Les Nuits Musicales de Corps
Chamber music festival in the heart of the Dauphiné Alps
About Nuits Musicales de Corps
Every summer, during the first two weeks of August, the Nuits Musicales de Corps Festival invites classical music lovers to the alpine village of Corps, at an altitude of 939 meters, on the border of Isère and Hautes-Alpes. Since 1989, internationally renowned artists and promising young talents have performed the great works of the chamber music repertoire in the exceptional acoustic setting of the Saint-Pierre church, built in 1654 on the remains of a 12th-century Benedictine priory.
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A chamber music festival in an exceptional alpine setting
Founded in 1989 on the initiative of Gérard Cardin, then mayor of Corps and general councilor of Isère, the Festival des Nuits Musicales de Corps has established itself over three decades as a must-attend event for classical music in rural alpine areas. Every summer, during the first two weeks of August, this medieval village perched at an altitude of 939 meters, on the border between Isère and Hautes-Alpes, transforms into a major center for chamber music, welcoming internationally renowned artists and promising young talents.
The Saint-Pierre church, an acoustic gem of the Dauphiné
Most of the concerts take place in the Saint-Pierre church of Corps, a building erected in 1654 on the site of a priory founded in the 12th century by Benedictine monks from Marseille. Its robust Gothic bell tower and its circular apse, illuminated by high stained-glass windows, offer a remarkable architectural setting and exceptional natural acoustics, ideal for chamber music. Some editions have also featured the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church in Mens, a Romanesque building from the 11th-12th centuries built by the Templars, thus enriching the festival's influence in the neighboring Trièves region.
An eclectic repertoire performed by exceptional artists
The festival's programming is distinguished by its great musical variety, covering all styles and periods of the classical repertoire. From the baroque of Vivaldi and Boccherini to the romanticism of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff, including the sacred works of Mozart and Verdi, each edition offers a rich and contrasting musical journey. The festival highlights chamber music in all its forms: string quartets, piano recitals, wind ensembles, chamber orchestras, and voice and instrument duos. It hosts both leading soloists — such as pianist François Dumont or guitarist Emmanuel Rossfelder — and prestigious ensembles like the Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle Europe or La Petite Symphonie.
Discovering young talents
True to its mission of transmission, the festival dedicates evenings each year to young talents, offering a prestigious stage to young prodigy musicians. These recitals provide an opportunity for the public to discover the virtuosos of tomorrow in privileged listening conditions, within a human-scale festival where proximity between artists and spectators creates a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Thirty-six years of passion and commitment
Supported by the association Musique à Corps, the festival owes its longevity to the unwavering commitment of its successive presidents — Jean Naubron, Maurycette Francou, Marie Zaquine, and Ginette Barbe since 2009 — and to the mobilization of numerous volunteers. Under Ginette Barbe's presidency, the festival has seen significant expansion: the launch of the official website, the development of patronage, the increase from five to eight and then nine concerts per edition, and the extension of programming to neighboring towns. The 25th anniversary in 2014 was marked by an exceptional concert by the lake, and the 30th anniversary in 2019 confirmed the festival's lasting presence in the cultural landscape of Isère.
Nuits Musicales de Corps — edition 2026
37th edition of the Nuits Musicales de Corps Festival. Chamber music concerts during the first two weeks of August 2026 in the Saint-Pierre church of Corps, in the heart of the Dauphiné Alps. Program to be announced.
37th edition: See you in August 2026
The Festival des Nuits Musicales de Corps returns for its 37th edition in the summer of 2026. True to the tradition established since 1989, the festival will offer a series of chamber music concerts during the first two weeks of August, in the Saint-Pierre church of Corps and potentially in other heritage sites in the surrounding area.
As every year, the program will bring together internationally renowned artists and promising young talents around a repertoire covering all periods and styles of classical music, from baroque to contemporary. Piano recitals, chamber music concerts, orchestral ensembles, and young musicians' recitals will make up a rich and varied lineup, in the warm and friendly atmosphere that is the hallmark of the festival.
The detailed program and booking information will be announced in the spring of 2026 on the festival's official website.
Highlights Nuits Musicales de Corps 2026
- 37th edition of the festival
- Chamber music concerts in the Saint-Pierre church of Corps
- International artists and young talents
- Classical repertoire from all eras
- Exceptional alpine setting at an altitude of 939 m
Prices Nuits Musicales de Corps 2026
Practical information — Nuits Musicales de Corps
Practical Information
Access
Corps is located in the south of the Isère department (38), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the border with Hautes-Alpes. The village is 70 km south of Grenoble and 40 km north of Gap, at the crossroads of the Route Napoléon (N85) and the Drac valley.
- By car: From Grenoble, take the N85 (Route Napoléon) towards Gap. Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Gap, follow the N85 north (about 40 minutes). Free parking in the village.
- By train: Nearest stations are Grenoble (TGV from Paris in 3 hours) or Gap. You will need a vehicle or carpooling to reach Corps from the station.
- By bus: Regional bus line Grenoble-Gap with a stop in Corps (check with the Isère intercity transport network).
Concert Venue
The majority of concerts take place at the Saint-Pierre church of Corps, located in the heart of the village. This historic 17th-century building offers remarkable acoustics for chamber music. Doors open about 30 minutes before the concert begins.
Schedules
Concerts start at 9:00 PM and generally last between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes. It is advisable to arrive early to settle in comfortably.
2025 Ticket Prices
- Full price: €23
- Member price: €20
- Teen price (12-25 years): €15
- Reduced price (unemployed, disabled persons): €6
- Free: under 12 years old
- 5-concert pass: €100
- 7-concert pass: €130
- Group package (10 people): €200 (i.e., €20 per person)
Booking
Ticket sales open on June 2nd for phone reservations, and from July 15th at the Corps village hall, daily from 10 AM to 12 PM. Booking is highly recommended for the most popular concerts.
Accommodation
Corps and its surroundings offer various accommodation options: hotels, gîtes, bed and breakfasts, and campsites. The village is located near the Sautet lake and is an excellent starting point for exploring the Écrins National Park and the Dévoluy massif.
Tips
- Bring warm clothing: summer evenings in the mountains can be cool (altitude 939 m).
- Take advantage of your stay to discover the exceptional natural heritage of the surroundings: Sautet lake, Notre-Dame de La Salette sanctuary, Écrins National Park.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Nuits Musicales de Corps at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Nuits Musicales de Corps
Église Saint-Pierre de Corps
Église Saint-Pierre, Corps, 38970 Corps