Festival International de Guitare en Béarn
Traveling classical guitar festival in Béarn des Gaves
About Guitare en Béarn
The Festival International de Guitare en Béarn is an event dedicated to classical guitar, founded in 2017 by the association Les Musicales de Lahontan. For several days in July, internationally renowned guitarists perform in heritage sites in Béarn des Gaves: churches, castles, and historic halls in Lahontan, Sauveterre-de-Béarn, Orthez, and Salies-de-Béarn. The festival combines concerts, masterclasses, and an international guitar competition, creating a bridge between classical music and the rural territory. The organizing association is in the process of dissolution at the end of 2024, so the festival's future remains uncertain.
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Classical guitar at the heart of Béarn
Born in 2017 from the meeting between Jean Masmontet, a music enthusiast newly settled in Béarn, and Pierre Bibault, a conservatory guitar professor, the Festival International de Guitare en Béarn quickly found its place in the region's musical landscape. The association Les Musicales de Lahontan, created in 2016, has championed this ambitious project: to bring classical music to a territory where it was not sufficiently present and to create opportunities for encounters between the people of Béarn and musicians from around the world.
A traveling festival
One of the festival's original features is its traveling nature. Concerts take place in several towns in Béarn des Gaves:
- Lahontan : The birthplace of the festival, this village hosts concerts in its church and heritage sites
- Sauveterre-de-Béarn : A medieval town offering a remarkable architectural setting for recitals
- Orthez : Former capital of Béarn with its historic monuments
- Salies-de-Béarn : A picturesque spa town
Concerts and masterclasses
The festival features classical guitar recitals by renowned international soloists and duos. Masterclasses allow guitar students to benefit from the teaching of great masters of the instrument. An international guitar competition highlights the young talents of tomorrow.
Duo Résonances
The Duo Résonances, composed of Frédérique Luzy and Pierre Bibault, the festival's artistic director, gave the first classical guitar concert in Lahontan, laying the foundation for this musical adventure. Their commitment has helped build lasting links between the world of classical guitar and the Béarn region.
An uncertain future
After seven successful editions, the association Les Musicales de Lahontan began dissolution proceedings at the general assembly on November 22, 2024, due to a lack of candidates to take over the management. The festival has demonstrated the relevance of its cultural project in Béarn des Gaves, and hope remains that new forces will emerge to continue this wonderful musical adventure.
Guitare en Béarn — edition 2026
2026 edition of the Festival International de Guitare en Béarn. Future of the festival uncertain following the dissolution of the association Les Musicales de Lahontan.
Prices Guitare en Béarn 2026
Practical information — Guitare en Béarn
Access
The festival takes place in several towns in Béarn des Gaves.
- By car : Lahontan is accessible via the D936 between Orthez and Peyrehorade. Pau is about 60 km away.
- By train : Orthez or Puyoô stations, then by car.
Venues
Concerts in the churches and heritage sites of Lahontan, Sauveterre-de-Béarn, Orthez, and Salies-de-Béarn.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the concert. Information available from the association.
Contact
Association Les Musicales de Lahontan
Email: [email protected]
Accessibility
Accessibility varies depending on the concert venues. It is recommended to contact the organizers in advance to best prepare your visit.
Accommodation nearby
The towns of Béarn des Gaves offer a varied choice of accommodation: hotels, B&Bs, rural gites, and seasonal rentals. Booking in advance is strongly advised.
Dining on site
Restaurants and food shops in the towns crossed by the festival offer local cuisine highlighting the products of the Béarn region.
Recommended equipment
Wear comfortable shoes for moving between the different concert venues. Depending on the season, consider bringing sunscreen and a hat in summer.
Photography and social media
Photography is generally permitted before and after concerts. During performances, please respect the silence and do not use flash.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Guitare en Béarn at the best price.
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