Festival Music and History
Festival of ancient and classical music at the Abbaye de Fontfroide directed by Jordi Savall
About Music and History
The Festival Music and History for Intercultural Dialogue is an international event of ancient and classical music held annually in mid-July at the Abbaye de Fontfroide, near Narbonne. Founded in 2006 and artistically directed by the Catalan viol player and conductor Jordi Savall, the festival offers four days of exceptional concerts in the majestic setting of this 12th-century Cistercian abbey. The ensembles Hespèrion XXI, La Capella Reial de Catalunya, and Le Concert des Nations regularly participate, exploring the links between music, history, and cultural diversity.
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Intercultural dialogue through music at Fontfroide
The Festival Music and History for Intercultural Dialogue was born in 2006 from a shared vision between the Abbaye de Fontfroide and maestro Jordi Savall, one of the world's greatest performers of early music. A virtuoso viol player, conductor, and tireless defender of European and Mediterranean musical heritage, Jordi Savall has made this festival a unique place for cultural encounters, where music becomes a vehicle for dialogue and mutual understanding between East and West.
The Abbaye de Fontfroide, an exceptional setting
The Abbaye de Fontfroide, founded in 1093, is one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France. Nestled in a wooded valley 15 km from Narbonne, it offers an exceptional acoustic and architectural setting for concerts. Open-air concerts take place in the main courtyard and cloister, while indoor performances are held in the abbey church and the former monks' refectory. This thousand-year-old heritage resonates perfectly with the ancient and classical repertoires performed during the festival.
World-renowned ensembles
The festival regularly hosts the ensembles founded and directed by Jordi Savall: Hespèrion XXI, specializing in medieval and Renaissance music; La Capella Reial de Catalunya, a vocal ensemble dedicated to Iberian and European choral heritage; and Le Concert des Nations, a baroque orchestra. The Orpheus 21 project, which brings together refugee musicians from around the world, perfectly embodies the festival's intercultural vocation. Many international guest artists complete the program each year.
An ambitious thematic program
Each edition of the festival is organized around a historical and cultural theme that gives meaning to the musical program. The 2025 edition (XIXth) was dedicated to a "Homage to Diversity," with concerts exploring music from medieval Europe to the New World. Concerts take place at 6 PM and 9:30 PM, allowing spectators to fully enjoy the enchanting setting of the abbey at sunset.
Music and History — edition 2026
The 20th edition of the Festival Music and History is expected in July 2026 at the Abbaye de Fontfroide, under the direction of Jordi Savall. Anniversary program and exact dates to be confirmed.
Festival Music and History 2026 — 20th Edition
The Festival Music and History returns to the Abbaye de Fontfroide in July 2026 for a 20th anniversary edition under the artistic direction of Jordi Savall. After almost two decades of intercultural dialogue through music, this edition promises an exceptional program.
Exact dates and the program will be announced in spring 2026 on the abbey's website.
Prices Music and History 2026
Practical information — Music and History
Practical Information
Access
By car: The Abbaye de Fontfroide is located 15 km southwest of Narbonne, on departmental road D613. Free parking on site.
From Narbonne: Take the direction of Lézignan-Corbières via the D613, then follow the signs for "Abbaye de Fontfroide".
Prices
Concerts are ticketed. Prices vary depending on the evening (generally between 25 and 55 euros). Reservations on the Abbaye de Fontfroide website or via Tickeasy ticketing.
Usual Dates
Four days in mid-July. Concerts at 6 PM and 9:30 PM.
Contact
Abbaye de Fontfroide
Phone: 04 68 45 11 08
Website: www.fontfroide.com
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Music and History
Abbaye de Fontfroide
Route Départementale 613, Abbaye de Fontfroide, 11100 Narbonne