Festival Autour de Brassens

Brassens and French Chanson in the Écrins

Created in 2007, the Festival Autour de Brassens was born from the passion of its founders for the work of Georges Brassens and for French auteur chanson. Every summer, the Foyer culturel of L'Argentière-la-Bessée transforms into an intimate concert hall to host artists who keep the repertoire of the great French chansonniers alive. From Sète to the Hautes-Alpes, Brassens feels at home everywhere.

Evenings Dedicated to Great Authors

The festival's programming goes beyond just Brassens' repertoire. Each evening is dedicated to an artist or a theme: you'll hear songs by Brassens, but also those of Claude Nougaro, Léo Ferré, Charles Aznavour, Patachou, Juliette Gréco, and other figures of French chanson. The performers, often accompanied by jazz or guitar musicians, bring their personal sensitivity to these timeless repertoires. In 2025, the 19th edition notably featured "De Brassens à Nougaro," "Swing Brassens," and a tribute to Léo Ferré.

An Intimate and Warm Festival

One of the strengths of the Festival Autour de Brassens is its intimate format. Concerts take place every evening at 8:30 PM at the Foyer culturel, in a friendly atmosphere conducive to interaction between artists and the audience. Open mic sessions also allow amateur musicians and singers to take the stage and share their love for French chanson. This mix of professionals and amateurs contributes to the warm and participatory spirit of the festival.

L'Argentière-la-Bessée, a Mountain Village of Culture

Located at the confluence of the Durance and the Gyronde, the village of L'Argentière-la-Bessée offers a preserved mountain setting at the foot of the Écrins massif. The festival is part of a vibrant cultural tradition that animates the Pays des Écrins throughout the year. With its 19 editions since 2007, the Festival Autour de Brassens has built a loyal audience of music lovers from across the department and beyond, proving that French chanson resonates strongly in the Alpine valleys.