Europajazz

Europajazz: over forty years of creative jazz in Le Mans

Founded in May 1980 under the name Le Mans Jazz Festival, then renamed Europa Jazz Festival du Mans in 1985 and finally Europajazz since 2000, this festival is one of the oldest jazz events in France. Supported by the association Le Mans Jazz, it has built a strong musical identity over the decades, recognized far beyond the borders of Sarthe.

An audacious program between tradition and avant-garde

Europajazz's signature lies in its demanding and open programming, blending contemporary jazz, improvised music, world music, and original creations. Each year, six iconic artists are invited to design completely new projects over five days, fostering spontaneous collaborations and unpredictable artistic encounters. Over the years, the festival has hosted world-renowned musicians: Louis Sclavis, Erik Truffaz, Dhafer Youssef, Airelle Besson, Géraldine Laurent, Sylvain Rifflet, and many others.

The Abbaye Royale de l'Épau: a unique acoustic setting

The festival's highlight, named Europa[jazz] Final, takes place at the Abbaye Royale de l'Épau in Yvré-l'Évêque, on the outskirts of Le Mans. Concerts are held in the abbey church, the monks' dormitory, the chapter house (under a marquee), and the park, offering a variety of formats and atmospheres—from intimate recitals to large orchestral ensembles. In the lead-up, a festive day enlivens the city center of Le Mans with open-air concerts at the foot of the cathedral, in Place Saint-Nicolas, and on Rue des Minimes.

A festival rooted in the Pays de la Loire territory

Beyond its annual event, Le Mans Jazz conducts intense diffusion and musical mediation activities throughout the region all year round: touring concerts, educational programs in schools and conservatories, instrumental practice workshops, and artist residencies. This territorial dimension makes Europajazz more than just a festival: it is a true hub for the creation and transmission of jazz in the Pays de la Loire.

International reach

A member of the Europe Jazz Network, Europajazz benefits from international visibility, allowing it to attract artists and audiences from all over Europe. The festival is supported by the City of Le Mans, the Department of Sarthe, the Pays de la Loire Region, and the Ministry of Culture, demonstrating its importance in the French cultural landscape.