Festival Musique en Vacances

Classical music in the heart of Ciotaden summer

The Festival Musique en Vacances is a summer musical event that punctuates the cultural life of La Ciotat every July. Organized by AMEI (Association Méditerranéenne d'Échanges Internationaux), this festival offers about fifteen concerts over ten days, in the city's heritage sites. The program features classical music — its founding cornerstone — while also embracing other genres: jazz, traditional music, swing, gospel, and vocal music.

Emblematic venues for exceptional acoustics

The concerts take place in remarkable venues in La Ciotat, each offering unique acoustics and atmosphere. The Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, with its centuries-old vaults, hosts sacred and chamber music concerts. The Chapel of the Minimes, an intimate setting in the heart of the historic center, is ideal for recitals. The Théâtre de la Chaudronnerie, a former boiler-making workshop of the shipyards converted into a performance hall, offers an industrial and warm setting. Finally, the Théâtre de la Mer, an open-air venue facing the Mediterranean, provides a magnificent backdrop for summer evenings.

From young talents to symphonic ensembles

The strength of the festival lies in the diversity of its programming, which mixes young laureates from conservatories and international competitions with established musicians, from solo recitals to large symphonic ensembles. This coexistence of generations and formats allows the public to discover rising stars of the music scene while appreciating the virtuosity of renowned artists. The festival is thus a true launchpad for young talents as well as a showcase for renowned performers.

AMEI, a bridge between cultures

AMEI, the founding and organizing association of the festival, aims to promote international cultural exchanges through music. It benefits from the support of the City of La Ciotat, the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and private partners. Thanks to this network, the festival regularly hosts international artists and ensembles, making La Ciotat a Mediterranean musical crossroads during the summer.