Music Festivals in the Var: Summer Events Not to Miss in Inland Provence
From classical recitals to electronic sets, with jazz, rock and world music in between, summer in the Var is brought to life by a vibrant calendar of music festivals. From the Provence Verte to the gateway of the Verdon, village squares, wine estates, abbeys and remarkable natural sites provide the backdrop for eclectic line-ups showcasing both established artists and emerging talent. From intimate gatherings to large open-air events, these festivals bring the region to life and reveal the richness of a destination where summer resonates with music, culture and unforgettable moments.
Music in the Vineyards in Provence
Every year, from May to September, the vineyards of the southern Rhône Valley resonate with the sounds of jazz and classical music. The ‘Musicales Dans Les Vignes de Provence’ festival offers an immersive experience in the heart of the wine estates of Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône and Var, combining the pleasures of music with a passion for wine and thus encouraging the discovery of southern wine territories and their specialities. In total, 70 jazz or classical music concerts with carefully selected repertoires have been planned across 50 prestigious wine estates in Provence.
Encore Encore
This young festival brings together a carefully curated selection of artists from the electronic and emerging music scenes each summer in Correns. For this latest edition, Encore Encore welcomes 18 DJs and musicians over three days in an exceptional natural setting. True to its values, the festival combines artistic ambition, accessibility and strong local roots, with particular attention given to welcoming all audiences. Committed to environmental and social responsibility, this distinctive event is organised by the Marseille-based collective Le Laboratoire des Possibles.
BōM Festival
For one weekend, the village of Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume is transformed into an open-air stage. Live concerts, DJ sets, traditional music, contemporary dance and circus performances come together in a bold programme that takes over the Maison de Pays hall and its gardens, overlooking the Sainte-Baume massif. Organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, the BōM Festival promotes an inclusive, welcoming and environmentally conscious vision of culture, where contemporary creation and community spirit take centre stage.
Regional Voices
The Var region is again running its summer music tour! From jazz and rock to soul, Latin music, blues and French chanson, Les Voix Départementales takes audiences on a musical journey across the Var’s most picturesque villages: La Celle, Moissac-Bellevue, Trans-en-Provence, Néoules, Puget-Ville, Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume, Brue d’Auriac, La Farlède, Les-Salles-sur-Verdon, Carnoules, Besse-sur-Issole, Vins-sur-Caramy, Cabasse, Callas, Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier, Tanneron, Esparron-de-Pallières, La Garde-Freinet, Montfort-sur-Argens, Lorgues et Bagnols-en-forêt.
Gloriana: Music from Provençal Villages and Estates
Embark on a historic journey to the heart of the magnificent Provençal villages. The Gloriana festival promises renowned artists performing on stages within the very best examples of Provençal architecture – a striking spectacle that will be sure to delight every audience member! For a month these talented artists will take over village chapels, parks and churches to offer uniquely intimate musical performances. Why not take an enchanted stroll through the Var and let yourself be carried away by this extraordinary musical experience.
Néoules Festival
The Néoules Festival makes its comeback wit Sniper, Israel Vibration Puppetmastaz, Marcus Gad and many more. Since its founding in 1991, this festival has continued to make a statement within the musical landscape. This year is no exception, and it promises a programme that is both colourful and diverse. Considered one of the oldest music festivals in the Var, the Néoules Festival is proud to welcome its patrons to its idyllic setting on the magnificent site of the Bastide de Châteauloin every year.
Musicals of the Abbey at Le Thoronet
Despite its richly silent and contemplative ambiance, Le Thoronet Abbey maintains a close relationship with music and promotes many musical events. For thirty years, the Thoronet International Early Music Meetings have hosted the best vocal and instrumental ensembles of early music, which particularly benefitted from the exceptional acoustics of the abbey. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux wanted to relaunch such events and so created Les Musicales de l’Abbaye du Thoronet in 2022, which offered a much wider repertoire this season with 12 concerts with exceptional performers.
Musical Evenings at the Abbey de La Celle
This unique festival was created 30 years ago by flutist Philippe Depetris on the suggestion of mayor Georges Paul. Now, in the enchanting setting of the Abbey of La Celle, and amongst the vineyards of the AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence, the public continues to experience the charming joy of this rare encounter. For this 33th edition, Les Soirées Musicales welcomes three Italian soloists from the Nuova Cameristica di Milano, violinist Giuseppe Gibboni, guitarist Carlotta Dalia, pianists Nelson Goerner and Adrien Brandeis, as well as the musicians of the Concerto Soave ensemble.
The ‘White Nights’ of Le Thoronet
Founded in 1998 by a team of volunteers, Les Nuits Blanches du Thoronet promotes social ties and supports humanitarian projects in Burkina Faso, specifically the fight against malnutrition and Noma disease. The festival raises public awareness around sharing, solidarity and tolerance, and is supported by associations such as Le Mouvement pour la Paix, the Ligue des Droits de l’Homme, Amnesty International and Enfants du Monde. In the heart of the Var, the younger generation of French artists follows the example of their elders, fostering the loyalty of a regional audience and encouraging the discovery of new musical trends.
Entrecasteaux Chamber Music Festival
Since 1982, the Entrecasteaux Chamber Music Festival has presented unpublished classical and contemporary works, performed by internationally renowned artists and promising young musical talents. This August, the unique programme will be performed in the villages of the Haut Var, in order to promote culture in rural areas. The festival is open to all audiences, whether dedicated music lovers who have supported the artists for years, or keen novices who benefit from free admission (up to 18 years old).
