Les Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde

An exceptional Romanesque setting for ancient music

Since 1982, the festival Les Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde has celebrated ancient music in a unique architectural setting in Provence: the rotunda of the Château de Simiane-la-Rotonde, the oldest circular keep in the region. Built in the 12th century by the powerful Agoult-Simiane family, patrons of the troubadours, this historic monument, classified since 1841, houses a Romanesque hall topped by a high ribbed dome resting on twelve pillars adorned with sculpted capitals and expressive masks from the medieval bestiary.

A story of passion and loyalty

The festival was created in 1982 by the cultural department of the municipality of Simiane-la-Rotonde, before being taken over in 1987 by the association "Les Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde". For over forty years, this event has hosted prestigious ensembles from the greatest national and international conservatories, while also promoting young musicians graduated from local and regional music schools. The festival remains an exceptional meeting place on the musical routes of Haute-Provence.

A demanding thematic program

Each edition is built around a unifying theme that guides the programming and invites the public on a musical journey through the centuries and countries of Europe. The repertoire ranges from medieval troubadour music to the splendors of the baroque, including Renaissance polyphonies. The concerts, held in the evening at 9 PM, create a magical atmosphere in the intimacy of the rotunda, where the proximity between artists and spectators makes each performance unforgettable.

World-renowned artists

Over the years, the festival has hosted many leading ensembles: Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien directed by François Lazarevitch, La Rêveuse, Les Talens Lyriques by Christophe Rousset, Tasto Solo, Les Veilleurs de Nuit, and François Joubert-Caillet. These artists, recognized specialists in performance on period instruments, find in the rotunda's acoustics an ideal setting to recreate the richness of ancient repertoires.

A hilltop village in the heart of Haute-Provence

Simiane-la-Rotonde is a village of character perched on a hill overlooking the lavender landscapes of Haute-Provence, between the Luberon and the Lure mountains. Its narrow streets, 16th-century carved doorways, and medieval castle form an enchanting setting. The festival is part of this living heritage and contributes to the cultural influence of the region, attracting over 12,000 visitors to the castle each summer and several hundred music lovers to the concerts.

A unique musical experience

Beyond the concerts, the festival offers musicological conferences, talks related to the program, and art exhibitions organized by the association "Empreintes 04". Ticketing is available online, by phone, or at the Forcalquier Haute-Provence Tourist Office. Reduced rates are offered to students, job seekers, young people under 18, and local residents, while children under 12 get in for free.