The Printival is inseparable from the name of Boby Lapointe, a unique figure in French song, known for his love of wordplay and finely crafted lyrics. For Dany Lapointe, the artist’s granddaughter, this heritage is twofold. At the head of the Printival association since 2012 as general and artistic director, she oversees both the organization and the programming of the festival.
A double heritage, between memory and creation
“It’s a family heritage all the more so because it’s Boby Lapointe, but the festival was created by my father, so it’s a double heritage,” she explains. Before adding: “I think over the years I have managed to make the festival reflect my image and bring additional elements.”
For the past 26 years, Printival has been bringing Pézenas to life with the rhythms of French song. Every spring, the city transforms into an artistic crossroads: more than 20 concerts, a hundred volunteers and professionals, and nearly 7,000 festival-goers gather there.
An artistic line centered on words and diversity
At the heart of the project is a clear artistic line, to bring together different styles and origins, while remaining faithful to the demands of the text. “The idea is to show the full diversity of French song with very different styles, very different origins,” details Dany Lapointe. Among the invited artists are Vodou Game, led by a singer from Togo, and David Walters, a Martinican artist.
Canadian, Belgian, Swiss, and artists from all over France complete this mosaic. “The connection with Boby Lapointe is the writing and the text. So, that is really important,” she emphasizes. Another requirement is the relationship with the audience. “Since we have a human-sized festival, I really want there to be very generous artists on stage, to create a real connection with the audience.”
Balancing headliners and discoveries
The programming is based on a delicate balance between established artists and emerging talents. “Programming is all about balance,” acknowledges the artistic director. “It’s important that it be equal, that there is a representation of French-speaking territories.” With a deliberately limited capacity – about 400 seats in the rural hall – Printival emphasizes proximity. The headliners, without being mainstream stars, serve as a springboard for new talents.
“It’s not because they are not big names who appear on TV that they are not doing great things,” points out Dany Lapointe, committed to reprogramming artists followed since their beginnings. Among her favorites this year, she mentions the project Destination Gaspésie-Occitanie, which brings together Canadian and European artists, as well as Mathilde, for her commitment to women’s issues.
An edition marked by renewal
After an uncertain period, the festival returns with a strong sense of renewal. “We had a very complicated year, where we weren’t sure we could continue. So renewal is also the fact of still being here,” she confides.
This renewal also involves increased openness to various musical influences. “I think we have never had so many artists from different backgrounds,” she observes, while mentioning the difficulties in bringing certain projects, especially from the African continent.
Inclusivity, accessibility, and commitment
Beyond the programming, Printival advocates strong values. Inclusivity, gender equality, eco-responsibility, and prevention are at the heart of its organization. The festival offers concerts in sign language, such as Mathilde’s performance this year.
“It’s important that a deaf or hard of hearing audience can access that,” explains Dany Lapointe. Specific devices are also put in place: vibrating vests, loop systems, adapted necklaces. “But it also allows the public to realize the difficulties and to become aware of these things,” she adds.
The festival is also committed to fighting violence and preventing risks in a festive environment, while continuing its environmental efforts, recognized by a dedicated label.
Memorable evenings and a rhythmic program
The four main evenings set the pace for this 2026 edition:
- Wednesday, April 22: Zaza Fournier opens the festival with a sensitive and introspective performance.
- Thursday, April 23: David Walters offers an evening with Creole and funk accents, accompanied by Dimoné, a regional artist in the opening act.
- Friday, April 24: Mathilde delivers a socially engaged concert, accessible in sign language, with Alma Rechtman as the opening act.
- Saturday, April 25: Vaudou Game closes the festival in a festive and danceable atmosphere, alongside Full Tukan.
A festival that supports artists throughout the year
Printival is not limited to four days of concerts. It also plays an active role in supporting artists. Residencies, training, collaborative projects: several initiatives are in place, such as the chanson pathway or the Destination Gaspésie-Occitanie project.
“The idea is also to break out of artistic isolation,” explains Dany Lapointe. “A songwriter is often alone. Here, they can exchange, share, create together.” The festival also welcomes around a hundred professionals who come to discover new talents. “It’s a stepping stone,” she confirms.
Pézenas, an open-air stage
Printival takes over the entire city. Concerts, live radio shows, exhibitions, daily newspapers – everything is designed to make Pézenas come alive with the festival’s rhythm. Among the highlights, the big “marinade” – a nod to Boby Lapointe’s sailor suit – embodies this spirit of eccentricity and festivity. “We like to promote the spirit of Boby Lapointe, this whimsical spirit,” emphasizes Dany Lapointe.
In the streets, artists, professionals, volunteers, and the public constantly cross paths. “It’s not large, everything is done on foot. Relationships are created outside of the concerts.”
Building a future, between constraints and ambitions
After more than 25 years of existence, the festival looks to the future with clarity. Logistical constraints remain strong, especially in terms of venues and capacity. But the ambitions are there. “It would be good to have a place that we could use all year round,” says Dany Lapointe, mentioning residencies, training, and enhanced support.
“A bubble of celebration and reunions”
Dany Lapointe sums up the spirit of the festival in a few words: “I want it to be a little bubble outside of everything that is happening, which is not very pretty at the moment… a bubble of music, kindness, and celebration for four days.”
In Pézenas, from April 22 to 25, this bubble should once again take shape, between heritage, creation, and encounters.
More information: https://www.printivalbobylapointe.com/
