Festival International Jean Langlais
International organ and chamber music festival in Pontmain and Brittany
About Festival Jean Langlais
A tribute to the great French organist Jean Langlais
Jean Langlais (1907-1991) is one of the greatest French organists and composers of the 20th century. Born in La Fontenelle (now Val-Couesnon, Ille-et-Vilaine), blind from birth, he studied at the National Institute for the Blind Youth and then at the Paris Conservatory, before becoming the titular organist of the great organ at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica in Paris for 43 years. The festival created in his honor perpetuates his memory and promotes his work.
A traveling festival between Brittany and Mayenne
Founded in 2005 by the association Les Amis de Jean Langlais, the festival takes place every summer over several weeks, from late June to late July. Concerts are held in churches and basilicas in the region, including the Saint-Samson Church of La Fontenelle (Val-Couesnon), the Basilica of Pontmain in Mayenne, as well as prestigious venues in Dinard, Rennes, Dol-de-Bretagne, and La Richardais.
Organ, piano, and chamber music
The festival's program focuses on organ music, Jean Langlais's favorite instrument, but also includes piano, chamber music, vocal ensembles, and wind instruments (trumpet, trombone, tuba). The festival particularly highlights the Pleyel piano that belonged to Jean Langlais, used during masterclasses and intimate concerts.
International artists
Since its creation, the festival has hosted internationally renowned organists and musicians. Among the notable artists, David Briggs, organist in residence at New York's Saint John the Divine Cathedral and a former student of Jean Langlais, has given memorable recitals at the Basilica of Pontmain. Italian, British, and French ensembles regularly participate in the festival, making this event an international musical gathering.
Free concerts
True to its commitment to accessibility, all summer concerts at the festival are offered with free admission. Piano and chamber music masterclasses are also organized, open to musicians of all levels.
Festival Jean Langlais — edition 2026
The 21st edition of the Jean Langlais International Festival takes place from June 27th to July 10th, 2026, mainly at the Saint-Samson Church in La Fontenelle (Val-Couesnon, Ille-et-Vilaine), the composer's birthplace. The program includes: Breton music (bombarde, organ and singing), sung mass, organ and piano masterclass on the Pleyel piano that belonged to Jean Langlais, piano-violin concert and choral concert. All concerts are free admission.
21st edition — from June 27th to July 10th, 2026
The 21st edition of the Jean Langlais International Festival takes place from June 27th to July 10th, 2026, mainly at the Saint-Samson Church in La Fontenelle (Val-Couesnon), the composer's hometown. The association Les Amis de Jean Langlais perpetuates the memory of the organist and composer by combining organ, piano, chamber music, Breton music, and choral singing.
The 2026 edition opens on June 27th with a Breton music concert (bombarde, organ and singing) and continues until July 10th with a choral concert. In between, an organ and piano masterclass led by Sylvie Mallet allows participants to play on the Pleyel piano that belonged to Jean Langlais. A musical awakening workshop for elementary school students (CP-CE1) from École Sainte-Anne completes the season in spring. All concerts offer free admission.
Programme Festival Jean Langlais 2026
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 — 8:30 PM
- Breton music concert (bombarde, organ and singing) — Église de La Fontenelle. With François Gouthe (bombarde), Pascal Tuffery (organ) and the Chœur d'hommes de l'Ensemble Daniélis. Free admission.
Sunday, June 28th, 2026 — 10:30 AM
- Sung Mass — Église de La Fontenelle. With the Chœur Liminis B (directed by Véronique Macé) and the choir Les Amis de Jean Langlais (directed by Jean-Michel Noël). Free admission.
From Thursday, July 2nd to Saturday, July 4th, 2026
- Organ and Piano Masterclass led by Sylvie Mallet — Église de La Fontenelle. Work on the Pleyel piano that belonged to Jean Langlais.
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 — 6:30 PM
- Concert by masterclass participants — Église de La Fontenelle. With the trainees, Sylvie Mallet and Marie-Louise Langlais. Free admission.
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 — 8:30 PM
- Piano and violin concert — Église de La Fontenelle. With Léa-Yoanna Adam, Denis Ivanov and Iliana Christiany. Free admission.
Friday, July 10th, 2026 — 8:30 PM
- Choral concert — Église de La Fontenelle. With the young singers from the Vannes choir and the choir Les Amis de Jean Langlais (directed by Jean-Michel Noël). Free admission.
Prices Festival Jean Langlais 2026
Practical information — Festival Jean Langlais
Practical Information
Venues
Concerts take place in several locations, including the Basilica of Pontmain (53220, Mayenne), the Saint-Samson Church of La Fontenelle (Val-Couesnon, 35460), and other churches in Brittany.
Dates
The festival takes place every year in July, over several weeks (generally from late June to late July).
Access
By car: Pontmain is located 45 km north of Laval, accessible via the D31 then the D177. Free parking near the Basilica.
By train: Nearest SNCF station: Laval (45 min by car) or Fougères (30 min by car).
Prices
All summer concerts are free admission.
Piano masterclasses: €40 / hour (individual or group lesson).
Contact
Association Les Amis de Jean Langlais
Phone: 06 08 05 79 54
Website: www.lesamisdejeanlanglais.fr
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Where does it take place — Festival Jean Langlais
Basilique de Pontmain
Basilique de Pontmain, 53220 Pontmain