • Reserved for visitors with a "Week-end" festival pass.
  • Jamming areas and quiet areas available
  • Portaloos and water will be installed at point1 on the map.
  • Showers can be taken in the stadium changing rooms (2) mornings and afternoons.
  • Not an official camping area - no surveillance.
It is not possible to reserve an exact location. This will be on a 1st come 1st served basis.
We rely on your judgement when setting up camp to leave passage for other cars and trailers to get in and out of the campsite.
Vertical Divider
We remind you that the teams who welcome you and look after you on the campsite are all volunteers, giving up their time to make the festival a success. Please treat them with the consideration they deserve.
2025 prices for the campsite will be unchanged:
  • Arriving Monday-Tuesday = €20/person
  • Arriving Wednesday-Thursday = €15/person
  • Arriving Friday-Sunday = €10/person​
To facilitate your arrival we recommend you reserve the camp site and you buy your festival pass and in advance.
Campsite is on Chemin de Livron, off the end of Rue des Marmotaines
La Roche also has a Camping Car Relief Station located in the "Canada" car park.
Here is a list of campsites near La Roche sur Foron.
There are also several B&B, self catering accommodation and other hotels solutions available through the tourist office website here , and more hotel and rental opportunities in the cities of Annemasse, Aviernoz, Bonneville, Reignier and Thorens-Glières (all within 30 min by car). 
​AirBnB also has some offerings around La Roche-sur-Foron. ​
Staying over before or after the festival? Check out some of these cool places
All within an easy drive from La Roche-sur-Foron
Click on pictures to enlarge
Click on place names to read about the place 
x
Picture
Switzerland's 2nd city is famous for its water fountain and as home to the United Nations and the Red Cross. As the European HQ for many global corporations, Geneva is a genuine international city and there is plenty to see and do: walk along the lake shore and swim in the clear waters, stroll through the old town, visit the museums or go shopping.
25 km and 20 minutes by car; 2 trains every hour from La Roche.
website Geneva 
​website Leman Express trains 
Vertical Divider
x
Picture
The pretty town of Annecy, known as the Venice of the Alps, is a must see for anyone in the region with its crystal clear lake with the magnificent Aravis mountain range as a backdrop.
You can admire the view across the lake from the Pâquier park or enjoy the atmosphere in the old town walking under the arcades or beside the river. The castle museum on top of the hill recounts the storied history of the Dukes of Savoy.
30 km and 20 mins by car or a 30 minute train ride every hour - website 
Vertical Divider
x
Picture
​Yvoire is one of the most beautiful villages of Haute Savoie.
The fishing port on edge of Lake Geneva dates back to the Middle Ages. Some of the old 14th century ramparts can still be seen in the narrow streets.
40 km and 45 mins by car - website
Vertical Divider
x
Picture
Chamonix Mont-Blanc Is the cradle of skiing and mountaineering.
The village is at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest summit, and you can take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi or the rack train to the Sea of Ice (Mer de Glace). The streets around the town centre are a delight to walk through and find a restaurant serving local cheese specialities (fondue, raclette, tartiflette).
60 km, 45 mins by car or 60 mins by train and bus (every hour) - website
x
Picture
The Plateau des Glières
was a key area for Resistance fighters during WWII to hide and receive arms and ammunition parachuted in by allied planes. There is a magnificent monument raised in memory of those who perished in 1944 during the great round up.
It is a beautiful for a hike.
30 km, 30 mins by car) - site web 
Vertical Divider
x
Picture
If you enjoy the great outdoors, there is not much to beat this range of mountains and hills not far from La Roche for climbing, hiking or gentle walking.
There are summits reaching 2,000 m and plateaus of large fields filled with wild flowers.
30 km, 30 mins by car.. Ask at the Tourist Offices of Grand-Bornand or La Clusaz for directions to the best hiking trails - website
Vertical Divider
x
Picture

Ride the Salève cable car to the top of "Geneva's Mountain" for a spectacular view acorss Geneva, its fountain and the lake with the Jura mountains in the background.
It is magnificent.
And there is even a restaurant up there, with hiking and mountain bike trails or paragliding. 
​The cable car can only be reached by (22 km, 20 min along the highway to Geneva) and it is also possible to drive to the top (25 km, 30 min) - website
Vertical Divider
x
Picture
A bit further beyond Geneva is the house Charlie Chaplin made his home for the last 25 years of his life.
The house is open to the public and it is wonderfully preserved with much of the original furnishings, a TV screen in each room showing home movies of his time there and wax models of him, his family and some of the famous visitors he received.
Next to the house they have built a studio with full sets and memorabilia from some of his most famous films.
The gardens are aslo open and you can just sit on one of the benches and admire the beautiful views across the lake to the Alps. 
130 km, 90 mins by car - website