Les Escales Brivadoises
Multidisciplinary festival of classical music, theater, and dance in Brioude
About Les Escales
Created in 2005 by the association Musique Sur un Plateau, the Les Escales Brivadoises festival is a unique multidisciplinary cultural event in Haute-Loire. Each year, around a unifying theme, the festival blends classical music, theater, dance, and performing arts in remarkable heritage sites in the Brivadois region: the Saint-Julien de Brioude basilica, the Blesle abbey church, Lamothe castle, the Hôtel du Doyenné, and the Visitation convent. Under the artistic direction of violinist Gersende Mondani, the programming is constantly renewed, combining renowned artists and young talents in an intimate and friendly atmosphere. The festival is complemented by a summer music academy that hosts participants from 7 to 77 years old for high-level masterclasses. In twenty years of existence, Les Escales Brivadoises has established itself as one of the major cultural events in the region, combining musical excellence, multidisciplinary openness, and the enhancement of Haute-Auvergne's heritage.
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Les Escales Brivadoises: Twenty Years of Music and Live Performance in Haute-Loire
Since 2005, the Les Escales Brivadoises festival has offered an original and demanding program each year around a chosen theme, blending classical music, theater, dance, and multidisciplinary creations in the most beautiful heritage sites of the Brivadois region. Founded by the association Musique Sur un Plateau, created in September 2002, the festival pursues four objectives: the promotion of music, support for young talents, the intersection of artistic disciplines, and the enhancement of Haute-Auvergne's historical sites.
A Committed Artistic Direction
Violinist Gersende Mondani, trained at the conservatories of Lyon and Rueil-Malmaison, has been the artistic director of the festival since its creation. A laureate of violin and chamber music awards, she also completed her training at the ATRE theater workshop in Lyon, which fuels her multidisciplinary vision of the festival. A founding member of the Quatuor Adélys, she invites established and emerging artists each year to share the stage in original creations blending music, theater, and poetry.
Themes That Tell a Story
Each edition of the festival is built around a unifying theme that gives color and coherence to the entire program. Over the years, Les Escales have explored universes as varied as "Côté cour... Côté jardin" (12th edition, 2016), "Mediterranean" (14th edition, 2018), "A Hundred Words" (15th edition, 2019), "Dear Mozart" (2021), "Baroque Enjoy", "Postcards", and "Gourmandises" for the 20th anniversary edition in 2025. This thematic approach allows for a renewed experience and surprises a loyal audience while attracting new spectators.
Exceptional Heritage Sites
One of the festival's great strengths is its use of remarkable heritage sites in the Brivadois region for its concerts and performances. The Saint-Julien de Brioude basilica, a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art, the Saint-Pierre de Blesle abbey church, the Lamothe castle, the Hôtel particulier du Doyenné in Brioude, and the Visitation convent offer unique acoustics and atmospheres that enhance musical performances. The festival thus actively contributes to the valorization of Haute-Loire's heritage.
The Escales Academy: Transmitting and Sharing
In addition to the festival, the Escales Academy is held every summer at the Visitation convent in Brioude. For about ten days, participants from all over France, aged 7 to 77, benefit from masterclasses and intensive courses taught by high-level professors in violin, cello, viola, piano, and chamber music. The Academy also offers public concerts throughout the course, allowing the residents of Brioude and visitors to enjoy music in a warm and accessible atmosphere.
A Festival Rooted in its Territory
Chaired by Dominique Dubray, a renowned chef in Auvergne, the Musique Sur un Plateau association benefits from the support of local authorities, the Department of Haute-Loire, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. The festival is fully integrated into the cultural and tourist dynamics of the territory, contributing to the influence of Brioude and the Brivadois region far beyond departmental borders.
Les Escales — edition 2026
The 21st edition of Les Escales Brivadoises will take place from May 22nd to 25th, 2026, on the theme "Grandeur Nature" (Natural Grandeur). The festival will offer 6 concerts in 6 different heritage sites, between Lavaudieu, Blesle, Vieille-Brioude, and Brioude. The music academy will be held from July 5th to 12th, 2026, at La Visitation.
