Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye de Lessay
International classical music festival in the Romanesque abbey church of Lessay
About Heures Musicales de Lessay
Les Heures Musicales de Lessay: Classical Music in a Romanesque Gem
Since 1994, the Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye de Lessay has offered an exceptional musical event in the heart of the Norman summer. Founded by Edme Jeanson, following the disappearance of the Heures Musicales du Mont-Saint-Michel, the festival has successfully created a major new musical event in the Manche region, driven by the 'Les Amis de l'Abbaye' association, of which Michel Pinel was then vice-president.
The Sainte-Trinité Abbey Church: An Exceptional Acoustic Setting
The Sainte-Trinité Abbey Church of Lessay, founded in 1056 by the barons of La Haye-du-Puits, is considered the finest example of Norman Romanesque architecture still preserved. A pioneer in the use of the ribbed vault, this church offers remarkable natural acoustics that enhance musical performances. Its sober and majestic architecture creates an atmosphere conducive to listening and musical contemplation.
An Excellent Program
Between mid-July and mid-August, the festival offers eight major concerts on Tuesday and Friday evenings in the abbey church. The program highlights baroque, classical, and chamber music, with internationally renowned ensembles and soloists. The repertoires explored cover several centuries of music, from the Renaissance to contemporary, with a preference for baroque music.
Les Prim'Heures: A Festival within a Festival
In addition to the major concerts, the festival offers Les Prim'Heures, 45-minute concerts scheduled every evening at the Grange à dîme. These events are an opportunity to discover young talents in an intimate and warm setting, offering a showcase for emerging artists on the classical scene.
Le Poème Harmonique: An Ensemble in Residence
The ensemble Le Poème Harmonique, an internationally renowned baroque ensemble based in Normandy, is in residence for three years at the festival. Guest of honor for the 2025 edition, the ensemble also returns each winter for two performances at the Espace culturel de Lessay, one for schools and the other open to the public.
A Winter Event
Recently, the Heures Musicales also offers a winter event in January, at the Espace culturel de Lessay, thus extending the musical season beyond the summer and allowing the public to rediscover the spirit of the festival throughout the year.
Heures Musicales de Lessay — edition 2026
The 33rd edition of Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye de Lessay will take place from July 17 to August 14, 2026, in the Romanesque abbey church Sainte-Trinité. Nine major concerts at 9 PM, each evening preceded by the Prim'Heures dedicated to young talents at 6:30 PM at the Grange à dîme. The ensemble Le Poème Harmonique, led by Vincent Dumestre, continues its residency at the festival.
33rd Edition — July 17 to August 14, 2026
An international classical music festival founded in 1994, Les Heures Musicales takes over the Sainte-Trinité abbey church in Lessay each summer, a jewel of Norman Romanesque art. For this 33rd edition, nine major concerts are scheduled at 9 PM in the abbey church, each preceded at 6:30 PM by a Prim'Heure at the Grange à dîme, highlighting young emerging ensembles and soloists.
The ensemble Le Poème Harmonique, directed by Vincent Dumestre, continues its residency at the festival for the second consecutive year.
Programme Heures Musicales de Lessay 2026
Concerts in the Sainte-Trinité Abbey Church — 9 PM
- Friday, July 17 — accentus / Insula orchestra, dir. Laurence Equilbey (Magnificat by C.P.E. Bach and Coronation Mass by Mozart)
- Tuesday, July 21 — La Tempête, dir. Simon-Pierre Bestion
- Friday, July 24 — A Nocte Temporis, dir. Reinoud Van Mechelen
- Tuesday, July 28 — Le Poème Harmonique, dir. Vincent Dumestre (Bach's Magnificat)
- Friday, July 31 — Carte blanche to Lucile Boulanger (viola da gamba)
- Tuesday, August 4 — Il Convito, dir. Maude Gratton
- Friday, August 7 — Près de votre oreille, Robin Pharo
- Tuesday, August 11 — Aedes, dir. Mathieu Romano
- Friday, August 14 — Le Concert de la Loge, dir. Julien Chauvin
Les Prim'Heures Musicales — Grange à dîme, 6:30 PM
- July 17 — Trio Kaleïos
- July 21 — Trio Aura
- July 24 — Les Goupils
- July 28 — Allyn Wu
- July 31 — Duo Odéa
- August 4 — Antoine Bretonnière & Franck Krawczyk
- August 7 — Caroline Arnaud & Victorien Disse
- August 11 — Quatuor Sedna
- August 14 — QuintetRis
Highlights Heures Musicales de Lessay 2026
- 9 major concerts in the Romanesque abbey church Sainte-Trinité
- Residency of the ensemble Le Poème Harmonique (Vincent Dumestre)
- accentus / Insula orchestra directed by Laurence Equilbey in the opening concert
- Les Prim'Heures: young talents every evening at the Grange à dîme
Prices Heures Musicales de Lessay 2026
Practical information — Heures Musicales de Lessay
Practical Information
Location
Sainte-Trinité Abbey Church, Lessay (Manche). Les Prim'Heures take place at the Grange à dîme, near the abbey church.
Access
By car: Lessay is accessible via the RN2 from Coutances (20 km) or the D900 from Saint-Lô. Free parking near the abbey church.
By train: Coutances station, then bus or taxi connection (20 km).
Ticketing
Box office opens in April. Reservations by phone at 02 33 45 14 34, online on the official website, or on-site on the evening of the concert.
Prices
Concerts in the abbey church are ticketed. Les Prim'Heures at the Grange à dîme are offered at a reduced rate. Reduced rates for under 18s and students.
Tips
- Bring warm clothing: the interior of the abbey church is cool even in summer
- Concerts last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Book in advance, concerts often sell out
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Where does it take place — Heures Musicales de Lessay
Abbatiale Sainte-Trinité de Lessay
Abbatiale Sainte-Trinité, 50430 Lessay, 50430 Lessay