An American in Hell(fest): My Journey to France’s Loudest Festival

As someone who grew up hitting small clubs and stadium shows across the U.S., I thought I had a pretty solid grasp on live music culture. But nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for the massive, mind-blowing, soul-shaking experience that is Hellfest in Clisson, France.

If you’re an American who loves music and adventure, this is a festival worth crossing the ocean for.

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Why Hellfest?
I’d heard whispers about Hellfest—Europe’s metal paradise—from fellow fans over the years. Towering stages, insane lineups, fire-spewing art installations? Say no more. After seeing the 2024 lineup, I finally pulled the trigger and booked my flight. It turned out to be more than just a concert—it was a cultural deep-dive and one of the wildest weekends of my life.

Getting There: From the U.S. to Clisson
My trip started in Detroit, flying direct to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). From there, it was a high-speed train ride to Nantes, followed by a quick hop to Clisson—a fairytale French town that goes full Mad Max during Hellfest. If you’re traveling from the U.S.:

• Fly into Paris (or Nantes if you can).
• Book your train tickets early via SNCF or Rail Europe. The train to Clisson is easy and cheap, and there is a $5 fare the day that Hellfest opens on Wednesday.
• Stay in Nantes if you are looking for an Airbnb, unless you are lucky and are able to snag one of the hard-to-come-by hotel rooms in Clisson. Camping is also an option and is included in the festival price. If you don’t want to lug around camping gear, staying at Easy Camp is another option, which offers a premade tent or cabin.

First Impressions: Medieval France Meets Metal Madness
Clisson is charming—vineyards, cobbled streets, Gothic bridges—and then bam: 60,000 metalheads descend. There’s something magical about sipping espresso at a cafe next to a guy in corpse paint. Hellfest turns the town into a metal metropolis, complete with six stages, craft beer tents, and flame-breathing sculptures.

The Music: Six Stages of Sonic Mayhem
Over three packed days, I saw Metallica, Queens of the Stone Age, Machine Head, Foo Fighters, and a ton of bands I hadn’t heard before but instantly loved. Each stage had a different vibe:

• Mainstages 1 & 2 – Big names, massive crowds.
• The Altar & The Temple – For death, black, and doom metal fans.
• The Warzone – Punk/hardcore energy with chaos guaranteed.
• The Valley – Stoner, sludge, and atmospheric stuff.
  The crowd was intense but respectful. Even the pits felt like organized chaos—helping hands everywhere. I am 5’2” and I still felt safe moshing in the pit.

The Food, the Vibe, the Culture Shock
One word: civilized. Hellfest’s food scene blew every U.S. festival out of the water. Instead of overpriced nachos and Bud Light, I had:

• Tartiflette (a gooey, cheesy potato dish from the Alps)
• Crêpes and espresso
• Local cider and Belgian beer
  Despite the heavy music, the vibe was laid-back and welcoming. I met fans from all over, bonded over band tees, and traded recommendations like baseball cards.

What I Wish I Knew Before Going

• Weather is unpredictable – Pack a poncho, sunscreen, and layers.
• It’s cashless – Load up your RFID wristband ahead of time.
• The terrain is no joke – Wear boots or supportive shoes.
• Plan for a lot of time at the Paris Train Station! We missed our first train due to being surprised by the sheer size of the station. See these tips on how to navigate Gare du Nord train station in Paris.
• Language barrier? Not really – Most signage is in English, and people are chill if you’re polite.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Trip? Hell Yes.
Hellfest is more than a metal festival—it’s a global gathering of music lovers in one of the most unexpected corners of Europe. As an American, it was both surreal and deeply inspiring to see how much passion exists beyond our borders for this kind of music and culture. Would I go again? 1000%.

Thinking About Going?
Got questions about planning your Hellfest adventure from the U.S.? Want help navigating French trains or deciding whether to camp or hotel it? Drop a comment below or hit me up on social—happy to help a fellow traveler find their way to Hell. Curious on what to pack? See my packing list. 🛫 🎸 🇫🇷