Festival de Saintes — Abbaye aux Dames
The major classical music event in Charente-Maritime
About Festival de Saintes
A festival born in 1972
In 1972, driven by the journalist Alain Pacquier, then 24 years old, the Festival de Saintes was born and brought the Abbaye aux Dames back to life, which was then in poor condition. The first harpsichord, recorder, and baroque oboe workshops attracted 3,000 spectators for eight concerts.
International reach
The first editions revealed young performers who have since become major figures in baroque music: William Christie, Philippe Herreweghe, Jean-Claude Malgoire, Jordi Savall. Today, the festival continues this tradition by welcoming over 400 artists of all generations.
The Abbaye aux Dames, a musical city
The former Benedictine abbey, founded in 1047, has become a musical city offering the Jeune Orchestre de l'Abbaye throughout the year, programs like Préludes for young musicians, and of course the Festival de Saintes every July with about thirty concerts over 8 days.
Festival de Saintes — edition 2026
54th edition
The Festival de Saintes returns in July 2026 for its 54th edition with 8 days of classical music concerts at the Abbaye aux Dames.
Highlights Festival de Saintes 2026
- Over 400 artists
- About thirty concerts
- Baroque, classical, and contemporary programming
Prices Festival de Saintes 2026
Practical information — Festival de Saintes
Practical information
Location
Abbaye aux Dames, Cité Musicale - Saintes
Access
- By train: Saintes station then 10 min walk
- By car: Abbaye parking
- By bus: lines serving Abbaye aux Dames
Prices
- Online ticketing on the Abbaye aux Dames website
- Prices vary depending on the concert
- Festival pass available
- Reduced prices for young people and job seekers
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Where does it take place — Festival de Saintes
Abbaye aux Dames
11 Place de l'Abbaye, 17100 Saintes