Vocal music and polyphony festival in Ardèche-Hermitage
Vochora is a vocal music festival founded in 1998 in Tournon-sur-Rhône, Ardèche. For ten days in July, the festival celebrates the polyphonic art in all its forms — ancient, classical, sacred, secular, traditional, and contemporary music — through concerts by excellent French and international vocal ensembles. Performances take place in remarkable heritage sites: the Collegiate Church of Tournon, the Church of Notre-Dame de Tain-l'Hermitage, and the churches of Mauves and Saint-Félicien. Artistically directed by Gérard Lacombe, Vochora also offers singing workshops and outreach activities.
Founded in July 1998 as a vocal-choral festival in Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain-l'Hermitage, Vochora has become a benchmark in the French music scene over more than twenty-five years. The original polyphonic concept quickly expanded to an open program, with great diversity in the choice of works, musical styles, and invited ensembles. From ancient music to contemporary creation, from sacred to secular, from traditional world polyphonies to the great pieces of the classical repertoire, Vochora offers a unique panorama of the human voice.
Vochora concerts take place in characterful venues that enhance the listening experience: the Collegiate Church of Saint-Julien de Tournon-sur-Rhône, the Church of Notre-Dame de Tain-l'Hermitage, the courtyard of the Gabriel-Faure high school in Tournon, the church of Mauves, the church and the community hall of Saint-Félicien, and the community hall of Colombier-le-Vieux. These exceptional acoustic spaces contribute to the unique atmosphere of the festival, between architectural heritage and musical excellence.
Under the artistic direction of Gérard Lacombe and the presidency of Muriel Joubert, Vochora annually invites excellent vocal and instrumental ensembles, both French and international. The programming favors encounters between styles and traditions, original creations, and musical discoveries. More than 500 concerts, workshops, and outreach activities have been offered since the festival's inception, making Vochora a major cultural player in the Ardèche-Hermitage region.
Beyond the summer festival, Vochora develops a musical season from September to June with concerts in the same heritage venues. Singing workshops and vocal courses allow amateurs to practice polyphonic singing. Musical outreach activities for schoolchildren and the general public complete this ambitious cultural project rooted in the Drôme and Ardèche region.
The 29th edition of the Vochora Festival is expected in July 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhône and the surrounding towns of Ardèche-Hermitage. The festival will offer a new program of excellent vocal ensembles in the region's heritage sites. Dates and program to be confirmed.
The Vochora Festival returns in July 2026 for its 29th edition in Tournon-sur-Rhône and the towns of Ardèche-Hermitage. The festival will feature a new program of excellent vocal ensembles in the region's heritage sites.
Precise dates and the full program will be announced in spring 2026. Check the festival's official website for the latest information and ticketing.
By car: Tournon-sur-Rhône is located on the right bank of the Rhône, 20 km north of Valence. From Lyon (100 km), take the A7 motorway, exit Tain-l'Hermitage. From Valence (20 km), take the N7 north.
By train: Tain-l'Hermitage/Tournon SNCF station, served by TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes trains from Lyon and Valence.
Tickets range from €5 to €25 depending on the concert. Free for children under 12 years old. Online ticketing on Billetweb.
Vochora Association
Hôtel de la Tourette, 1 place Saint-Julien, 07300 Tournon-sur-Rhône
Website: vochora.fr
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Collégiale Saint-Julien et lieux patrimoniaux de Tournon-sur-Rhône
Hôtel de la Tourette, 1 place Saint-Julien, 07300 Tournon-sur-Rhône