GeorJacLéo Festival

Poetic Song in the Spotlight

The GeorJacLéo Festival was born from the passion of a group of music lovers for poetic French-language song. Its name is a direct tribute to three pillars of French song: Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel, and Léo Ferré. Since its creation, the festival has set itself the mission of promoting poetic song and organizing a periodic event dedicated to the repertoires of these three essential artists, as well as all those who champion or have championed poetic song.

From its Origins to Vianne

The GeorJacLéo association was founded at the beginning of the year 2000 by French chanson enthusiasts. The first edition of the festival took place in Nérac on September 9, 2000. Subsequently, the festival settled in the medieval fortified town of Vianne, a 13th-century fortified village with incomparable charm, where it found its permanent home. Over the years, the festival has grown to become an unmissable event for lovers of Brassens, Brel, and Ferré in the southwest of France.

Three Days of Shows and Sharing

Every third weekend of October, the festival offers eight major shows spread over three days. The program highlights amateur and professional artists who perform the repertoires of Brassens, Brel, and Ferré, but also of Barbara, Ferrat, Béart, and all the singer-songwriters who perpetuate the tradition of French poetic song. Among the artists who have participated in past editions, we can mention Francesca Solleville, Anne Sylvestre (guest of honor in 2014), and Isabelle Aubret (guest of honor in 2016).

Moments of Conviviality

Beyond the concerts, the festival is distinguished by its unique moments of sharing. The aperitif-concerts and post-show dinners are highlights where artists and festival-goers gather over fine food to discuss their favorite songwriters. These special moments contribute to the warm and intimate atmosphere that has earned the festival its reputation.

Exhibitions and Activities

Alongside the shows, the festival offers exhibitions, and sales of books, CDs, photos, posters, and t-shirts related to the world of Brassens, Brel, and Ferré. These cultural activities enrich the festival experience and allow visitors to extend their immersion in the world of poetic song.

A Festival Committed to Poetic Song

The GeorJacLéo Festival aims to be a healthy and invigorating event for culture, carrying humanist values inherited from its three guiding figures. It provides a platform for a demanding and poetic form of artistic expression, counter to ephemeral trends, and contributes to the cultural influence of the bastide of Vianne and the Albret region in Lot-et-Garonne.