Coup de cœur francophone Turns 40 in Montreal — and Its Founder Says Goodbye

Montreal (Canada), November 6, 2026. Some festivals follow the mood of the times; others weather them. Coup de cœur francophone belongs to the second family: born in 1987 around a simple conviction — French-language song deserves its own celebration, in Montreal, in the middle of fall — the festival marks its 40th edition this year, from November 5 to 15, under a motto that suits it: “40 ans de liberté!” — 40 years of freedom.

The new generation up front

To blow out its forty candles, the festival put creation first: 42 shows in 15 Montreal venues, over 70 artists from here and elsewhere — and, a rare feat, 21 of those shows are album or EP launches. The new generation is not a backdrop here: it is the program. The Pro component, from November 10 to 13, adds the encounters that carry artists from one stage to another.

The dates of the party

Among the moments Montreal is fighting for: Richard Desjardins at Club Soda on November 6 and 7 — sold out. Edgar Bori begins his final singing tour there on November 8: a page turning, in song. And the closing, on Sunday morning, November 15, chose gentleness and transmission: Laura Niquay will present her Comptines Atikamekw, a family show bringing the Atikamekw language and stories to Montreal's children.

The man who is leaving

Then there is the image that gives this edition its particular emotion: Alain Chartrand, the founder, is bowing out after this 40th edition. Forty years defending French-language song from here and elsewhere, building a network that now reaches more than 45 cities across Canada. He leaves at the top of the party — and the party goes on: perhaps the finest definition of a successful festival.