François de Canson: "A 2026 edition to promote the territories"

With more than 100,000 spectators in 2025 and a strong anchor in the six departments, the event supported by the Région aims to promote the territories, strengthen the link between residents and holidaymakers, and promote sustainable tourism.

At the dawn of the 4th edition, François de Canson, vice-president of the Région in charge of tourism, reveals the ambitions and new features of this summer tour that has become essential. In February 2023, what was your main driver when launching this free three-hour show in the towns and villages of our six departments? François de Canson: It was a very simple idea: to make people discover or rediscover our region, this exceptional territory that I call the region of happiness.

I wanted residents as well as tourists, who sometimes come from the other side of the world, to be able to share a common moment and also show that here, tourism can be sustainable and environmentally friendly, all in a festive atmosphere and with a free show.

You insist on the Région as a local institution. How does music help strengthen the links between residents and holidaymakers? FDC.

When you are on stage, you see things differently. It is an opportunity to convey messages and show that the Région, which supports a resident throughout their life, can illustrate on stage what it brings to the territory.

Our region is very popular: it is an opportunity for everyone to see what we are capable of supporting at the regional level. Do you see cohesion between residents and tourists? but not always in all its diversity.

The tour allows them to discover other aspects. As for visitors, they see that here, there are all kinds of landscapes, often extraordinary. All of this is easily shared during a festive moment.

You often use the image of the Vélodrome stadium or two full Mayol stadiums to illustrate your 2025 success. Is it a source of pride to have created the region's largest touring popular gathering? FDC. It is a source of pride. The first year, we brought together 50,000 people, then 80,000 the second, and over 100,000 last year.

With an even richer line-up this year, I hope to go even further. We are offering 30 free dates throughout the region. It is the largest free touring show in Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur.

Our territory has 5 million inhabitants and welcomes the largest number of tourists in France every summer. It is an opportunity to show that we can welcome people calmly, without talking about overtourism, and share a peaceful moment.

FDC. Residents know their territory, showing that we can welcome people calmly, without talking about overtourism, and share a peaceful moment. For this fourth edition, are you setting off again from July 1st to August 17th? FDC. We start in Sanary-sur-Mer on July 1st and finish in La Londe les Maures on August 17th.

More and more mayors are asking us for this tour. So we have to make a selection. This shows the enthusiasm: when you have hosted it, you want to see it again; when you haven't had it yet, you wish for it.

On the programming side, you are welcoming Julie Zenatti, who has a repertoire combining vocal power and intimate moments. Why this choice? FDC. Julie Zenatti already has a very beautiful career. Today, she is returning to the spotlight.

With us, she is taking a new step. The Chœur du Sud will also be present. Has it become the soul of the tour? FDC. The name speaks for itself: Chœur du Sud, "Ça c'est le Sud" tour. We found each other, we are moving forward together, and the results are there.

Corsica will also be represented with the group of 3 musicians and performers Bande À Part. What kind of atmosphere will they bring? FDC. They are a fantastic group. I welcomed them to my municipality a few years ago. They are constantly progressing. Their energy and positive madness will bring a real plus to this edition.

How do you reconcile a major popular festival with preserving the territories? FDC. By showing that there is no opposition between economy and ecology. Here, we prove that we can support both. This is what makes our region strong.

The complete schedule of towns will be revealed soon. What is your final challenge before the official launch? FDC. For everything to work well and for there to be harmony between Julie Zenatti, the Chœurs du Sud, and Bande d'Appart. We exchange a lot to perform well from the very first date. This tour must be exemplary.

It does not play politics: it promotes the region and its territories. Every stage is different, there is something for everyone. We talk about sustainable tourism, acceptability, creativity. We want to show that in Région Sud, we are always one step ahead.

This year, the tour will have an island touch. But between the islanders and the South, there is no difference: we are smiling, festive people who love to share. This tour is the extra heart.