Jazz between the Two Towers
The jazz meeting point of La Rochelle between the emblematic towers
2026
About La Rochelle Jazz Festival
La Rochelle Jazz Festival — edition 2026
The 29th edition of the La Rochelle Jazz Festival takes place from October 7 to 11, 2026, between La Sirène and La Coursive. James Carter, Youngblood Brass Band, Kareen Guiock Thuram, and Léon Phal headline a program exploring jazz in all its forms, from groove to electro, complemented by a screening of Clint Eastwood's "Bird" and a documentary tribute to Michel Portal.
2026 Edition
For its 29th edition, La Rochelle Jazz Festival continues to celebrate jazz in all its forms with a quality program in the emblematic venues of La Rochelle.
Highlights La Rochelle Jazz Festival 2026
- James Carter 4tet "Trane: A Centennial Supreme" · La Coursive
- Youngblood Brass Band, with opening act Lagos Thugs · La Sirène
- Kareen Guiock Thuram · La Sirène
- Léon Phal, with opening act Lea Maria Fries · La Sirène
- Minino Garay Quartet "Speaking Tango" opening performance · La Sirène
- Documentary tribute to Michel Portal at the Médiathèque Michel Crépeau
Programme La Rochelle Jazz Festival 2026
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Documentary "Quelques notes sur la liberté" (a tribute to Michel Portal), followed by a tribute from clarinetist Antonio Castillo · Médiathèque Michel Crépeau (register on-site from 2:00 PM, limited seating)
- 7:00 PM — Minino Garay Quartet "Speaking Tango", with opening act Dune (Torsiello, Montana, Scala & Ristord) · La Sirène
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Jazz Aperitif: Antonio Castillo Trio · La Sirène - Le Club (€10, included with evening ticket or 5-day pass)
- 8:30 PM — Léon Phal, with opening act Lea Maria Fries · La Sirène
Friday, October 9, 2026
- 8:30 PM — James Carter 4tet "Trane: A Centennial Supreme" · La Coursive (co-produced by La Coursive - Scène nationale de La Rochelle)
Saturday, October 10, 2026
- 2:30 PM — Cinema: "Bird" by Clint Eastwood, starring Forest Whitaker (VOST, 161 min, not included in festival pass, separate ticket required) · La Coursive
- 7:00 PM — Jazz Aperitif: Katarina Pejak · La Sirène - Le Club (€10, included with evening ticket or 5-day pass)
- 8:30 PM — Kareen Guiock Thuram · La Sirène
Sunday, October 11, 2026
- 4:00 PM — Parade, family show for ages 6 and up, complimentary snack provided · La Sirène - Le Club
- 6:00 PM — Youngblood Brass Band, with opening act Lagos Thugs · La Sirène
The festival is organized in partnership with La Sirène - Espace Musiques Actuelles and co-produced with La Coursive - Scène nationale de La Rochelle. A photo exhibition by Patrick Martineau will be on display at La Sirène throughout the festival. Outside of the main festival dates, a tap dance workshop led by Fabien Ruiz and Misskiclack will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026, at the École de danse Jacopit (discounted rate available with festival ticket). Program published by the organizer (source: larochellejazzfestival.fr, pages updated June-August 2026).
Prices La Rochelle Jazz Festival 2026
Practical information — La Rochelle Jazz Festival
Practical Information
Venue
La Sirène, La Coursive - Scène Nationale, and other venues in La Rochelle
Access
- La Rochelle SNCF train station (10 minutes walk)
- Venues in the city center
- Parking nearby
- Urban bus (Yélo network)
Prices
- Festival pass: approximately €60
- Individual concert: from €15 to €25
- Reduced student rates
A Historic Festival
Created in 1992 under the name Jazz between the Two Towers, the festival has become La Rochelle Jazz Festival since 2020. For a week in October, it offers an eclectic jazz program in the emblematic venues of La Rochelle, notably La Sirène and La Coursive.
A Varied Program
The festival hosts internationally renowned musicians and emerging talents, exploring all facets of jazz: traditional, modern, fusion, electro. The program is aimed at both seasoned amateurs and curious newcomers to this musical universe.
At the Heart of the City
The concerts take place in intimate venues that allow for a unique closeness with the artists. The friendly atmosphere and the quality of the programming make the festival an unmissable event for jazz lovers.
Where does it take place — La Rochelle Jazz Festival
La Rochelle Jazz Festival in brief
Other festivals near La Rochelle
Festival-goer reviews
No review yet. Be the first!
No rating yet — be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Have you spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every suggestion is reviewed by our team before publication.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)