The winter accordion meeting in the heart of Haute-Maurienne
Every year in January, the Festival National d'Accordéon de Val Cenis-Termignon transforms this small high-mountain village into the French capital of the accordion. Born in 2003 from the initiative of two passionate friends who took up the challenge of organizing a festive event in the heart of winter at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the festival has grown over the years to become an unmissable event for accordion lovers from all over France. For a week, artists from all over the country take turns performing in concerts, "Off" evenings in the resort's bars and restaurants, accordion aperitifs, accordion dinners, and a grand opening gala, in all styles: jazz, musette, rock, swing, variety, and baroque.
The Festival National d'Accordéon de Val Cenis-Termignon is the emblematic winter musical event of Haute-Maurienne Vanoise. Since 2003, every January, the village of Termignon, nestled at 1,300 meters altitude in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, vibrates to the sound of the accordion for an entire week.
The festival's history is that of two friends and a crazy bet: to organize a festive and popular event in a small high-mountain village in the middle of January, when cold and snow reign supreme. What could have remained a utopia has become over the years a national reference festival, attracting talented accordionists and a loyal audience from all over France to share the warmth of the accordion in the magnificent setting of the Vanoise mountains.
The Termignon Festival is distinguished by the diversity of styles represented. Far from being limited to the traditional musette repertoire, the festival explores all facets of the accordion: jazz, musette, rock, swing, variety, baroque, tango, world music, and contemporary compositions. The invited artists, young talents and seasoned musicians alike, demonstrate the richness and modernity of this popular instrument capable of adapting to all repertoires.
The festival's program takes over the entire Termignon resort. The opening gala kicks off the festivities in a solemn and festive atmosphere. Throughout the week, the "Off" evenings liven up the village's bars and restaurants, transforming each establishment into an intimate concert stage. The accordion aperitifs allow you to enjoy a drink with music at the end of the day, while the accordion dinners offer musical meals where artists perform between the tables.
The festival takes place in the middle of the ski season, offering visitors the opportunity to combine a week of skiing on the Val Cenis domain (125 km of slopes) with musical evenings in the village. The Tous en Piste! program even offers musical entertainment directly on the slopes and in the mountain restaurants, combining skiing and accordion in a unique atmosphere.
The highlight of the festival is the spectacular torchlight descent accompanied by a fireworks display, where ski instructors ski down the slopes lit by torches while music echoes through the valley. This magical moment, visible from the village, brings together locals and vacationers in a shared moment of magic.
The 25th edition of the Festival National d'Accordéon de Val Cenis-Termignon will be held from January 23 to 28, 2027, in Termignon. This anniversary edition will celebrate a quarter-century of accordion in Haute-Maurienne with an exceptional program bringing together the best accordionists from France.
The Festival National d'Accordéon de Val Cenis-Termignon will celebrate its 25th edition from January 23 to 28, 2027 in Termignon. This anniversary edition will mark a quarter-century of accordion passion in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise, from the crazy bet of two friends in 2003 to the national reference festival it has become.
The program, currently being developed, will bring together the best accordionists from France for a week of concerts, galas, Off evenings in bars and restaurants, accordion aperitifs, and accordion dinners. The opening gala on Saturday evening will launch the festivities, followed by a week rich in musical events exploring all styles, from jazz to musette, including rock, swing, and variety.
The traditional torchlight descent accompanied by fireworks will be the highlight of the week, bringing together skiers and spectators in a magical spectacle at the foot of the Val Cenis slopes.
From Chambéry, take the A43 then the N6 towards Modane and Termignon (approx. 130 km, 1h40). Free parking in the resort.
The nearest station is Modane, served by TGV from Paris. From Modane, Termignon is accessible by shuttle or car (20 km, approx. 25 minutes).
The detailed festival program is published each year on the Val Cenis tourist office website. The opening gala concerts are by reservation. "Off" evenings, accordion aperitifs, and accordion dinners are freely accessible or by reservation with the participating establishments.
Tickets for the opening gala and main concerts are available for reservation at the Val Cenis tourist office or online on the festival website.
Val Cenis Tourist Office - Termignon
Phone: +33 (0)4 79 05 99 06
Website: www.valcenis.com
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