Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple
Open-air theater and performing arts festival in Grenoble
About Cour du Vieux Temple
The Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple: Open-Air Theater
The Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple is a theatrical event held annually at the end of August in the historic center of Grenoble. Founded in 2001, it has become a must-attend event for performing arts in Grenoble over the years, true to its spirit of proximity, eclecticism, and conviviality.
A Historic Venue
The festival takes place in the cour Marcel-Reymond, known as "du Vieux Temple," and in the salle Olivier-Messiaen, at 1 rue du Vieux-Temple, in the heart of Grenoble's old town. This remarkable architectural setting, between ancient walls and starry sky, lends the performances a unique atmosphere, intimate and warm, where the spectator is close to the artists.
A Demanding Theatrical Program
The Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple presents about fifteen shows over a week each year. The program is primarily theatrical, but also includes dance, storytelling, poetry, and hybrid forms. Each evening follows a well-established ritual: at 6 p.m., the "demi-heure de joie," a free open stage where amateurs and professionals perform in turn; at 7 p.m., the first performance; at 9 p.m., the main performance of the evening.
Complementary Concerts
From Monday to Friday, daily concerts at 6 p.m. in the courtyard enrich the theatrical program. The musical styles offered are varied: Brazilian music, afro pop, Anglo-Saxon pop, brass band, and pop-rock, creating a festive atmosphere before the evening shows.
25 Years of Theater in 2025
The 2025 edition marked the festival's 25th anniversary, with a program balancing tradition and artistic diversity. Highlights included "Les Atrides" by Théâtre du risque, a three-part performance recounting the tragic fate of the most famous family in ancient tragedy, and "Je te regarde" by the company La Grosse Clique. The festival opened with a free folk dance hosted by La Rôdeuse.
An Associative Festival with Local Roots
The festival is organized by the association Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple, based in Grenoble. This non-profit structure advocates for a demanding yet accessible theatrical program, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Grenoble's old town at the end of summer, a period often less rich in cultural offerings.
Cour du Vieux Temple — edition 2026
The 26th edition of the Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple takes place from August 22 to 29, 2026, in the Marcel-Reymond courtyard, in the heart of Grenoble's historic center. Over eight evenings, the festival offers open-air theater, musical theater, concerts, and open stages, under the artistic direction of Emmanuèle Amiell.
Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple — 26th Edition (2026)
From August 22 to 29, 2026, the Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple takes over the Marcel-Reymond courtyard (known as Vieux Temple) and the Olivier-Messiaen hall, in the historic center of Grenoble, for eight evenings of live performances. Under the artistic direction of Emmanuèle Amiell, the 2026 edition fosters dialogue between writings of yesterday and today, celebrating the power of text and the essential role of music.
Each evening follows the same rhythm: at 5:45 PM, the « Joyful Half-Hour », a free artistic and musical moment to open the evening in a friendly atmosphere; at 7 PM, a concert; at 9 PM, theater, musical theater, and unexpected shows presented by artists from the region and beyond. Bleachers are installed in the courtyard for public comfort, and the Olivier-Messiaen hall hosts part of the program while also serving as a fallback in case of rain.
The opening and closing evenings are organized in partnership with Minimistan: the festival begins on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with « Le Pasha Disco Club ». The full program, with shows evening by evening, will be unveiled on the official website closer to the event.
Programme Cour du Vieux Temple 2026
Evening Structure (August 22 to 29, 2026)
- 5:45 PM — The « Joyful Half-Hour »: free artistic and musical moment (free admission)
- 7:00 PM — Concert
- 9:00 PM — Theater, musical theater, and various shows
Saturday, August 22, 2026 — Opening evening « Le Pasha Disco Club », in partnership with Minimistan.
The closing evening is also organized with Minimistan. The detailed program, evening by evening, will be published on the official website closer to the festival.
Prices Cour du Vieux Temple 2026
Practical information — Cour du Vieux Temple
Location
The festival takes place in the cour Marcel-Reymond and the salle Olivier-Messiaen, at 1 rue du Vieux-Temple, 38000 Grenoble, in the historic center of the city.
Access
By Tram
Get off at the Notre-Dame - Musée stop (line B) or Hubert Dubedout - Maison du Tourisme (lines A and B). The festival is a few minutes' walk away in the old town.
By Bike
Métrovélo stations are available nearby. Bike racks can be found in adjacent streets.
By Car
The old town is a pedestrian zone. The nearest parking lots are the Bastille parking and the Vaucanson parking.
Dates
The festival takes place at the end of August, for about a week (from the following Saturday to Friday). The 2025 edition was held from August 23 to 29.
Evening Schedule
- 6:00 PM: "La demi-heure de joie" (free open stage)
- 6:00 PM: Daily concerts in the courtyard (Monday to Friday)
- 7:00 PM: First performance
- 9:00 PM: Main performance
Prices
- Single ticket: €5 to €16
- Evening pass (2 performances): €20 to €24
- Demi-heure de joie: free
Practical Tips
- Bring a cushion for comfortable seating
- Pack a light sweater for outdoor evenings
- Arrive early for performances with limited capacity
Contact
Association Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple
Address: 15 chemin Guilbaud, 38000 Grenoble
Official website: www.festivalduvieuxtemple.fr
Facebook: Festival de la Cour du Vieux Temple
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Where does it take place — Cour du Vieux Temple
Cour Marcel-Reymond et salle Olivier-Messiaen
1 rue du Vieux-Temple, 38000 Grenoble