The notoriety of music media publication Pitchfork is a contradictory force. Remark about one of the site’s reviews and those around you will either dismiss it with accusations of snobbery or instead praise it as a tastemaker.
Regardless of where you stand Pitchfork’s foray into music festivals is nothing to argue over. While the Chicago event has seen an eclectic array of alternative acts descend on Union Park since 2005, the Parisian expansion is only a mere three years old.
First held in 2011 the initial event was headlined by Justin Vernon’s Bon Iver with the likes Iceage, Aphex Twin, Cut Copy and Washed Out joining the expedition to the City Of Lights.
Arguably though the names of Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, Robyn, James Blake and Chromatics allowed for the second installment to greatly improve on the initial event.
While Pitchfork Music Festival’s ability to book some of the leading alternative and independent acts is what sets this event apart from the rest, its setting is its foremost unique feature.
Located at the Grande halle de la Villette, one of Europe’s most revered cattle slaughterhouses of the 19th century, this now state of the art multi purpose facility saw 20,000 punters for the 2012 festival.
While a Guardian review of the 2012 event labeled the crowd as “reserved” it stated, “this wasn’t a French crowd, but a Pitchfork crowd”.
Much like most of its European counterparts this music celebration attracts its fair share of international punters.
Then again, given Pitchfork Music Festival’s tendency to book a diverse selection of acts, this is even less surprising.
Despite what you may think of Pitchfork and the audience it attracts this festival boasts some of the most innovative and exceptional music makers doing the rounds. Add that to the exquisite capital of France and you have a music event that transcends your typical blockbuster sized European festivals.
That’s a fact you cannot snub.
Lineup
The third installment of this festival will see The Knife Shaking The Habitual out of the Grande Halle de la Villette with the duo’s trademark electronics, just as British five-piece Hot Chip will add inject some oddball theatrics to the event.
While Deerhunter will spruik 2013’s Monomania, Yo La Tengo, Youth Lagoon, Colin Stetson, Baths and Panda Bear will all play in support of their albums released this year.
Dance duo of the moment Disclosure, post-punk revival outfit Savages, Canadian duo Majical Cloudz and our very own Jagwar Ma will all play songs from their debut records, while Warpaint will road test material from their highly anticipated sophomore release.
When Is It
This Parisian event will be held from October 31st to November 2nd.
Where Is It
Pitchfork Music Festival Paris is held at the Grande Halle de la Villette, a former slaughterhouse, in one of the French capital’s largest parks.
How To Get There
Australians heading to the event will have the choice of flying with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Qantas, Qatar, Singapore, Air France, Malaysia Airlines and Virgin Australia.
Obviously prices vary depending on which city you’re flying from. Read below to get estimates for return airfares from major Australian cities.
Adelaide: One-stop flights are valued from $1800 onwards, with two stops from $1600.
Brisbane: One-stop flights are valued from $1600 onwards, with two stops from $1500.
Melbourne: One-stop flights are valued from $1600 onwards, with two stops from $1500.
Perth: One-stop flights are valued from $1600 onwards.
Sydney: One-stop flights are valued from $1600 onwards.
Getting from the Charles de Gaulle Airport to your accommodation is relatively pain free depending on where you’re staying. There are train stations at terminal one and two with a full fare setting you back around $14.
Likewise getting to Parc de la Villette, in which the Grande Halle is located, from your hostel or hotel shouldn’t require much difficulty. From the underground punters can catch a train on Line 5 to the Porte de Pantin which is located closest to the Grande Halle.
Bus travellers can take lines 75, 151, PC2 and PC3 to Porte de Pantin. While streetcar travellers should take the T3b line.
For public transport ticketing options read below in our Tips & Tricks section to read our recommendation.
While international punters are likely to choose a taxi as their next preferred option after public transport, taking a bicycle may just suit those looking for a more ‘authentic’ Parisian experience. There is a cycle path along the Canal de l’Ourcq inside the park and a rack on the plaza in front of the Cité des Sciences, on the Porte de la Villette side. Although be warned once your bike is stored there is still some walking involved in getting to the venue.
Last but not least the most novel way of getting to Parc de la Villette is almost certainly by boat along the canal, which runs through the park. You can book your trip here. While this option is far from realistic – some can dream.
Where To Say
In all likelihood those attending this festival will be taking the cheaper (yet still expensive) hostel option. Luckily for you there are an abundance of great hostels in Paris.
We recommend the likes of St. Christopher’s Paris Hostel, Bastille, Oops!, Young & Happy, Le Village and Vintage.
However there are a number of hotels situated close to the festival site that might be worth checking out.
Mama Shelter, Hôtel ibis Paris La Villette, Citéa Paris La Villette and Mercure Paris Porte De Pantin are just some of the options located near Parc de la Villette
How To Get Tickets
Single day tickets to this three day festival will set you back around $74, while a three-day pass is valued at $192. Buy your tickets online here.
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
The Paris Visite travel card could be worth investing in for those who are taking public transport to the festival. With passes available for unlimited travel for one to five days travellers will have the option of purchasing the Paris centre option or the dearer Paris + suburb + airport option. Follow this link for more details and pricing.
While a fair portion of this festival’s attendees may be from countries other than France it still goes without saying that for your time at the event and in the country you should brush up on your French. You don’t necessarily have to undertake a language course, but the locals will treat you far better if you make an effort regardless of how disjointed and confusing you sound.
Keep your ears to the ground about a series of after parties. While information is unavailable at the current time of writing, you only need to see last year’s roster of local and international acts to see why what comes after might just be as enjoyable as the festival itself.
For more details head to Pitchfork Music Festival Paris’ Official Website: http://pitchforkmusicfestival.fr
