International Festival Le Temps des Guitares

The guitar in all its diversity in the heart of the Lot

Founded in 2016 by the Duo Bensa-Cardinot, a classical guitar duo recognized in France and internationally, the International Festival Le Temps des Guitares is a unique summer event dedicated to the guitar in all its diversity. Each summer, for four days in late July, the festival hosts artists from around the world for thematic evenings that explore the infinite richness of the instrument: classical guitar, flamenco, world music, baroque, Latin American music, mandolin, and many other sounds.

Passionate artistic directors

Artistic directors Olivier Bensa and Cécile Cardinot conceive an eclectic and demanding program each year, at the crossroads of styles and cultures. A guitarist and composer for one, a guitarist, singer, and choir conductor for the other, they put their expertise and international network at the service of a festival that continues to grow in quality and influence. Their ambition: to introduce the public to the guitar from unexpected angles, by inviting soloists, duos, and ensembles that push the boundaries of the instrument.

From Puy-l'Évêque to Luzech: a new era

From 2016 to 2024, the festival was held at the open-air theatre of Puy-l'Évêque, an open-air amphitheater that can accommodate over 400 spectators, with the Saint-Sauveur church as a backup venue in case of bad weather. In 2025, the festival began a new chapter by moving to the Notre-Dame de l'Île chapel in Luzech, an exceptional heritage site located on the peninsula formed by a loop of the Lot river. This intimate and acoustically remarkable setting offers a unique musical experience, up close with the artists.

An international and eclectic program

Each edition offers four themed evenings, designed as musical journeys. Over the years, the festival has hosted leading artists: the flamenco of Samuelito and Karine Gonzalez, the virtuoso classical guitar of Judicaël Perroy and Alexandra Whittingham, the oud of Driss El Maloumi, the kora of Lamine Cissokho, the poetic flamenco of Pedro Soler, the Brazilian guitar of Yamandu Costa, and baroque theorbo and lute. The afternoons are dedicated to activities open to all around the guitar: demonstrations, video screenings, meetings with artists, and wine tastings from the Cahors vineyards.

A festival rooted in its terroir

Le Temps des Guitares is also an immersion in the Lotois terroir. The festival is intimately linked to the Cahors vineyards and local gastronomy, with wine tastings offered in partnership with the winegrowers of the Lot valley. The association Le Temps des Guitares, founded in 2015, relies on a team of passionate volunteers who bring the event to life with generosity and conviviality. In ten years, the festival has established itself as a must-attend event for lovers of guitar and world music in southwestern France.