Concerts of excellence in the underground church of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Les Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre offers a series of concerts every summer in the exceptional setting of the Saint-Jean underground church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The large hall with its impressive dimensions, with its vault rising to 20 meters, offers exceptional acoustics to singers and instrumentalists. The program mixes piano recitals, Corsican and Balkan polyphonies, Indian music, voice-harp or cello duets, and large baroque ensembles. Organized by the association Anim'Aubeterre, the festival hosts four to five concerts between mid-July and mid-August.
The Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre take place in the spectacular setting of the Saint-Jean underground church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. This exceptional monument, carved into the cliff face, has a large hall whose vault rises to 20 meters in height, offering remarkable natural acoustics. It is in this mineral setting that the notes of the festival's concerts resonate each summer.
The program of the Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre is deliberately eclectic, mixing classical music, baroque music, world music, and medieval music. Recent editions have featured ensembles such as Cum Jubilo (medieval song and music), the Barocco Tango Trio (Bach and Piazzolla), the Curieux Orchestre (15 musicians), and the Haarlems Bach Ensemble (30 musicians). Four to five concerts are scheduled between mid-July and mid-August, on summer evenings, at 9:00 PM and then 8:30 PM.
The festival is organized by the association Anim'Aubeterre, which animates the cultural life of the village throughout the year. The association organizes three major events per year, of which the Nuits Musicales is the flagship summer event. Support from the Sud Charente Tourist Office and local authorities helps maintain affordable prices.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is a picturesque village perched above the Dronne river. In addition to the Saint-Jean underground church, the village offers remarkable architectural heritage with its medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and Saint-Jacques church. The Nuits Musicales contribute to the cultural influence of this jewel of the Sud Charente.
2026 edition of Les Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre planned for July-August 2026. The festival will offer a new series of concerts in the Saint-Jean underground church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. The program will be announced in spring 2026.
The Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre will return in the summer of 2026 for a new series of concerts in the Saint-Jean underground church. The program will be unveiled in spring 2026 on the website of the Sud Charente Tourist Office and the social media of the Anim'Aubeterre association.
Concerts take place at the Saint-Jean underground church, rue Saint-Jean, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
Concerts at 9:00 PM in July, 8:30 PM in August.
Sud Charente Tourist Office: 05 45 98 57 18 — [email protected]
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Église souterraine Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne