Classic à Guéthary

A festival born from a pianist's passion

In 2013, pianist Aurèle Marthan, then 26 years old, created the Classic à Guéthary festival with the ambition of offering a chamber music event in an intimate and friendly setting. Since its creation, the festival has continued to grow, attracting internationally renowned musicians and a loyal audience who appreciate the quality of the performances as much as the warm atmosphere of the Basque village.

Iconic venues in service of music

One of the unique features of Classic à Guéthary is its use of the village's most emblematic locations, transforming them into concert halls. The Guéthary Museum, with its outdoor fronton used as an open-air stage, offers a unique setting where music resonates facing the ocean. The Saint-Nicolas Church, with its remarkable acoustics, hosts sacred and chamber music programs. The main town hall room allows for recitals in rare intimacy between artists and the public, with only a few meters separating the musicians from the audience.

A demanding and eclectic program

Every summer, the festival offers a week of international-level chamber music concerts. The program mixes great classics of the repertoire — Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel — and lesser-known works, in various formations: piano recitals, duos, trios, quartets. Top artists perform in Guéthary, offering exceptional performances in rare proximity to the public. The 2025 edition, sponsored by journalist Anne-Sophie Lapix, notably features “Ravel and Jazz” with Baptiste Trotignon, Bach suites by Edgar Moreau on cello, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons for the work's 300th anniversary.

Guéthary, a musical jewel on the Basque coast

Guéthary, a small village on the Basque coast nestled between Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offers an enchanting setting for this chamber music festival. The authenticity of the Basque village, with its picturesque streets, miniature port, and views of the Atlantic Ocean, creates a unique atmosphere that sets Classic à Guéthary apart from major classical music festivals. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of the village and the entire Basque coast, attracting music lovers from all over France and Europe.