Les Grands Concerts de Clairvaux

Clairvaux Abbey, the cradle of the Cistercian Order

Clairvaux Abbey was founded on June 25, 1115, by Bernard of Clairvaux, accompanied by twelve monks, in an isolated clearing in the valley of Absinthe, on the banks of the Aube river. The third daughter of Cîteaux, Clairvaux quickly became one of the most important monasteries in Europe: Bernard's charisma and the abbey's fame attracted recruits from across the continent, and between 1115 and 1153, 888 monks passed through Clairvaux, including a future pope, Eugene III. The abbey, in turn, founded 70 daughter abbeys across Europe, becoming the beating heart of the Cistercian Order.

The Monks' Dormitory, an Architectural Gem

The concerts are held in the dormitory of the lay brothers, a 12th-century building that is one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. This majestic building, which runs along the west wing of the cloister, originally comprised a cellar and a refectory on the ground floor, and the dormitory on the first floor. With its space, light, and the simplicity of its lines, it offers an irreplaceable testimony to the Cistercian art of the late 12th century. The natural acoustics of its stone vaults are exceptional, making this place an ideal setting for classical music.

International Artists in a Unique Setting

Every year in September, the Grands Concerts de Clairvaux host internationally renowned artists who come to present a unique artistic project in the light of their talent. The program mixes Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary works, performed by soloists, chamber music ensembles, and vocal groups. Among the works presented, Mozart's Requiem, Beethoven's Lieder, and pieces by Bach, Scarlatti, and Schumann find a special resonance in the acoustics of the monks' dormitory.

A Weekend of Music and Heritage

The event takes place over a weekend in September, with concerts on Saturday at 4 PM and Sunday at 11 AM. A lunch on-site is offered on Sunday between the two concerts, allowing spectators to extend the experience in the enchanting setting of the abbey. Ticketing is managed through the Weezevent platform. The Grands Concerts de Clairvaux are supported by the Association de l'Abbaye de Clairvaux, which works to preserve and promote the cultural value of this exceptional heritage site, now partially occupied by a detention center.