Gartempe Blues Festival

The Gartempe Blues Festival: Blues at the Heart of Heritage

Born in June 2013 around the abbey church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Romanesque murals, the Gartempe Blues Festival has forged a unique link between historical heritage and live music. In a decade, what began as an ambitious gamble has become one of the most renowned blues festivals in west-central France, attracting international artists and passionate audiences each summer.

Three Formats, Three Atmospheres

The originality of Gartempe Blues lies in its three complementary concert formats that punctuate each day of the festival:

• Blues in the Bar: Starting in the late morning, free concerts are offered on the terrace of Le Pass'Temps, Place de la Libération. A friendly way to discover new talents in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Blues on the River: From 12:30 PM, the banks of the Gartempe host open-air musical sessions. The audience settles on the grass by the water, enjoying on-site catering and an exceptional bucolic setting.
• Blues at the Abbey: From 5 PM, the Abbatiale park transforms into an open-air concert venue. Four bands perform on stage until late at night, offering the best of contemporary blues, from Chicago blues to blues rock and Delta blues.

A Demanding International Lineup

Each edition brings together about fifteen bands from France, Europe, and the United States. Over the years, the festival has hosted renowned artists such as Alabama Mike, Aynsley Lister, Nico Wayne Toussaint, Ben Poole, Laura Evans, and Graine Duffy, alongside emerging acts and local talents. Masterclasses are also offered for amateur musicians.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

Supported by the Gartempe Blues Festival association and a team of passionate volunteers, the festival contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of the Gartempe valley. Saint-Savin, a charming small town, offers a remarkable heritage setting where the blues resonates with rare authenticity, amidst medieval streets, a Romanesque bridge, and verdant riverbanks.