Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye
Classical music in the abbeys of Vienne
About Heures Musicales
Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye: Music in Service of Heritage
Created in 2021 by the Association des Amis de l'Abbaye de Ligugé, the Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye festival is an annual event dedicated to classical music in the abbeys of Vienne. Each edition explores a specific musical theme, presented through symphonic concerts, chamber music recitals, vocal works, and sacred music programs, within four exceptional heritage sites.
Four Abbeys, A Traveling Festival
The festival unfolds in four historic abbeys south of Grand Poitiers: the Abbey of Saint-Martin de Ligugé, the oldest abbey in the West founded by Saint Martin in 361, the Abbey of Fontaine-le-Comte, a jewel of Angevin Gothic architecture, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît, founded in the 11th century by monks from Saint-Philibert-de-Tournus, and the Abbey of Nouaillé-Maupertuis, famous for the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. This traveling format offers festival-goers a unique experience combining architectural discovery and musical listening in remarkable natural acoustics.
Leading Artists
Since its creation, the festival has hosted renowned ensembles such as the Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine conducted by Jean-François Heisser, the Ensemble Outre-Mesure, the Ensemble Syntagma Amici, the festival's resident choir, and numerous soloists and chamber musicians. The programming blends major works from the classical repertoire, Baroque music, sacred works, and contemporary creations.
A Rich Program Beyond Concerts
True to its multidisciplinary approach, each edition features conferences led by musicologists, film screenings related to the musical theme, morning heritage walks connecting the various abbey sites (8 to 10 km), and a free exhibition. Walkers benefit from preferential rates for concerts.
Strong Territorial Roots
Supported by the Department of Vienne, the urban community of Grand Poitiers, and the Diocese of Poitiers, the festival contributes to the valorization of a millennial monastic heritage while making classical music accessible to the widest audience through moderate prices and numerous free activities.
Heures Musicales — edition 2026
The sixth edition of Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye takes place from August 27 to 30, 2026, in the form of the "Four Abbeys" festival, bringing together Ligugé, Fontaine-le-Comte, Nouaillé-Maupertuis, and Saint-Benoît. Under the theme "Paths of Peace," this edition offers four days of classical and sacred music in exceptional Romanesque settings south of Poitiers.
2026 Edition — "Paths of Peace"
From August 27 to 30, 2026, the "Four Abbeys" festival, as every summer, brings together the abbeys of Ligugé, Fontaine-le-Comte, Nouaillé-Maupertuis, and Saint-Benoît around a common theme. For this sixth edition, the Association des Amis de l'Abbaye de Ligugé has chosen the theme "Paths of Peace," explored through concerts, vocal works, and sacred music programs.
This August edition is part of an extended 2025-2026 season offered by the association (organ concerts, musical vigils, Pentecost weekend), of which the Four Abbeys festival is the summer highlight.
Announced Highlights
The festival opens on Thursday, August 27, with an exceptional concert by singer Eva Zaïcik, in homage to Armenia, featuring Armenian composers from the 19th and 20th centuries highlighting women's voices in the face of persecution. On Saturday, August 29, a concert designed by the Ars Nova ensemble is given at the Abbey of Nouaillé-Maupertuis. On Sunday, August 30, the festival concludes with a grand concert by the festival choir, directed by Dominique Vellard, featuring a Palestrina program (Missa Sine nomine and the famous Dona nobis pacem).
Programme Heures Musicales 2026
Thursday, August 27, 2026 — Opening Concert
- Eva Zaïcik — Concert in homage to Armenia: Armenian composers of the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on women's voices in the face of persecution.
Saturday, August 29, 2026 — Abbey of Nouaillé-Maupertuis
- Ars Nova Ensemble — Concert designed by the ensemble.
Sunday, August 30, 2026 — Closing Concert
- Festival Choir, conducted by Dominique Vellard — Palestrina Program: Missa Sine nomine and Dona nobis pacem.
Detailed program (precise timings, venues for each evening, and additional concerts) to be completed upon publication by the organizer.
Highlights Heures Musicales 2026
- "Four Abbeys" Festival: Ligugé, Fontaine-le-Comte, Nouaillé-Maupertuis, and Saint-Benoît
- 2026 Theme: "Paths of Peace"
- Opening on August 27 with Eva Zaïcik, in homage to Armenia
- Closing on August 30 with a Palestrina program conducted by Dominique Vellard
Prices Heures Musicales 2026
Practical information — Heures Musicales
Practical Information
Venues
The festival is a traveling event held in four abbeys in Vienne: Abbey Saint-Martin de Ligugé (86240), Abbey of Fontaine-le-Comte (86240), Abbey of Saint-Benoît (86280), and Abbey of Nouaillé-Maupertuis (86340). The concert venue changes each evening; consult the detailed program on the festival website.
Access
By car: The four abbeys are located within a 15 km radius south of Poitiers. Follow signs from the southern ring road of Poitiers. Free parking at each site.
By bus: Vitalis lines from Poitiers to Ligugé and Saint-Benoît.
Prices
Concert: €20 (full price), €10 (reduced price with proof). Festival Pass: €40 (all concerts). Free for children under 10 years old. Conferences, exhibitions, and walks are free to access.
Ticketing
Tickets on sale on HelloAsso and at the evening box office one hour before each concert. Doors open one hour before the performance begins.
Contact
Association des Amis de l'Abbaye de Ligugé. Email: [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Heures Musicales
Abbayes de la Vienne
Abbaye de Saint-Benoît, 1 rue Paul Gauvin, 86280 Saint-Benoît