Jazz sur Camembert

Jazz sur Camembert: The Jazz Soul of Fontenay-le-Comte

Organized by the association Le Camembert, the Jazz sur Camembert festival — also known as the Camembert Jazz Festival — is a flagship event of the jazz scene in Vendée. Since its creation in the early 1990s, this autumn gathering has established itself as an essential showcase for jazz musicians from the Pays de la Loire region, in partnership with the Regional Collective for Jazz Diffusion (CRDJ), the Regional Council of Pays de la Loire, and the city of Fontenay-le-Comte.

An Italian-style Theater as a Setting

The concerts take place at the Théâtre municipal de Fontenay-le-Comte, an architectural gem from the 19th century located at 22 rue Rabelais, in the heart of the historic center. With its 257 seats and remarkable acoustics, this small Italian-style theater offers a warm atmosphere and exceptional proximity between artists and the public, ideal for savoring the nuances of acoustic jazz and the flights of fusion jazz.

Four Days of Jazz in November

Each year, from Thursday to Sunday in mid-November, the festival programs four concerts highlighting the richness of the regional jazz scene. From big band swing to intimate trios, including gypsy jazz, fusion jazz, and bossa nova, the programming explores all facets of the genre. The 2025 edition notably featured the Pacific Big Band with guest Faby Medina, the Colunia Quartet, Market Street with Jean-Luc Ouvrard in a tribute to Joe Zawinul, and the Antoine Delaunay Quintet for a "French Songbook" to close the festival on Sunday.

A Festival Rooted in Fontenay-le-Comte's Cultural Life

The association Le Camembert is not limited to the festival: it enlivens the musical life of Fontenay-le-Comte year-round through its Hootnany events, monthly open stages inviting amateur and experienced musicians to gather for eclectic jam sessions mixing jazz, chanson, reggae, and improvised music. A computer-assisted music (MAO) workshop has also complemented this associative cultural offering since 2022, making Le Camembert an essential player in musical creation in southern Vendée.