Archéo Jazz

A festival born in the ruins of a medieval castle

The story of Archéo Jazz began in 1977, when a handful of jazz and heritage enthusiasts decided to organize concerts in the heart of the ruins of the medieval castle of Blainville-Crevon, built in the 11th century on a feudal motte. This exceptional archaeological site, which preserves remarkable remains from the 15th and 16th centuries as well as traces of Gallo-Roman occupation, offers a unique natural and historical setting in France for a music festival. Nearly fifty years later, Archéo Jazz has become one of the oldest jazz festivals in Normandy and one of the major cultural events in Seine-Maritime.

An eclectic program between jazz, funk, soul, and world music

While jazz remains the DNA of the festival, Archéo Jazz has broadened its musical palette over the years to embrace funk, soul, blues, bossa nova, and world music. The castle stages have hosted legendary artists such as Al Di Meola, Roberto Fonseca, Hugh Coltman, Keziah Jones, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Alain Souchon, and Asaf Avidan. Each year, the festival offers four evenings of concerts at the end of June, bringing together several thousand spectators in a friendly and intimate atmosphere, far from large impersonal gatherings.

An exceptional archaeological site as a backdrop

The Château de Blainville-Crevon is more than just a concert venue: it's a true journey through time. Festival-goers discover a listed site where medieval moats, curtain walls, and archaeological remains unearthed during excavation campaigns mingle. Just fifteen minutes from Rouen, this magical place transforms each concert into a total sensory experience, where music resonates between the centuries-old stones under the starry sky of the Crevon valley.

A festival driven by volunteer commitment

Archéo Jazz owes its existence and longevity to the commitment of numerous volunteers who, year after year, bring this event to life with passion. This human and associative dimension gives the festival a warm and authentic atmosphere, where artists and the public come together in a spirit of sharing and musical discovery. The festival also contributes to the valorization of the archaeological heritage of Blainville-Crevon, drawing attention to this remarkable site in the Crevon valley.