Concerts à la Carte

Concerts à la Carte: The Musical Recipe for Summer in Autun

Imagine a sweet summer evening in Burgundy. You're seated at a table on the terrace of a restaurant in downtown Autun, a glass of wine from the Côte chalonnaise in hand, and suddenly the first notes of a concert resonate between the historic facades. This is the spirit of Concerts à la Carte, a concept born in 2018 that has become one of the unmissable events of the summer in Saône-et-Loire.

A Festival Born from the Passion of Restaurateurs

The story of Concerts à la Carte is one of a beautiful collective initiative. In 2018, when the festival Garçon la Note, organized since 2013 by the Tourist Office of Grand Autunois Morvan, came to an end, fourteen Autun restaurateurs and café owners spontaneously came together to imagine a replacement formula. The concept was simple but effective: each establishment hosts a different artist, thus creating a musical trail through the city.

The Principle: One Venue, One Concert, One Date

The operation is as friendly as the concept. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, from early July to the end of August, a restaurant or brasserie in Autun hosts a band or artist. Spectators only need to book their table directly with the restaurateur and enjoy a meal accompanied by live music. Concerts usually start at 8 PM, and admission is free – only the meal is at the guest's expense.

An Eclectic Program for All Tastes

From intimate acoustic duos to fiery rock bands, including gypsy jazz, soul, reggae, folk, and French variety music, the Concerts à la Carte program is deliberately varied and accessible. In 2025, the eighth edition featured no less than 17 concerts in 17 establishments in the city, with local and regional artists making the terraces around the Saint-Lazare cathedral vibrate.

Autun, an Exceptional Heritage Setting

The setting of Autun gives Concerts à la Carte a unique atmosphere. An ancient Gallo-Roman city founded by Emperor Augustus, Autun offers remarkable heritage – the Saint-Lazare Cathedral, the Temple of Janus, the Roman gates – which enriches the experience of the musical evenings. Dining with music in these historic streets is a moment of pure summer bliss.

A Unifying Event for the City

Supported by the City of Autun through its Culture-Events department, Concerts à la Carte unites restaurateurs, artists, and the public every summer in a spirit of conviviality. The event contributes to the economic and tourist dynamism of Autun and is part of a rich summer program of shows and cultural activities.