Automne Jazz en Velay
The jazz festival of Haute-Loire, in the heart of Le Puy-en-Velay
About Jazz en Velay
The Automne Jazz en Velay festival is the unmissable event for jazz lovers in Haute-Loire. Organized every year at the end of September by the association Jazz en Velay, created in 2011, it offers concerts, writing workshops, film screenings, and free events in the emblematic locations of Le Puy-en-Velay. From the Theatre to the Ateliers des Arts and the Jardin Henri Vinay, the festival celebrates jazz in all its forms in a friendly and accessible atmosphere. Since its first edition in 2012, it has continuously renewed itself.
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Jazz in the heart of Velay
Since 2012, the Automne Jazz en Velay festival has been making the capital of Haute-Loire vibrate to the sounds of jazz every end of September. Supported by the Jazz en Velay association, founded in 2011, this event was born from the desire of a team of enthusiasts to promote jazz culture in the Le Puy-en-Velay urban area and throughout the Haute-Loire department. With over 50 members and a team of dedicated volunteers, the association is not limited to the festival: throughout the year, it organizes jam sessions, concerts, conferences, and even a literary short story competition on the theme of jazz, called Jazz en mots.
A festival rooted in the city
One of the festival's strengths is its integration into the heritage and cultural sites of Le Puy-en-Velay. Concerts take place in emblematic venues such as the Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay, Place du Breuil, the Ateliers des Arts, and the Foyer du Consulat. On Sundays, the festival unfolds outdoors in the magnificent Jardin Henri Vinay with La Folle journée du jazz (The Crazy Day of Jazz), a popular and family-friendly event entirely free, offering open-air concerts, vinyl and CD markets, blind tests, jazz readings, a musical nap, and discovery workshops.
A demanding and eclectic program
Each year, the festival invites artists from the French and international jazz scene, prioritizing diversity of styles and discovery. From gypsy jazz to bebop, from swing to contemporary jazz, including blues and improvised music, the program appeals to both connoisseurs and newcomers. Past editions have featured tributes to Django Reinhardt, original creations like GymnoStrophy by Possible(s) Quartet, international quartets, and tributes to Michel Legrand, a giant of French music and cinema.
More than a festival, a cultural adventure
Beyond the concerts, Automne Jazz en Velay offers writing workshops led by writers and journalists, where music serves as a pretext for literary creation. Documentary screenings about major jazz figures enrich the program. The festival collaborates with libraries, cultural centers in neighboring towns like Saint-Germain-Laprade and Brives-Charensac, and the Le Puy-en-Velay conservatory to broaden its reach and attract new audiences. This cultural and educational dimension, combined with the artistic quality of the concerts, makes Automne Jazz en Velay a unique festival in Auvergne.
Jazz en Velay — edition 2026
15th edition of the Automne Jazz en Velay festival in Le Puy-en-Velay. The festival celebrates fifteen years of jazz in Haute-Loire with concerts, workshops, and La Folle journée du jazz at Jardin Henri Vinay.
15th Edition: Jazz Celebrates Fifteen Years in Velay
The Automne Jazz en Velay festival returns for its 15th edition from September 25 to 27, 2026, in Le Puy-en-Velay and surrounding towns. For this anniversary edition, the festival promises a program worthy of the event, with concerts in the city's emblematic venues — Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay, Ateliers des Arts — as well as writing workshops, screenings, and the traditional free activities.
On Sunday, the Jardin Henri Vinay will host another edition of La Folle journée du jazz, a popular and family-friendly event that has become a festival staple. The full program will be announced on the official website www.jazzenvelay.fr, and ticketing will be available on HelloAsso.
Highlights Jazz en Velay 2026
- 15th anniversary edition of the festival
- Concerts at Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay and Ateliers des Arts
- La Folle journée du jazz at Jardin Henri Vinay (free)
- Writing workshops and screenings
- Full program to be announced on www.jazzenvelay.fr
Prices Jazz en Velay 2026
Practical information — Jazz en Velay
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place in several locations in the city center of Le Puy-en-Velay, easily accessible on foot.
- By car: Le Puy-en-Velay is accessible via the RN88 from Saint-Étienne (approx. 1h15) and via the A75 then RN102 from Clermont-Ferrand (approx. 1h30). Public parking is available around Place du Breuil and in the city center.
- By train: Le Puy-en-Velay SNCF station is served by TER trains from Saint-Étienne and Lyon. The festival venues are within walking distance of the station (approx. 10-15 minutes).
- By bus: Intercity bus lines connect Le Puy-en-Velay to the main towns in the region.
Festival Venues
- Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay: Place du Breuil, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay. Main hall for the major Saturday evening concerts.
- Ateliers des Arts: Concert venue for Friday evenings.
- Jardin Henri Vinay: Public park in the city center, venue for La Folle journée du jazz on Sunday (free access).
- Municipal Library / Media Library: Writing workshops (free upon registration).
Ticketing and Prices
Tickets are available online on HelloAsso (www.helloasso.com/associations/jazz-en-velay) and on-site on the evening of the concerts. Indicative prices:
- Full price: 12 to 20 euros depending on the concert
- Reduced price: 10 euros (under 18s, job seekers, Jazz en Velay members)
- Free: for students and teachers of the Conservatory
- La Folle journée du jazz (Sunday): free entry
Accommodation
Le Puy-en-Velay offers a varied range of accommodation: hotels, B&Bs, gîtes, and campsites. The Tourist Office of the Le Puy-en-Velay agglomeration (Place du Clauzel) can assist you with your search. Remember to book in advance, as the festival coincides with the end of the summer tourist season.
Contact
- Jazz en Velay Association: 31 boulevard de la République, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.jazzenvelay.fr
- Facebook: Jazz En Velay (@jazzenvelay43)
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Jazz en Velay at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Jazz en Velay
Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay et lieux divers
Place du Breuil, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay