Entrecasteaux Chamber Music Festival

The Entrecasteaux Chamber Music Festival: musical excellence in Provence

Since 1982, the Entrecasteaux Chamber Music Festival has established itself as one of the most refined musical events in the Var and the entire Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Born from a shared passion for chamber music, the festival brings together international-level musicians every summer in the exceptional setting of the medieval castle of Entrecasteaux and the surrounding villages of Haut-Var.

A history rooted in the Provençal terroir

The creation of the festival in 1982 was driven by a strong cultural ambition: to bring classical and contemporary music to life in the heart of a rural area, far from the big urban stages, by offering concerts in historic heritage sites. Entrecasteaux, a medieval village perched above the Bresque valley, with its restored castle and stone alleys, offers an incomparable setting that enhances the musical experience.

Over four decades, the festival has built a strong artistic identity, centered around chamber music in all its diversity: string quartets, piano trios, sonatas, chamber ensemble pieces, as well as contemporary creations and rarely performed repertoire works. This artistic rigor, combined with the intimacy of the concert venues, creates a unique atmosphere where musicians and the audience share a deep communion.

A touring format in Haut-Var

One of the unique features of the Entrecasteaux Festival is its touring nature. While the village of Entrecasteaux is its beating heart, concerts are held each year in several neighboring communes of Haut-Var: Cotignac, Correns, Barjols, Pontevès, Montfort-sur-Argens, and other villages in Provence Verte. This touring dimension allows the festival to reach diverse audiences and showcase the architectural heritage of the entire region.

Concerts take place in exceptional heritage spaces: the courtyard of the Entrecasteaux castle, the naves of Romanesque churches, the shaded village squares, and the inner courtyards of Provençal bastides. Each location brings its own acoustics and atmosphere, enriching the musical experience.

Artistic Programming: Between Classical and Contemporary

The festival has always been distinguished by a balanced program between the great chamber music repertoire—Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, Fauré—and contemporary creation. Living composers have their works premiered or performed in this privileged setting, alongside masterpieces from the classical tradition.

The invited musicians are leading artists: members of major French and European orchestras, winners of international competitions, and renowned chamber musicians on the world stage. The festival also attracts emerging young talents, serving as a springboard and discovery platform.

The 43rd Edition, August 16 to 22, 2025

The 43rd edition of the Entrecasteaux Chamber Music Festival took place from August 16 to 22, 2025. A week of concerts in the villages of Haut-Var, with programs combining the classical repertoire and contemporary works. The evenings at the Entrecasteaux castle, by candlelight and under the Provençal stars, offered unforgettable moments of musical emotion to the loyal audience of music lovers and newcomers.

A festival serving the territory

Beyond its artistic reach, the Entrecasteaux Festival plays an essential role in the cultural and economic vitality of Haut-Var during the summer season. It contributes to the tourist appeal of Provence Verte, a nature and heritage destination that attracts more visitors each year. Cooperation with host communes, accommodation providers, local producers, and cultural associations in the region makes the festival a committed economic and social player.

The festival benefits from the support of the Departmental Council of the Var, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, and partner communes, who see it as a powerful tool for cultural and territorial development.