Mark your calendars: This summer's green festivals and events

The sun's out, the sand's warm... and the vacations are just around the corner! Summer is just around the corner. Whether you're a fan of hemp or reggae music, here's a list of «green» festivals you won't want to miss this summer. The list is not exhaustive, of course.

Le Rast'art

The must-attend event for lovers of hemp and reggae music. For three days, the Rast'art Festival offers a mix of traditional concerts and performances by some 50 sound systems, featuring reggae from the past and present, as well as more modern musical genres such as dancehall, jungle and dubstep.

When? From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 June 2017

Where is it? Sannerville, a small village 15km from Caen (Calvados).

How much? 20 to 25 euros for Friday or Saturday 30 to 35 euros for both (Friday and Saturday) and free admission on Sunday.

The call of the 18th joint

What is it? The call of the 18th joint comes from an initiative launched by Release in 1976, calling for an end to cannabis prohibition in France. In 1993, this manifesto was reused by CIRC (Collectif d'Information et de Recherche Cannabique), which organized rallies on June 18, in towns all over France. Consumers gather around a common theme for discussion and debate.

Where is it?

• Paris: The 18 joint call will take place in the Parc de la Villette (19th arrondissement), on the lawn next to the Cabaret Sauvage, from 5pm to 10pm. To get there: Metro line 5 «Porte de Pantin» or Metro line 7 «Porte de la Villette».
• Lyon: The event will take place on Saturday June 24 at Parc des Berges (7th arrondissement) from 6pm. To get there: Tramway T1 «Halle Tony Garnier».

How much is it? It's totally free

Le Béguéé Fest

What is it? Béguéé Fest is a 100% reggae festival, with artists, local craftsmen and dancers.

When? Rendezvous on Saturday July 8 from 5.30pm to 2am.

Where is it? In Landricourt (Aisne), between the towns of Soissons and Laon.

How much is it? 9 euros in advance, 12 euros on site. Reservations here

Le Festif L'art

What is it? Festif l'Art is run by a volunteer association, Asso Siffl'Art, and this year celebrates its 9th edition. Around a hundred multi-disciplinary artists (from reggae to hardcore to punk) take part to offer a musically and artistically rich day under the summer sun.

When? Saturday, July 1, 2017, from 1pm to 6am.

Where is it? Le festif l'art is located in Chauconin-Neufmontiers (Seine-et-Marne) near Meaux.

How much is it? Admission to the festival is by donation until 7pm. Each person is free to decide how much they want to pay. After 7pm, the minimum donation is 10 euros.

Reggae Sun Ska

What is it?  Reggae Sun Ska is a reggae festival dedicated to ecology and respect for nature. The festival advocates the values of equality, solidarity and transparency, while promoting local life and associations.

When? From Friday August 4 to Sunday August 6, 2017

Where is it? The Festival is located in Pessac (Gironde), 6km from Bordeaux city center.

How much is it? A day ticket costs 36 euros (33 euros with Carte Jeune) and 91 euros for 3 days (81 euros with Carte Jeune). Reservations: www.digitick.com/reggae-sun-ska-2017

Mehdi Bautier