Jazz in Fort l'Écluse
Jazz beneath the vaults of Fort l'Écluse, in the heart of Pays de Gex
About Jazz in Fort l'Écluse
Jazz in Fort l'Écluse: when jazz resonates in a historic fortress
Over the years, the Jazz in Fort l'Écluse festival has become a must-attend event on the jazz scene in Ain and throughout Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Produced by Jazzin' Productions in partnership with the Pays de Gex urban community, it offers a series of summer concerts in the striking setting of Fort l'Écluse, a listed historic monument overlooking the Rhône gorge at Léaz.
An exceptional heritage venue
Fort l'Écluse is a military fortress built between the 17th and 19th centuries, clinging to the cliff above the Rhône on the border between France and Switzerland. Its terraces, inner courtyards and stone vaults provide remarkable natural acoustics and an intimate atmosphere that elevates the jazz concerts. The spectacular setting, between the Jura mountains and the rushing waters of the Rhône, makes every evening a complete sensory experience.
An eclectic and international programme
The festival's programme explores jazz in all its diversity: traditional jazz from New Orleans, spirited swing, gypsy jazz in the tradition of Django Reinhardt, gospel, blues and contemporary jazz. Each season brings together internationally renowned artists and emerging talents, creating a programme that appeals to newcomers and jazz aficionados alike.
The festival also extends beyond the walls, with concerts held at the Orangerie at the Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire, the Golf de la Valserine and the Col de la Faucille, allowing audiences to enjoy jazz in a variety of heritage and natural settings across Pays de Gex.
Accessibility and friendliness
True to its mission of cultural outreach, the festival offers free concerts at Fort l'Écluse throughout the summer, making jazz accessible to all. Light refreshments are available on site to make the most of the summer evenings. The off-site concerts at the Orangerie of the Château de Voltaire are offered at an affordable price, providing an intimate jazz experience.
A festival rooted in its territory
Jazz in Fort l'Écluse contributes to the cultural life of Pays de Gex and helps promote tourism at Fort l'Écluse, a major heritage site in Ain. The festival is part of the fort's annual events programme, which also hosts theatrical performances, exhibitions and nature activities throughout the season.
Jazz in Fort l'Écluse — edition 2026
The 13th edition of Jazz in Fort l'Écluse takes place from Saturday, June 27 to Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Fort l'Écluse, in Léaz (Ain). Every Saturday evening at 8 PM, the fortress overlooking the Rhône hosts a free concert of jazz, swing, gypsy jazz, soul, gospel, or similar music. The festival extends «beyond its walls» with outdoor events in the Pays de Gex (col de la Faucille, Golf de la Valserine) and, for the rest of the year, at the Orangerie du Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire (15 €).
13th Edition — Summer 2026
For its 13th edition, Jazz in Fort l'Écluse takes over Fort l'Écluse in Léaz from June 27 to August 29, 2026. Every Saturday evening at 8 PM, a free concert celebrates jazz in all its variations — traditional, swing, gypsy, soul, gospel, funk — within the exceptional setting of the fortress overlooking the Rhône gorge, between the Jura and the Alps.
An Eclectic Program
The 2026 edition brings styles into dialogue: the funk-soul of Miss Bee & The Bullfrogs for the opening, the swing of Hot Gravel Eight, the gypsy jazz of the Quintette du Hot Club de France led by Duved Dunayevsky (guitar) and Daniel Garlitsky (violin), the flamenco creation Al-Andalus, the Deep Purple tribute rock of Strange Kind of Women, the sixties yéyé pop of Monokini, the female swing of Les Poupées de Satin, and the gospel-soul of Kathy Boyé & Vocal Colors for the closing.
Jazz in Fort l'Écluse «Beyond its Walls»
The festival extends beyond the fortress with free outdoor concerts in the Pays de Gex: The Lemanic Syncopators (traditional jazz) at col de la Faucille on July 5 and Tricotin Swing at Golf de la Valserine on August 2. Outside the summer season, the program continues at the Orangerie du Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire, with paid concerts (15 €).
Access
A shuttle service is offered from Collonges for concerts at Fort l'Écluse. Access maps and parking information are available on the official website of Fort l'Écluse.
Programme Jazz in Fort l'Écluse 2026
Concerts at Fort l'Écluse — Léaz · Saturdays 8 PM · Free Admission
- Saturday, June 27 — Miss Bee & The Bullfrogs · Funk / Soul
- Saturday, July 4 — Hot Gravel Eight · Jazz swing
- Saturday, July 11 — Quintette du Hot Club de France · Gypsy Jazz (Duved Dunayevsky, guitar; Daniel Garlitsky, violin)
- Saturday, July 25 — Al-Andalus · Flamenco creation
- Saturday, August 1 — Strange Kind of Women · Rock (Deep Purple tribute)
- Saturday, August 15 — Monokini · Sixties Yéyé Pop
- Saturday, August 22 — Les Poupées de Satin · Jazz swing
- Saturday, August 29 — Kathy Boyé & Vocal Colors · Gospel / Soul
Jazz in Fort l'Écluse «Beyond its Walls» — Pays de Gex · 2:30 PM · Free Admission
- Sunday, July 5 — The Lemanic Syncopators · Traditional Jazz · Col de la Faucille
- Sunday, August 2 — Tricotin Swing · Jazz swing · Golf de la Valserine
Jazz in Fort l'Écluse at Voltaire's — Orangerie du Château de Voltaire, Ferney-Voltaire · 8:30 PM · 15 €
Off-season program (first half of 2026):
- January 15 — Tribute to Sidney Bechet · Jazz
- February 12 — Thésée et le Minotaure · Musical tale
- March 26 — Volco & Gignoli · Tango jazz
- April 16 — Gipsy Jazz Session · Gypsy Jazz
- May 28 — Pandas Royals · Jazz and song
Highlights Jazz in Fort l'Écluse 2026
- 13th edition from Saturday, June 27 to Saturday, August 29, 2026
- 8 free concerts at Fort l'Écluse, every Saturday evening at 8 PM
- 2 free «beyond its walls» concerts: col de la Faucille (July 5) and Golf de la Valserine (August 2)
- Headliners: Quintette du Hot Club de France, Al-Andalus, Kathy Boyé & Vocal Colors
- Off-season program at the Orangerie du Château de Voltaire (15 €)
- Exceptional setting of the fortress overlooking the Rhône
- Shuttle service from Collonges for concerts at the fort
Prices Jazz in Fort l'Écluse 2026
Practical information — Jazz in Fort l'Écluse
Practical information
Getting to Fort l'Écluse
By car: Fort l'Écluse is located on the Route de Genève in Léaz (01200), 15 minutes from Gex and 25 minutes from Geneva via the A40. Parking is available at the foot of the fort.
Shuttle: A free shuttle is available from Collonges for most concerts.
Prices
At Fort l'Écluse: Free concerts (fort access included on concert evenings).
Off-site (Orangerie at the Château de Voltaire): 15 EUR per concert.
Food & drink
Light refreshments and a bar are available on site on concert evenings at Fort l'Écluse.
Contact
Fort l'Écluse
Route de Genève, 01200 Léaz
Tel.: 04 50 42 65 00
Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Jazz in Fort l'Écluse
Fort l'Écluse
Route de Genève, 01200 Léaz