Concerts Baroques à la Cour des Prés

A Renaissance Manor as a Musical Setting

The Concerts Baroques à la Cour des Prés offer a unique experience in the Ardennes: candlelit baroque music evenings in a 16th-century fortified manor, in the heart of Thiérache ardennaise. The Cour des Prés, built in 1546 by Louis Martin, provost of Rumigny, at the request of King François Ier to fortify the kingdom's northern border, is an architectural gem that has remained in the same family for nearly 480 years. Its towers reflected in the water, its four-poster beds, and its grand Renaissance fireplace create a timeless setting.

Baroque Music and Candlelit Dinner

The heart of the event is the baroque music concert, performed by talented musicians in the intimate acoustics of the manor or the church of Rumigny. Piano, organ, harp, chamber ensembles, and solo voices bring the works of the great masters of the baroque and classical periods to life within these historic walls. After the concert, guests are invited to a candlelit dinner in the manor's grand Renaissance hall, around the monumental sculpted fireplace. This meal, prepared with local products, extends the musical enchantment with a moment of gastronomic conviviality.

Thirty Years of Musical Evenings

In 2025, the Concerts Baroques à la Cour des Prés celebrate their 30th anniversary, marking three decades of music and sharing in this exceptional place. Since their creation in 1995 by the Amis de la Cour des Prés, these evenings have consistently attracted a loyal audience of music lovers and heritage enthusiasts, captivated by the rare combination of live music, Renaissance architecture, and Ardennes gastronomy. The 30th anniversary was celebrated with an exceptional three-day program, from August 22 to 24, 2025.

Program for the 30th Anniversary (2025)

The 30th anniversary edition unfolded over three days:

• Friday, August 22, 8 PM: Concert by Simon Ghraichy and guests (piano) at the Church of Rumigny, followed by a candlelit supper at the manor with the artists.
• Saturday, August 23, 7 PM: Concert by Sacha Dhénin (organ) and Odile Foulliaron (harp) at the Church of Brunehamel.
• Sunday, August 24, 3 PM: Musical and gastronomic walk in the park of Cour des Prés.

A Living Heritage Estate

The Cour des Prés is more than just a concert venue; it is a living heritage estate, inhabited by the descendants of the founding family. The owners open their home to visitors in the summer for guided tours lasting about an hour, sharing nearly five centuries of family and regional history. Bed and breakfast rooms allow visitors to extend their experience by staying in this exceptional setting. Located in Rumigny, at 1 rue Louis Martin, the estate is in the heart of Thiérache ardennaise, near the Circuit des Églises Fortifiées (Fortified Churches Route).