The V and B Fest’ is perhaps the best-kept secret of the French summer—a 15th-century castle designated a Historic Monument, a 130-hectare estate in Mayenne, five stages, 160,000 festivalgoers, and an electronic music lineup that rivals any Parisian festival. Paul Kalkbrenner, Moby, and Charlotte de Witte will take over La Maroutière in August.
The V and B Fest’ 2026
Since its inception in 2019 in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne,the V and B Fest’ has, year after year, simply built something that resembles what an outdoor festival should be: grand, generous, eclectic, and deeply rooted in its location. That place is the Château de la Maroutière— a 15th-century Renaissance manor classified as a Historic Monument, surrounded by a moat, flanked by round towers and carved dormer windows. Its 130 hectares on the banks of the Mayenne River, its century-old trees, and its five stages.
For its seventh edition, the organizers from theL’Opus Sonoreassociation have put together a lineup that’s definitely worth talking about. On the electronic stage—dubbedTerminal and designed to resemble a reimagined industrial subway station—Paul KalkbrennerandMobyshare the bill withCharlotte de Witte,Anetha, and a dozen other artists who have built their reputations in clubs and at raves.
An XXL lineup of electronic music
This is perhaps the most surprising aspect of a festival that one would instinctively categorize as “mainstream ”: the electronic lineup for the V and B Fest’ 2026 is actually quite niche. Paul Kalkbrenner, a leading figure in the Berlin techno scene since*Berlin Calling*in 2008, continues to headline major European events. Moby—the New Yorker who defined the soundtrack of the late 1990s with*Play* —will bring a dimension that goes far beyond a typical DJ set.
Charlotte de Witte, a Belgian artist who has become one of the most influential voices in global techno;Anetha, whose label Maison Close has reshaped part of the Parisian underground scene; andPawlowski,LESSSS, Pegassi,Yasmin Regisford,Roüge,Sköne,Urumi,Mara,Thylacine, andDr. Peacockround out a solid lineup. The Terminal stage showcases a diversity of styles that clearly position this festival among the summer’s new must-see events.
A castle listed as a Historic Monument serves as the backdrop
The site itself is worth a closer look. Built in the 13th century and renovated after the Hundred Years’ War in a Renaissance style rare for the region, the Château de la Maroutière is one of the few buildings in Mayenne to have preserved its original interior décor, featuring wood paneling, tapestries, six antique fireplaces, and a spiral staircase in an octagonal tower. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1993. The “V and B Fest’,” which takes place there every summer, has breathed new life into it.
The estate was acquired by the V and B Group in 2022 to permanently host the festival. The 130 hectares along the river offer that giant carnival atmosphere that many seek, with an on-site campground, relaxation areas between concerts, and a four-day lineup that feels effortless… An added bonus for the more mainstream lineup: for the 2026 edition, Robbie Williamswill perform his one and only French date of the year at the V and B Fest’.
Practical Information
📍Château de Gontier-sur-Mayenne / Domaine de la Maroutière
🗓️ August 20–23, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: €80 for a 1-Day Pass, €130 for a 2-Day Pass, €155 for a 3-Day Pass, and €199 for a 4-Day Pass
