Drôme de Guitares Festival

Drôme de Guitares Festival: Guitar in the Spotlight in Valence

Since 2016, the Drôme de Guitares Festival has been making the strings of the guitar resonate in the most beautiful venues in Valence. This international event, unique in the Rhône valley, celebrates the guitar in all its forms – classical, flamenco, jazz, folk, contemporary – through an intense week of concerts, meetings, and musical sharing.

Exceptional Concerts

Each edition of the festival features a series of concerts showcasing internationally renowned guitarists alongside promising young talents. The Théâtre de la Ville de Valence, located at Place de la Liberté, and the Auditorium de la Maison de la Musique et de la Danse (MMD) host these evenings in optimal acoustic conditions.

Concerts take place throughout the week with adapted schedules: early evening at 6:30 PM on weekdays and 8:30 PM on weekends, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy them. Duos, chamber ensembles, and solo recitals make up a rich and varied program. In 2025, the famous Assad Brothers, a legendary Brazilian duo, were the headliners of the 9th edition.

The International Guitar Competition

The festival hosts an international guitar competition that attracts participants from all over the world. Organized at the Auditorium of the MMD, this competition includes several categories: Beginners, Hope, Emergence, Revelation, Duo, and Composition. It serves as an exceptional springboard for young guitarists and contributes to the festival's international renown.

The International Guitar Academy

Alongside concerts and the competition, the festival offers an International Guitar Academy with several learning formats. Masterclasses given by guest artists allow guitarists of all levels to improve their skills with the best. Since 2025, the festival has enriched its offerings with a guitar clinic, a festival studio, stage stress management workshops, and a dedicated shop.

The Luthier Fair

The Luthier Fair is a highlight of the festival. Master luthiers exhibit their creations, allowing visitors and musicians to discover, try, and admire exceptional guitars. This fair highlights precious artisanal craftsmanship and provides a privileged space for exchange between luthiers, guitarists, and music lovers.

A Growing Festival

Since its creation in 2016, the Drôme de Guitares Festival has continued to grow, attracting an ever-larger and more loyal audience. It has established itself as an unmissable event on the Drôme's musical calendar and a benchmark in the world of guitar in France and Europe. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of Valence and positions the city as a leading musical destination.