For two nights, the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez became the center of the European summer as Isabelle returned for its third and most ambitious edition. Held within the walls of the town's 17th-century fortress, the curated music festival welcomed guests from around the world for a weekend of performances, design, and hospitality that has quickly become one of the South of France's most sought-after summer invitations.
As the sun set over Saint-Tropez, The Martinez Brothers, Michael Bibi, Mau P, Luciano, Marco Carola, Monolink, Francis Mercier, and Gordo headlined two nights of music beneath the open sky, transforming the historic citadel into a stage for some of electronic music's most celebrated artists.
This year's edition elevated every aspect of the festival experience. Production was led by High Scream, the company behind productions ranging from Madison Square Garden to the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, alongside IN/OFF and Deco Flamme, whose design work includes some of the South of France's most prestigious galas. Guests also enjoyed an exclusive culinary program by Jaïs in partnership with Homer Food Group, while Saint-Tropez favorite Barbarac returned for its third consecutive year.
The Story
Founded by JC Murray, Isabelle was inspired by years of hosting gatherings in Saint-Tropez that evolved into a festival designed to celebrate the village while giving back to the community. Named in honor of Murray's late mother, Isabelle, the event reflects her lifelong passion for music, community, and marine conservation.
Rather than serving as a memorial, the festival has become a living tribute to the values she embodied, with music, culture, and environmental stewardship at its core. Its hammerhead shark emblem references one of the species Murray most often encountered while scuba diving with his mother, symbolizing both her dedication to ocean conservation and their shared connection to the sea.
"Held in the historic setting of the Citadelle, Isabelle reflects the spirit of Saint-Tropez while contributing to a cause close to our hearts," said founder JC Murray.
That mission is reflected in the festival's ongoing partnership with Fundación Malpelo, a Colombian nonprofit dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystem surrounding Malpelo Island. A portion of proceeds from each edition supports the organization's shark conservation research, anti-illegal fishing initiatives, and environmental education programs, while attendees are also encouraged to contribute directly.
The 2026 Lineup
The 2026 edition featured a lineup spanning the breadth of contemporary house and electronic music, with performances by Michael Bibi, Mau P, Luciano, The Martinez Brothers, Marco Carola, Monolink, Gordo, Francis Mercier, Ahmed Spins, Beltran, Elvis Guetta, Jean-Marc, Lea Kdoch, Raphael Sinclar, Stephane Karl, and Vanjee. Set within the ancient stone walls of the Citadelle overlooking the Mediterranean, the festival continued its tradition of pairing world-class talent with one of Europe's most distinctive cultural settings.
Images courtesy of Isabelle Festival
