Festival Jean Ferrat à Chirens

A festival born from a passion for Jean Ferrat

The Festival Jean Ferrat in Chirens was born in 2010, a few months after the disappearance of the singer and poet Jean Ferrat (1930-2010), an emblematic figure of committed French song. Supported by the association Vivre à Chirens, this community festival was born out of a desire to pay tribute to the artist and to perpetuate the values he defended: freedom of expression, humanism, and love for the French language. Over the years, it has established itself as a must-attend event for French song in the Pays Voironnais and in Isère.

Concert evenings celebrating French song

The festival traditionally takes place over a long weekend at the end of May or beginning of June, at the Maurice Rival festival hall in Chirens. The Friday and Saturday evenings feature indoor concerts at 8:30 PM, showcasing artists who perform the repertoire of Jean Ferrat as well as great figures of French song: Georges Brassens, Léo Ferré, Jacques Brel, Serge Lama, Alain Bashung, Jacques Dutronc, and Charles Trenet. Each evening generally consists of two sets with different artists, offering a rich and varied program.

Open stages: a space for sharing and discovery

One of the unique features of the Festival Jean Ferrat in Chirens is its open stages under a marquee, offered free of charge on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 3 PM. These special moments allow amateur and professional artists to perform in front of a supportive audience, in a spirit of sharing and conviviality that is the soul of this festival. Registration is open to anyone who wishes to perform French-language songs on stage.

Sunday: conviviality and music

Sunday is the convivial highlight of the festival with an aperitif and lunch in the hall at noon, followed by an open stage in the afternoon from 2 PM to 4 PM. This moment of sharing around music and local gastronomy brings together festival-goers, artists, and residents in a family atmosphere. Light refreshments are also available on site throughout the weekend.

An associative event rooted in its territory

Organized by the association Vivre à Chirens, the festival relies on the commitment of passionate volunteers who work throughout the year to keep French song alive in the region. Since its first edition in 2010, the festival has built a loyal audience of French song lovers, coming from all over the Isère department and beyond. It contributes to the cultural influence of Chirens and the Pays Voironnais, while defending a model of a popular, accessible, and warm festival.