21st Edition - "Grandeur Nature" - May 22nd to 25th, 2026
For its 21st edition, the Les Escales Brivadoises festival adopts the theme "Grandeur Nature" (Natural Grandeur), an invitation to explore the links between music and nature. The festival offers 6 concerts in 6 different heritage sites, between Lavaudieu, Blesle, Vieille-Brioude, and Brioude, providing a true musical journey through the landscapes and heritage of the Brivadois region.
Program
Saturday, May 23rd - Marielle Nordmann Day
Internationally renowned harpist Marielle Nordmann is the featured artist of this edition. In the morning, she leads two Cafés Musique at 10 AM and 11:15 AM at the Doyenné in Brioude. In the evening, at 8:30 PM, she gives a concert "Autour de l'Alchimiste" (Around the Alchemist), inspired by Paulo Coelho's work, with bandoneonist Eduardo Garcia at the Blesle abbey church.
Sunday, May 24th
At 5 PM, the concert "L'Homme qui plantait des arbres" (The Man Who Planted Trees) by Capella Forensis will resonate at La Bageasse, Vieille-Brioude, in homage to Jean Giono's work.
The Academy - July 5th to 12th, 2026
The Escales Academy returns to the Visitation in Brioude from July 5th to 12th, 2026, offering masterclasses and public concerts for participants of all levels and ages.
Programme Les Escales 2026
Program of the 21st Edition - "Grandeur Nature"
Saturday, May 23rd
- 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM - Le Doyenné, Brioude: Cafés Musique with Marielle Nordmann (harp)
- 8:30 PM - Blesle Abbey Church: Marielle Nordmann (harp) and Eduardo Garcia (bandoneon) - "Autour de l'Alchimiste"
Sunday, May 24th
- 5:00 PM - La Bageasse, Vieille-Brioude: Capella Forensis - "L'Homme qui plantait des arbres"
July 5th to 12th
- La Visitation, Brioude: Escales Academy - Masterclasses and public concerts
Highlights Les Escales 2026
- 21st edition themed "Grandeur Nature" (Natural Grandeur)
- 6 concerts in 6 different heritage sites
- Marielle Nordmann, internationally renowned harpist, featured artist
- Concert "Autour de l'Alchimiste" with Eduardo Garcia (bandoneon) at Blesle Abbey Church
- "L'Homme qui plantait des arbres" by Capella Forensis in Vieille-Brioude
- Music Academy from July 5th to 12th at La Visitation
Prices Les Escales 2026
Practical information — Les Escales
Practical Information
Dates and Venues
The Les Escales Brivadoises festival takes place annually in spring (May-June) in several heritage sites in the Brivadois region: the Saint-Julien de Brioude basilica, the Blesle abbey church, Lamothe castle, the Hôtel du Doyenné, and other remarkable sites. The music academy is held in July at the Visitation convent in Brioude.
Access
By car: Brioude is accessible via the A75 motorway (exit 20 from Clermont-Ferrand, about 1h15) or the RN102 from Le Puy-en-Velay (about 45 minutes). Free parking is available in the town center.
By train: Brioude SNCF station is served by TER trains from Clermont-Ferrand (about 1h15) and Le Puy-en-Velay (about 30 minutes).
Ticketing
Tickets are available online on the HelloAsso platform (via the official festival website) and at the Brioude Sud-Auvergne Tourist Office. Some events are free, while others are ticketed with prices varying by concert. It is advisable to book in advance as capacity is limited in the heritage venues.
Catering
The festival occasionally offers moments of gastronomic conviviality (gourmet coffees, tastings) related to the edition's theme. The numerous restaurants in Brioude and surrounding villages complement the offerings.
Contact
- Phone: 06 86 72 15 81
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.escalesbrivadoises.fr
- Address: Association Musique Sur un Plateau, 9 rue Paul Leblanc, 43100 Brioude
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Escales at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Les Escales
Basilique Saint-Julien de Brioude et lieux patrimoniaux du Brivadois
9 rue Paul Leblanc, 43100 Brioude