Festival Autour de Brassens
French chanson celebrated at the foot of the Écrins
About 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.
Autour de Brassens — edition 2026
20th anniversary edition of the Festival Autour de Brassens, from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Foyer culturel de L'Argentière-la-Bessée, in the heart of the Pays des Écrins. Three evenings of intimate concerts at 8:30 PM dedicated to French song from the second half of the 20th century: Brassens, Aznavour, Barbara, and their heirs.
For its 20th anniversary, the Autour de Brassens association, led by Maurice and Hélène Bonnardel, offers three evenings of French song at the Foyer culturel de L'Argentière-la-Bessée. Each concert begins at 8:30 PM (at 8 PM on Friday) and pays tribute to Georges Brassens and the great singer-songwriters of the 20th century.
In addition to the concerts, an exhibition of paintings by women artists is on display during intermissions and after concerts, as well as a cultural stand offering books, records, CDs, and DVDs about Georges Brassens and the festival's artists. Open mic sessions are also organized on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Café de la Mairie, accessible to all musicians and singers.
Programme Autour de Brassens 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026 — 8 PM
- Justine Jérémie sings Brassens — revisits the world of Georges Brassens in a café-concert style, accompanied by accordion
- Thierry Bayle pays tribute to Charles Aznavour with the Play Piano Play trio
Saturday, July 25, 2026 — 8:30 PM
- Jean-Sébastien Bressy — Brassens and personal compositions
- Alain Sebbah — French songs on piano
- Open mic session from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Café de la Mairie
Sunday, July 26, 2026 — 8:30 PM
- Marie d'Épizon — "Barbara, of crystal and fire"
- Pierre Bernon d'Ambrosio — "Brassens and women"
- Open mic session from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Café de la Mairie
Highlights Autour de Brassens 2026
- 20th anniversary edition
- Three evenings of French song: Brassens, Aznavour, Barbara
- Exhibition of paintings by women artists
- Open mic sessions at the Café de la Mairie (Sat. and Sun. 4 PM-6 PM)
Prices Autour de Brassens 2026
Practical information — Autour de Brassens
Access
The festival takes place at the Foyer culturel, L'Argentière-la-Bessée, 05120.
- By car: L'Argentière-la-Bessée is located on the N94, about 40 km north of Gap and 17 km south of Briançon.
- By train: L'Argentière-les-Écrins SNCF station (Valence – Briançon line).
Prices
Refer to the website of the Tourist Office of the Pays des Écrins for prices and ticketing.
Contact
- Tourist Office: paysdesecrins.com
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Where does it take place — Autour de Brassens
Foyer culturel de L'Argentière-la-Bessée
17 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 05120 L'Argentière-la-Bessée, 05120 L'Argentière-la-Bessée