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Our top 10 summer festivals in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France are places rich in heritage, traditions and time-honoured craftsmanship. But these villages are also full of life: they come alive to the rhythm of their festivals… and, above all, music. Summer is the ideal season to (re)discover these local gems in a different light: to the sound of organs, guitars, harps or turntables. Here are 10 villages with a unique atmosphere, where music bridges the gap between past and present.  

A summer season that is as festive as it is melodious

Vouvant (Vendée): Vouvant Organ Festival (July–August)

© ORGUE & MUSIQUE A VOUVANT

On the banks of the River Mère, about fifteen kilometres north of Fontenay-le-Comte, Vouvant is an ancient fortified market town, famous for the legend of the fairy Melusine. Since 2020, its 11th-century Romanesque church has been home to a remarkable organ, built by the Yves Fossaert Organ Workshop in 2020. Every summer, Vouvant resounds with enchanting harmonies during the Organ Festival, which brings together classical musicians in a venue with exceptional acoustics. Clarinet, piano, vocals and organ come together to present a majestic repertoire.

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Castelnau de Montmiral (Tarn): Les Terres Rouges Festival (mid-July)

© D. VIET

Nestled amongst the hills of the Tarn, the bastide of Castelnau-de-Montmiral charms visitors with its large arcaded square and half-timbered houses. In July, the village takes on a festive atmosphere as it hosts the Les Terres Rouges Festival (formerly known as Les Musicales).

The daytime programme features entertainment, craft markets, exhibitions, games and activities in the medieval village… And as night falls, it’s time for concerts at the Vère-Grésigne leisure centre! The lakeside then becomes an open-air stage, where French chanson, rock and alternative music fill the air.

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Gargilesse-Dampierre (Indre): Gargilesse Summer Festival (third week of August)

©LPBVF

In the Creuse Valley, this artists’ village , which was very dear to George Sand, celebrates the harp in all its forms. Every August, the Summer Festival showcases this elegant instrument through a sophisticated and poetic programme. From the classical repertoire to more contemporary compositions, the festival explores the full richness of the harp. Jazz, French music, early music… every concert adds a touch of poetry.

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Lourmarin (Vaucluse): Yeah! Festival (first weekend in June)

© V LARRUE

The Renaissance Castle at Lourmarin, the first of its kind in Provence, has been hosting the Yeah! Festival for over 10 years. Founded by DJ and composer Laurent Garnier, every year in early June this event delights audiences with electro-rock sounds and original DJ sets. A musical interlude in the heart of the Luberon, ideal for lovers of live music in the open air.   

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Rocamadour (Lot): Sacred Music Festival (second half of August)

© LPBVF

Perched on a cliffside in the Dordogne valley, Rocamadour is a major pilgrimage site on the Way of St James. For the past 20 years, every August, its Festival of Sacred Music has filled the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with Baroque chants, choral music and spiritual songs. As well as being one of the region’s must-see musical events, the festival also offers choral singing courses open to all. 

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Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (Charente): Aubeterre Summer Festival (second weekend in August)

© LPBVF

On the border between Charente and Dordogne, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is famous for its impressive monolithic church carved out of the rock. The Summer Festival, held by the river, brings together jazz, soul, funk and contemporary music. Three days of lively concerts in August in a summery atmosphere, for a festive break on the banks of the Dronne!

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Blesle (Haute-Loire): the Apéros Musique (weekend of 15 August)

© P. GILIBERT

Around 15 August, Blesle becomes a hub for musical gatherings with Les Apéros Musique, an Auvergne festival that showcases local artists and emerging talents across a variety of genres, from jazz to folk. Here, music takes over the village, filling the narrow streets and historic squares. A former Benedictine town, Blesle combines a warm, friendly atmosphere with lively music for this unmissable event in the region. 

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Saint-Robert (Corrèze): Classical Music Festival (mid-July – mid-August)

© Y.MAITRE - LPBVF

For over 50 years, Saint-Robert has been hosting the Classical Music Festival, one of the oldest and most renowned classical music festivals in France. Every summer, the 12th-century Romanesque church provides remarkable acoustics for concerts exploring both Baroque and more contemporary repertoires. And to extend the experience, an art exhibition accompanies the festival, bringing together music and culture.

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Saint Quirin (Moselle): Barakozart (late August)

© LPBVF

In the Vosges mountains, Saint-Quirin is a village in Lorraine known for its grand Baroque church and its Haute Chapelle, which overlooks the village. At the end of August, the Barakozart festival brings the village to life, energetically blending rock, funk and French chansons. A wonderful opportunity to discover this village in Lorraine to the beat of the music!

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Les-Baux-de-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône): Les Baux Pianos Festival (late June)

© LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE TOWN HALL

Perched on its rocky outcrop, the village of Baux-de-Provence offers a spectacular setting overlooking the Baux valley as it hosts the Les Baux Pianos Festival at the end of June. Conceived by pianist and singer-songwriter André Manoukian, this event celebrates music in the village’s iconic locations. The Place du Château and the Carrière de Lumières… are transformed into temporary stages where heritage and music come together.

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A musical season across the four corners of France

And these villages are just a few examples amongst many others.

This summer, let yourself be carried away by the music and the scenery. Because music reveals the villages in a whole new light. These festivals are much more than just concerts; they’re an invitation to discover new talent, meet the locals and experience moments that are quite simply unique.

Are you passionate about culture? Discover our cinema and literature-themed getaways in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, featured in our holiday ideas section Art & Culture.

Discover all the events taking place in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France on our events calendar.