Les Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre
Concerts of excellence in the underground church of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
About Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre
A unique setting for exceptional concerts
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.
An eclectic and demanding program
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.
A festival driven by Anim'Aubeterre
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, a village of character
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.
Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre — edition 2026
For its 2026 edition, the Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre festival returns from July 23rd to August 14th, 2026, in the mineral setting of the underground church Saint-Jean d'Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. The program, true to its eclecticism, blends medieval polyphonies, a cappella singing, violin recital, and baroque music, with four concerts spread throughout the summer in the large hall with its 20-meter vault.
Four concerts in the underground church, from July to August 2026
The 2026 edition of the Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre takes place from July 23rd to August 14th, 2026, in the great hall of the underground church Saint-Jean, whose natural acoustics and 20-meter vault offer an exceptional setting for performers. True to its artistic direction, the program alternates medieval music, vocal polyphonies, chamber music, and large baroque ensemble. Concerts begin in the evening, at 9:00 PM.
The 2026 Program
- July 23rd, 2026 — The Trio Zêta performs medieval polyphonies from the Codex Calixtinus.
- July 29th, 2026 — Ispolin, a female vocal ensemble bringing together Diane Bucciali, Christine Clément, and Camille Mandleur.
- August 4th, 2026 — Recital by violinist Natacha Triadou, trained notably at the Yehudi Menuhin School.
- August 14th, 2026 — The Haarlems Bach Ensemble, for an evening dedicated to French baroque music.
The festival is organized by the Anim'Aubeterre association, with the support of the Office de tourisme du Sud Charente, which maintains accessible prices.
Programme Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre 2026
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 — 9:00 PM
- Trio Zêta — Medieval polyphonies from the Codex Calixtinus, at the underground church Saint-Jean.
Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 — 9:00 PM
- Ispolin — Female a cappella vocal ensemble (Diane Bucciali, Christine Clément, Camille Mandleur).
Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 — 9:00 PM
- Natacha Triadou — Violin recital (performer trained at the Yehudi Menuhin School).
Friday, August 14th, 2026 — 9:00 PM
- Haarlems Bach Ensemble — An evening of French baroque music.
Highlights Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre 2026
- Concerts in the underground church Saint-Jean, a monument carved into the cliff with a 20-meter vault
- Eclectic program: medieval polyphonies, vocal singing, violin, French baroque
- Four evenings from July 23rd to August 14th, 2026, at 9:00 PM
- Accessible prices (5 to 15 €) in the heart of one of France's Most Beautiful Villages
Prices Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre 2026
Practical information — Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre
Access
Concerts take place at the Saint-Jean underground church, rue Saint-Jean, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
- By car: From Angoulême (50 km), take the D674 then D17 towards Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. From Périgueux (55 km), follow the D710 then D2. Free parking at the entrance of the village.
- From Bordeaux: A89 exit Coutras, then D674 towards Aubeterre (approx. 1h30).
Indicative prices
- Concerts: from 5 to 15 euros depending on the evening
Times
Concerts at 9:00 PM in July, 8:30 PM in August.
Contact
Sud Charente Tourist Office: 05 45 98 57 18 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre
Église souterraine Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne