As the Fête de la Musique approaches, a trend is becoming clear: the French remain very attached to music, but a growing number are forgoing live events. According to the sixth barometer Music in the lives of the FrenchAccording to a survey conducted by the Verian firm for Crédit Mutuel among 2,000 people aged 16 and over, budget constraints are now having a significant impact on cultural outings. Despite a continued high level of interest in music on a daily basis, concerts and festivals are becoming less accessible for a segment of the public.
The cost of tickets keeps the public away from the stages
According to a Verian study for Crédit Mutuel, 45% of French people plan to attend a concert in 2026 and 33% a festival, a decrease of six percentage points compared to 2024 in both cases. More broadly, 45% of respondents stated that they do not plan any musical outings this year, whether concerts, festivals, or live music venues.
The main reason remains financial. Among those who forgo these events, nearly a third cite the cost directly. Dynamic pricing is a particular focus of criticism. This system, which adjusts prices according to demand, is viewed unfavorably: 75% of French people believe it makes concerts too expensive for the general public, a figure that has risen 18 points in a year, according to the survey. Nearly two-thirds also believe it encourages certain commercial abuses.
A place that remains central in the daily lives of the French
While the number of new music releases may be slowing down, listening to music remains deeply ingrained in people's habits. According to the Verian survey for Crédit Mutuel, 58% of French people listen to music for at least an hour a day, a proportion that rises to nearly three-quarters among 16-24 year olds. For this generation, music has even become one of their main daily leisure activities.
The study also highlights the evolution of listening habits. Radio remains the primary listening method (71%) and the main channel for discovering music (55%), while streaming continues its growth: 57% of French people use it, including 32% via a paid service, almost twice as many as in 2021. Beyond these practices, music retains a strong emotional role: 86% of respondents believe it has a positive impact on their well-being, notably by improving mood, providing energy, or reducing stress.
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