Les Samedis de l'Orgue

A historic organ in the heart of Luxeuil-les-Bains

In the heart of the spa town of Luxeuil-les-Bains, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul basilica houses an exceptional musical treasure: an organ dating from 1617, enlarged in 1685, listed among the oldest instruments in Franche-Comté. Its imposing 17th-century oak case, supported by an atlas, testifies to the excellence of the organ builders of the time. Carefully restored by Michel Formentelli and Jean Deloye, the instrument was reinaugurated in 2020, regaining all the splendor of its baroque and classical sounds.

A monthly musical event

The Samedis de l'Orgue (Organ Saturdays) offer five events between May and September, on the first Saturday of each month. The day is divided into two main parts: at 11 a.m., a presentation of the organ and an introduction to the concert works, a true "appetizer" for neophytes and connoisseurs alike; then, at 5 p.m., a concert in the basilica, where the remarkable acoustics of the nave sublimate every note.

Talented organists

Each concert features renowned organists, specialists in baroque and classical repertoire. The programs explore the golden age of organ music, from Bach to Couperin, including Buxtehude, Vivaldi, Rameau, Titelouze, and Marchand. In 2025, artists such as Léon Berben, Olivier Wyrwas, Matthieu Boutineau, and Thierry Mechler performed, offering a panorama of French and European organ music through the centuries.

A heritage to discover

The Samedis de l'Orgue are part of the cultural dynamic of l'Ecclesia, the heritage city of Luxeuil-les-Bains, which celebrates two thousand years of history. The basilica, founded by Saint Colomban in the 6th century, is a jewel of religious architecture in Franche-Comté. The concerts thus offer a double discovery: that of a rare instrument and that of a place steeped in spirituality and history, in an intimate and contemplative atmosphere.

Accessible to all

Organized jointly by Culture 70, the Association des Amis de l'Orgue (Friends of the Organ Association), and the Luxeuil-les-Bains Tourist Office, the Samedis de l'Orgue combine artistic excellence and accessibility. Modest prices and free admission for under-18s make it an event open to all audiences, from the seasoned music lover to the simply curious.