Festival Saint-Bénigne
Organ and classical music concerts in Pontarlier
About Saint-Bénigne
The Festival Saint-Bénigne is a cycle of summer concerts organized by the Association des amis de l'orgue de Pontarlier since 1978 in the Saint-Bénigne church. Centered around the grand historical organ, a listed Historic Monument, built in 1758-1759 by Claude-François Saumet, the festival offers a varied program of organ concerts, chamber music, song, and gospel each summer. For nearly a month, from mid-July to mid-August, the church becomes an exceptional acoustic setting hosting national and international renowned artists.
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Festival Saint-Bénigne: Sacred Music at the Heart of Pontarlier
Since 1978, the Association des amis de l'orgue of Pontarlier has been organizing the Festival Saint-Bénigne, a cycle of summer concerts in the majestic setting of the Saint-Bénigne church. This festival pays tribute to the city's musical and architectural heritage, highlighting the grand historical organ, a jewel of Pontarlier's heritage.
An Organ Classified as a Historic Monument
The grand organ of Saint-Bénigne was built in 1758-1759 by Claude-François Saumet, an organ builder from Besançon, assisted by the Guyon brothers, sculptors, and François-Joseph Vorbe, a carpenter. The Louis XV style casing was classified as a Historic Monument in 1977. The instrument currently has 39 stops (40 planned), three keyboards, and a pedalboard, offering an exceptionally rich sound palette.
45 Years of Restoration and Concerts
The Association des amis de l'orgue has been working for over 45 years on the restoration, maintenance, and improvement of this remarkable instrument, in partnership with the City of Pontarlier and the Monuments Historiques. Concurrently, it organizes concerts that attract internationally renowned organists and musicians.
A Rich and Varied Summer Program
The Festival Saint-Bénigne takes place from mid-July to mid-August, offering several themed concerts:
- Solo organ concerts by renowned organists
- Concerts for Peace combining organ, voice, and instruments
- Candlelight concerts, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere
- Gospel evenings, opening up to other musical repertoires
- Duos and ensembles mixing organ, violin, trumpet, and voice
Cultural Outreach for Haut-Doubs
The Festival Saint-Bénigne has established itself as a must-attend event of the summer cultural season in the Haut-Doubs region. The remarkable acoustics of the Saint-Bénigne church, the quality of the invited performers, and the beauty of the instrument make it a popular event for music lovers throughout the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and beyond. The festival is supported by the Diocese of Besançon and the Parish of the Pontarlier Region.
Saint-Bénigne — edition 2026
The Festival Saint-Bénigne returns in the summer of 2026 for a new season of concerts in the Saint-Bénigne church of Pontarlier. The program, from mid-July to mid-August, will feature organ recitals, chamber music, and themed evenings centered around the grand historical organ classified as a Historic Monument.
Festival Saint-Bénigne 2026
The Festival Saint-Bénigne will return in the summer of 2026 to liven up the Saint-Bénigne church in Pontarlier with a new series of concerts. True to its tradition, the festival will offer organ recitals, chamber music, candlelight concerts, and themed musical evenings.
The detailed program will be announced in the spring of 2026 on the website of the Association des amis de l'orgue.
Prices Saint-Bénigne 2026
Practical information — Saint-Bénigne
Practical Information
Location
Saint-Bénigne Church
Rue de la République
25300 Pontarlier
Dates
Concerts take place from mid-July to mid-August, usually on Thursday evenings at 8:30 PM.
Prices
Free admission with a collection at the end of the concerts.
Access
By car: Pontarlier is accessible via the RN57 from Besançon. The Saint-Bénigne church is located in the city center, near the Grande Rue.
By train: Pontarlier SNCF station, a 10-minute walk from the church.
Contact
Association des amis de l'orgue
Website: www.concert-pontarlier.org
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Saint-Bénigne at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Saint-Bénigne
Église Saint-Bénigne
Rue de la République, 25300 Pontarlier