Les Nuits de Champagne

The largest French chanson festival in France

Les Nuits de Champagne is a French chanson festival founded in 1988 in Troyes, in the Aube department. Every year in October, for a week, the festival takes over no less than 12 venues in the city — the Théâtre de Champagne, Espace Argence, churches, performance halls, and cafes — to offer a rich program of 56 concerts and musical events. Les Nuits de Champagne stands out for its ability to bring together established artists from the Francophone scene and emerging young talents around a shared love for lyrics and melody.

The Grand Choral: 900 voices in unison

The festival's flagship event is undoubtedly the Grand Choral, a unique polyphonic performance. Each year, 900 amateur singers from all over France gather in Troyes to rehearse together and perform during two major evenings alongside guest artists. This human and musical adventure, which requires months of preparation, symbolizes the spirit of Les Nuits de Champagne: sharing, conviviality, and the collective celebration of chanson. In 2024, the Grand Choral featured a 'Tropical Ball' with Bernard Lavilliers, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and Bonbon Vodou. In 2025, the theme 'Our Soulmates' brought together Michel Jonasz, Jeanne Cherhal, and Ben l'Oncle Soul.

A demanding and eclectic program

Beyond the Grand Choral, Les Nuits de Champagne offers a varied program that highlights songwriter music, world music, and original creations. From intimate concerts in Troyes cafes to grand performances at the Théâtre de Champagne, the festival offers a range of musical experiences to satisfy all audiences. Workshops, artist meet-and-greets, and masterclasses complete the program, making the festival a true laboratory for live chanson.

Strong roots in the Champagne region

Supported by the association Nuits de Champagne since its creation, the festival benefits from the support of the City of Troyes, the Department of Aube, and the Grand Est Region. Over the decades, it has become a major cultural player in the region, contributing to Troyes' national influence. The festival has forged close ties with local associative and educational networks, particularly through the Choeur de l'Aube, which prepares choristers throughout the year. Les Nuits de Champagne is much more than a festival: it is a community of enthusiasts who keep French chanson alive.