It's the third year for the festival which seems to be gaining confidence and popularity. Six days of concerts at the freshly-renovated Grande Halle de La Villette, on the northeast edge of Paris.

The biggest 'stars' this year are slightly mad 80s icons DEVO with their only French date this year, but if you know your electronic there will be plenty to keep you happy:

  • Dizzee Rascal
  • Throbbing Gristle (first concert in France)
  • Shellac
  • Mission of Burma
  • Sunset Rubdown
  • Pan Sonic
  • The Go! Team
  • Sage Francis
  • Colleen (recommended)
  • plus DJs such as Joakim, Pilooski, Feadz...
Basically, it's the French ATP (All Tomorrow's Parties).

The concerts in the evening are pay events in the Grande Halle, but cheapskate electro freaks can get their groove on for free over the weekend when the festival goes outdoors in the afternoon. From 3pm onwards on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June, a total of eight free concerts will be held. Time for a picnic and beer!
Hotel Paris
But wait, there's more! How about...

- Art! Artist Arnaud Maget has specially created two projects, including one called Meet The Beatles. You can check them out during the whole of the festival.
- Shopping! The Label Village Record Fair is where you'll find nearly fifty independent labels et record stores selling their wares, as well as free showcases at the Kiosque Electronique. Expect to see City Slang, Luaka Bop, Fluokids, Bella Union, Memphis Industries and a whole lot more.
- Knowledge! Kids can explore the strange strangeness of electronic sound during a free workshop with Etienne Jaumet of Zombie Zombie (really, I'm not making this up)

If you know your Warp from your Kranky, this is definitely the festival for you.

Here's all the essential information for the Villette Sonique festival in Paris

When: 3rd - 8th June 2008
Where: Grande Halle de la Villette, Parc de la Villette


View larger map

How to get there

Metro line 5, station Porte de Pantin
Bus 75, PC, 171
Car parking: follow signs to "Parc de la Villette Sud"

How much: concerts cost between 25 euros and 12 euros for adults (depending on the line up), concessions available for certain nights only

Official site: here (click UK in the top right corner)