Festival Escales en Musique

A festival born from a passion for arts and territories

The Escales en Musique festival was founded in 2018 by accordionist musician Pascal Contet, under the name Fort en Musique, referencing the Fort Dorsner in Giromagny. From its very first editions, the Fort en Musique association aimed to create an original creative space where renowned artists and local audiences meet in characteristic locations in the heart of the Vosges massif.

A traveling format rooted in villages

The festival's strength lies in its traveling nature: concerts move each day to a different village — Giromagny, Auxelles-Haut, and Rougemont-le-Château — highlighting local architectural heritage, particularly old churches, village squares, and farmyards. Performances mainly take place during the day to minimize environmental impact.

A diverse and demanding program

The festival combines classical music, world music, jazz, and multidisciplinary performances. Gender parity between artists is a founding principle respected from the first edition. Paid concerts — from €18 to €25 — coexist with artist meet-and-greets at a 'pay-what-you-want' price and free workshops for audiences of all ages.

Local support and associative commitment

The Fort en Musique association, chaired by Nathalie Charruau, relies on a team of committed volunteers, technical teams (sound and lighting), and the support of the mayors of the host municipalities. Each edition welcomes national and international artists: renowned chamber music performers, jazz and world music musicians, actors, and storytellers. In 2025, the godmother was actress Marie-Christine Barrault.

A 2025 edition focused on the voice

The 8th edition (August 21-24, 2025) highlighted the voice around the theme Prestige of the Voice. The program included Schubert's Winterreise, singer Serge Kakudji (countertenor), oud player Ihab Radwan, and several intimate concert-meetings in the villages north of Belfort.