Festival de l'Épau

The Festival de l'Épau: over forty years of classical music in Sarthe

Since 1982, the Festival de l'Épau has celebrated classical music in the majestic setting of the Royal Abbey of l'Épau, in Yvré-l'Évêque, near Le Mans. Founded on the initiative of Michel d'Aillières, then president of the Departmental Council of Sarthe, the festival aimed to animate and promote this Cistercian abbey acquired and restored by the Department. Forty years later, the challenge has been largely met: the Festival de l'Épau is among the most prestigious musical events in the Pays de la Loire region.

An exceptional Cistercian abbey

The Royal Abbey of l'Épau, founded in 1229 by Queen Berengaria of Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, offers a remarkable architectural and acoustic setting. Concerts take place in several spaces: the abbey church for the main evening concerts, the monks' dormitory for the musical hours in the late afternoon, the chapter house for after-concert events and intimate encounters. The abbey park hosts open-air stages and musical picnics.

A recurring artist for each edition

Each year, the Festival de l'Épau invites a renowned artist to be the recurring theme of the edition, a musical figure who accompanies festival-goers throughout the week through daily musical hours at 6 PM in the monks' dormitory. This original format, combining recitals, improvisation, and musical conversation, creates a unique link between the artist and their audience.

A rich and eclectic program

Over eight days, the festival offers around thirty musical events: seven concerts in the abbey church, musical lunches at 12:30 PM, musical hours at 6 PM, after-concert events in the chapter house, an open stage day for amateur musicians, master classes, and school outreach programs. The program features major names from the classical repertoire while also making room for young talents and cross-genre musical fusions.

Among the artists who have marked the festival's history: Lucas Debargue, Philippe Cassard, David Grimal, Anne Gastinel, Jean-François Zygel, Christina Pluhar, and the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire.

An accessible and friendly festival

The Festival de l'Épau is distinguished by its warm and friendly atmosphere. The musical hours at 6 PM are free to attend, picnics in the park are encouraged, and meetings with artists are an integral part of the festival experience. The festival welcomes approximately 10,000 loyal spectators each year.