kelbo

I am planning an extended trip to France this Summer and my husband and I are Jazz lovers. We have already decided to go to Nice during their annual festival and also found a Django Reinhardt festival outside of Paris in June that we are considering attending. One last festival we are considering is in Vienne outside of Lyon and the concert is in their ampitheater which looks very cool. If we attend this we probably won't actually have the time to visit Lyon.

So my question is...has anyone attended any of these festivals/concerts and have any feedback ?

Tulips

I haven't visited those, but The Juan les Pins Jazz festival is great; small venue right next to the sea. It's in the middle of July.

swandav2000

Hi kelbo,

I'm curious about why you've not mentioned the famous Montreux Jazz Fest? Ok, it's not in France, but Montreux is just about 4h from Paris or 3h from Lyon. The Montreux Jazz Fest is huge and draws some impressive names. It runs 4-19 July.

http://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en

Have fun as you plan!

s

Southam

Django is held at the end of June when theoretically no rain will fall on its location, a tiny island in the river outside Fontainebleu. There's a small temporary arena for the headliners but the real action is around the booths set up by the makers of musical instruments. Jam sessions pit ambitious kids and old masters against each other while idlers sit at picnic tables evaluating who is fastest and smartest. 1940s attire is still considered in fashion.
Fontainebleu is an easy ride by regional train from Gare de Lyon. Shuttle buses run from the parking lot (the stop is badly marked) but be warned that if you arrive mid-day the driver may be taking his two-hour lunch. Yes it is that French. I bought my admission a few days in advance at an FNAC ticket outlet.
The North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam July 11-13 has a big lineup. I haven't been to the show, although I enjoy that city, but there are lots of clips on YouTube that make it look hot.

kerouac

Here is a list of the jazz festivals in France: http://www.france-voyage.com/eveneme...usiquejazz.htm

Marciac and Ramatuelle are considered to be the best.

kelbo

Thanks everyone. We actually weren't specifically looking to attend these festivals when we were planning our trip but in doing research found them dovetailing nicely with our itinerary ( which is why we wouldn't consider Montreux bc we really weren't planning on going there). Thanks again for the input!

kelbo

Also going to check out Juan les Pin since we have a few days after we leave Nice to explore..thx

Seamus

If you are in France - especially but not only Paris - on 21 June, you'll enjoy the Fête de la Musique http://www.fetedelamusique.culture.f...it-de-la-fete/

Our first time was serendipity, we did not know about the Fête just happened to be in town. Have arranged schedules to be there on 21 June several times since and it is always a treat, with music of every sort all over the city all day long.

kelbo

Seamus, I will be in Paris that week. This looks really interesting...thank you!

Seamus

kelbo -
if the past is any indicator, the website will include directories of various performances/events around town but the content will not be loaded until a short time (a week or two) before the actual day.

kelbo

thanks...I've bookmarked their site!

lopaejo

Samois sur Seine festival is great, with a pic nic atmosphere. Musicians play all days and nights jazz, gipsy music. Enjoy some days for exploring the French countryside as well.