Les Journées Ravel
Ravel's music in the intimacy of his creative spaces
About Journées Ravel
Les Journées Ravel: Maurice Ravel's music in the intimacy of his homeland
Since 1996, Les Journées Ravel has perpetuated the memory of the most famous French composer of the 20th century in the enchanting setting of Montfort-l'Amaury, the small medieval town in the Yvelines where Maurice Ravel spent the last twenty years of his life. It was here, in his house Le Belvédère, that he composed many of his masterpieces, from the Boléro to the two piano concertos, lulled by the beauty of the Rambouillet forest landscapes.
A festival at the heart of the Yvelines heritage
The profound originality of Les Journées Ravel lies in the choice to let music resonate in the very places that nourished the composer's inspiration. Every autumn, about ten major heritage sites, public and private, open their doors around the Rambouillet forest: the majestic Château de Breteuil in Choisel, the Abbey of Port-Royal-des-Champs in Magny-les-Hameaux, the historic residences of Montfort-l'Amaury, and even the homes of local residents in Montfort who host the famous Prom's, intimate concerts in a domestic setting. This immersion in Ravel's territory creates a unique proximity between the audience, the artists, and the music.
A demanding and open program
The program of Les Journées Ravel revolves around the interpretation of Maurice Ravel's work, but also that of his masters—Couperin, Rameau, Mozart—and his contemporaries—Debussy, Fauré, Satie, Stravinsky. Each edition offers around twenty performances spread over two to three weekends, featuring both internationally renowned artists, such as pianist Alexandre Tharaud, and promising young performers whom the festival helps to discover. Piano recitals, chamber music, mélodies, string quartets, and lyrical programs make up a rich and varied palette, faithful to the spirit of excellence and refinement that characterized Ravel himself.
Thirty years of Ravelian fidelity
In thirty editions, Les Journées Ravel has established itself as a major event for music lovers from Île-de-France and beyond. The festival benefits from the support of prestigious partners—the Île-de-France Region, the Department of Yvelines, the Dassault group, Guerlain, Rothschild Martin Maurel—testifying to its cultural influence. In 2025, the 29th edition celebrated the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel's birth, confirming the vitality of a festival that continues to keep alive the legacy of a universal composer in the intimacy of his creative spaces.
Journées Ravel — edition 2026
The 30th edition of the Journées Ravel celebrates three decades of classical music in the intimate settings where Maurice Ravel created, in Montfort-l'Amaury and around the Rambouillet forest. From October 2 to 18, 2026, about twenty concerts bring together international headliners and young emerging performers, preceded by an exceptional opening concert by the Orchestre National d'Île-de-France.
2026 Edition — 30th anniversary of the festival
The Journées Ravel celebrate their 30th edition in 2026, a symbolic milestone for this festival which has become an unmissable event for classical music in Île-de-France. From October 2 to 18, 2026, Montfort-l'Amaury and the surroundings of the Rambouillet forest host about twenty concerts in the heritage sites that make the festival unique.
The edition opens with an exceptional concert by the Orchestre National d'Île-de-France on September 28. The weekends in October feature the Prom's de Montfort, musical journeys that bring together the most promising young French musicians from one location to another, as well as major events hosting established artists.
Among the announced highlights: a day dedicated to piano, Sempre Piano, featuring Philippe Bianconi at the Château des Mesnuls (exceptionally open to the public), the recital by Jean-Marc Luisada and Alexandra Matievskaya, the program by Marie-Laure Garnier and Célia Oneto Bensaid, that of Nina Pollet and Héloïse Luzzati, a new transcription of L'Enfant et les Sortilèges by the ensemble Musica Nigella, the Van Kuijk and Magenta quartets, and pianist François-Frédéric Guy.
Programme Journées Ravel 2026
Opening Concert
- September 28, 2026 — Orchestre National d'Île-de-France · exceptional concert
October 2026 Weekends (October 2 to 18)
Artists and programs announced by the festival (precise dates and times for each concert will be progressively published on the official ticketing website):
- Sempre Piano — day dedicated to piano with Philippe Bianconi, at the Château des Mesnuls (exceptionally open to the public)
- Jean-Marc Luisada (piano) & Alexandra Matievskaya (violin)
- Marie-Laure Garnier (soprano) & Célia Oneto Bensaid (piano)
- Nina Pollet & Héloïse Luzzati (cello)
- Ensemble Musica Nigella — new transcription of L'Enfant et les Sortilèges
- Quatuor Van Kuijk
- Quatuor Magenta
- François-Frédéric Guy (piano)
- Les Prom's de Montfort — musical journeys by young performers, in Montfort's residences and heritage sites
Highlights Journées Ravel 2026
- 30th anniversary edition of the festival
- Dates: October 2 to 18, 2026 (opening concert on September 28)
- Exceptional opening concert by the Orchestre National d'Île-de-France
- Sempre Piano piano day with Philippe Bianconi at the Château des Mesnuls
- About twenty concerts in the heritage sites of the Rambouillet forest
Prices Journées Ravel 2026
Practical information — Journées Ravel
Practical Information
Access
Main venue: Montfort-l'Amaury and surroundings (Rambouillet forest), Yvelines (78).
By car: A13 then N12 towards Dreux, exit Montfort-l'Amaury. Approximately 50 km west of Paris.
By train: Montfort-l'Amaury – Méré station (Line N from Paris-Montparnasse, approx. 45 minutes).
Concert Venues
- Château de Breteuil, Choisel
- Abbaye de Port-Royal-des-Champs, Magny-les-Hameaux
- Historic residences of Montfort-l'Amaury
- Private homes (Prom's)
Prices
Prices vary depending on the concert, generally from €15 to €35. Online booking via the festival's ticketing service.
Tips
- Book early, as the capacity of the intimate venues is limited.
- Take advantage of your visit to explore the Maurice Ravel House-Museum (Le Belvédère) in Montfort-l'Amaury.
- As the concert venues are spread around the Rambouillet forest, plan your travel by car.
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Where does it take place — Journées Ravel
Montfort-l'Amaury et environs
20 chemin des Quatre Piliers, 78490 Grosrouvre, 78490 Montfort-l'Amaury