Maisons-Laffitte Jazz Festival

Maisons-Laffitte Jazz Festival: Jazz in a Heritage Setting

The Maisons-Laffitte Jazz Festival was born in 2004 from the desire to create a major jazz event in the equestrian and residential town of Maisons-Laffitte, on the outskirts of Paris. Produced by Well Done Simone! Productions, the festival has established itself over the years as a must-visit destination for jazz lovers in Île-de-France, attracting a loyal and curious audience in an exceptional heritage setting.

The Château de Maisons: A Jewel for Jazz

The festival primarily takes place in the park of the Château de Maisons, built in the 17th century by François Mansart for René de Longueil. This château, considered one of the masterpieces of French classical architecture, is now managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux. Concerts in the park offer a majestic and green setting, while the Ancienne Église de Maisons-Laffitte (1 Place de la Vieille Église) hosts more intimate recitals.

A Broad Jazz Program

The festival's program embraces jazz in all its diversity: gypsy jazz, swing, bebop, contemporary jazz, vocal jazz, afrobeat, Latin jazz, jazz fusion, and improvised music. Each edition features internationally renowned artists and emerging talents. Among the artists who have marked recent editions: Cimafunk, Youn Sun Nah & Bojan Z, Angelo Debarre, Emma Lamadji, Les Doigts de l'Homme, Émile Londonien, Umlaut Big Band, and many others.

Jazz Aperitifs: Friendliness and Free Access

One of the festival's charms lies in its daily jazz aperitifs, offered free of charge. These informal concerts, accompanied by food and drinks, allow everyone to enjoy jazz in a relaxed atmosphere, outdoors in the château's park. The Swing Dance nights, where the public is invited to dance, add a festive and participatory dimension.

Commitment to Young Audiences and Fête de la Musique

The festival coincides each year with the Fête de la Musique on June 21st, offering free concerts open to all — salsa, samba, brass band. Concerts for young audiences (from €11 for under 12s) demonstrate the festival's commitment to passing on and making jazz accessible to new generations.