Jazz & Cheese

The successful marriage of jazz and cheese since 2011

The Jazz & Cheese festival was born in 2011 in Montbardon, a hamlet in Queyras, from the meeting between jazz enthusiasts and lovers of the Alpine terroir. Created by Kristin Marion and Philippe Martel, musicians living in Queyras, with the help of Éric Randu for the gastronomic aspect, the festival found its unique formula: combining international jazz concerts with cheese tastings and gourmet meals highlighting the products of the Queyras region.

From Montbardon to Ceillac

After its first two editions in the hamlet of Montbardon, the festival moved to Ceillac, an authentic village in Queyras located at 1,640 meters above sea level. This preserved mountain setting, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Queyras, offers a spectacular backdrop for a festival that takes place under a marquee and outdoors, with views of the surrounding peaks.

An international jazz program

Despite its intimate size, Jazz & Cheese boasts an ambitious international program. Each year, the festival hosts renowned artists from around the world, covering a wide spectrum of jazz: gypsy jazz, swing, blues, vocal jazz, contemporary jazz, and world jazz. The 2025 edition (13th) notably featured Nitcho Reinhardt, nephew of Django Reinhardt, and singer Sylvia Howard for the opening concert. Every evening, four concerts follow each other under the festival's marquee.

The gastronomic experience

The gastronomic aspect is inseparable from the festival's identity. Queyras cheeses, and particularly the famous bleu de Montbardon, are featured during tastings and meals. The dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings and the closing barbecue on Sunday, prepared with local producers and restaurateurs, allow attendees to savor the flavors of the Alpine terroir while listening to quality jazz.

A friendly festival at altitude

With its four days of festival in June, Jazz & Cheese attracts a loyal and passionate audience in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The festival also offers masterclasses and jam sessions that allow amateur musicians to meet the artists. The event contributes to the cultural and tourist dynamism of the Ceillac valley and the Guillestrois-Queyras region.