The latest edition of the Olympiad Festival offered a mix of international music, art, and immersive experiences, providing a solid foundation for future editions.
An intimate addition to the Paris underground scene, the festival took place at the Prieuré de Vernelle, a 12th century monastery located 50 km from Paris.
As social media spread the word about the event’s diverse lineup and unique location, the organizing team’s excitement grew in the weeks leading up to the Olympiad Festival. Teasers, artist spotlights, and sneak peeks of the festival’s scenography and special features, such as food trucks and creative booths, were a key part of the festival’s preparation and communication.
The MUDD Show featured four local DJs, including Chtak and Barrousse, streaming their performances two weeks before the event to give the crowd a taste of their sounds and showcase DIY decorations.
The lineup of international DJs, local talent and emerging artists created an inclusive musical atmosphere. On four stages, visitorslistened to a variety of underground electronic music styles over four nights, with DJ sets, back-to-back performances, live performances, and indie concerts. The Retrograde Collective, a sustainability art collective, also hosted an alternative fashion showon the second day of the event.
Penelope, who took the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 27, warmed up the crowd as they arrived at the Temple of Olympus, decorated with custom designs inspired by ancient Greece, with the Loud Professional sound system blaring on the dance floor. Meanwhile, Bassi inaugurated the Chapel stage with a two-hours set.
Each stage offered a distinct atmosphere, with performances including live sets from local up-and-coming talents like Multivoq, a 28-year-old Parisian producer and DJ known for his niche music output, setting the tone for the weekend.
A third stage, Persephone Refuge, opened with an ambient set later in the night. Throughout the event, the forest stage allowedattendees were able to sit and relax while enjoying a variety of local and international ambient DJs, such as Shorlax from Belgium.
Alex and Marie of the Olympiad team, who designed the Persephone Refuge stage, explained their approach: “We wanted to merge the natural tranquility of the woods with the immersive quality of ambient and downtempo music. It was essential for us to craft an environment where attendees could truly relax and connect with the sounds.”
After-hours sessions featured Noizar in the Temple, Spicy Sofi in the Chapel, and the evening concluded on Persephone Refuge with up-and-coming Tunisian artist Hitsh delivering a minimal house set, while others relaxed on the first rails of sunlight kicking off day two.
Saturday, May 28th unfolded with a program that spanned all stages with a distinct audio-visual experience. Le Ploum, from the French electronic music, welcomed the awakening crowd at 4pm and set a bustling tone for the day.
The Retrograde Fashion Show, a platform for emerging designers pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion norms, began at 9 pm inside the monastery’s chapel, with models meandering in and out of the chapel and then into the garden.
With a focus on sustainability and innovation, each designer presented collections made from upcycled materials or using experimental techniques that respect the environment.
“This platform is dedicated to the bold and the creative, those independent spirits who don’t fit into conventional fashion molds but whose work deserves to be seen and celebrated,” said Rachelle, co-founder of the Retrograde fashion collective.
Designers from Finland, Ghana, Tunisia, Geneva and Morocco came to the festival, bringing diversity to the runway. The fusion of art, fashion and music provided an enriching experience for attendees, accompanied by a techno DJ set especially curated for the show by Spicy Sofi.
After Business Woman, a French live band whose eclectic mix of sounds allowed for relaxation and anticipation of the evening’s performances, Occibel revved up the Olympus Temple. As dusk fell on the monastery and new participants from Paris arrived for the second night of the festival, the French DJ skillfully mixed ’90s electro-funk with modern rhythms, playing unreleased tracks from his brand-new label Playfool records, and bangers from his latest work on Roulade Records and other labels such as Hoarder and Tessellate.
Occibel, returning to the Olympiad Festival for a second year, shared his excitement about the unique festival atmosphere: “Playing at Olympiad is always a wonderful experience. The atmosphere here is truly immersive. It’s not just about playing sets; it’s about creating a vibe that resonates with the unique energy of the festival”
Cecilio followed, playing uplifting house and UK breaks, a varied musical experience. Meanwhile, on the Chapel stage, Wooka delivered a live performance, followed by Wtrina, who brought the Agregat Festival crew vibe to the night with her set. P.O. and Eliaz then took the stage over as the night progressed, each delivering intense live sets that showcased their soundscapes, before coming together for a B2B session in the Chapel.
On the final day of the Olympiad Festival, participants began with a gentle morning at the Persephone Refuge, enjoying a yoga session led by Jeanne. A serene start that set a peaceful tone for the day and prepared everyone for the final hours of the event. After 6 hours of daytime electronic music in the Celestial Glasshouse, the electronic rock group Lollie Dextrose brought the crowd together with their songs during the final sunset of the event. Loa Szala then opened on the Olympus Temple. Known for her atmospheric blend of techno and Progressive, Loa’s set drew the crowd in with her deep, driving rhythms.
After Caim’s entrancing performance, blending Goa-inspired techno with minimalist trance, he infused the night with compelling drum patterns and hypnotic synth lines that energized the crowd until the early hours. His set was a masterclass in maintaining a dynamic festival atmosphere, seamlessly transitioning into performances by local French artists who closed out the night.
Reflecting on his experience at the festival, Caim expressed, “Playing at Olympiad Festival was a highlight for me. The stages are beautiful, the environment is electric, and there’s a tangible sense of connection among everyone. The crowd’s energy made my set unforgettable.”
The Prieuré de Vernelle was chosen for its historical significance and prestigious scenery. Located less than 40 minutes from Paris and any of its airports, the venue is easily accessible. Shuttle services from Paris and convenient on-site camping options further enhanced the festival experience. In addition, the festival offered multiple water points and bars, hot water showers, and food catering to all dietary preferences, ensuring comfort and convenience for all attendees.
The Olympiad Festival fostered a strong sense of community, bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for music, art and sustainability.
