Mens Alors !

Mens Alors ! : a unique festival in the heart of Trièves

Since 2003, the Mens Alors ! festival has transformed the village of Mens, perched on the Trièves plateau in Isère, into a fantastic place for artistic creation and exchange every summer. Born from the will of a handful of enthusiasts, this festival has established itself over the years as a must-attend event for live music, blending jazz, improvised music, world music, and multidisciplinary stage forms.

A Human and Artistic Adventure

The story of Mens Alors ! is above all one of collective adventure. The eponymous association, governed by the 1901 law and recognized as being of general interest, relies on the commitment of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who work throughout the year to bring this event to life. From welcoming artists to ticketing, from technical aspects to catering, each edition is the result of collaborative work rooted in the values of popular education, social cohesion, and environmental respect.

The artistic direction, managed by Thibault Cellier and Marc Chonier, champions a demanding and curious program, where established international artists rub shoulders with emerging talents. Over the years, the festival has hosted musicians such as Louis Sclavis, Dick Annegarn, Fred Pallem & Le Sacre du Tympan, Papanosh, and Rocé, alongside dozens of bold and inventive ensembles.

A Multidisciplinary Program

While jazz and improvised music are the DNA of Mens Alors !, the festival has cultivated an openness to all forms of performing arts since its inception:

• Concerts and musical evenings under the Hall, in the gardens, in the church, or outdoors at Les Sagnes
• Contemporary dance performances and choreographic pieces
• Musical theater and street performances
• Film screenings and cine-concerts
• Storytelling and shows for young audiences
• Participatory music and dance workshops, open to all

Each edition highlights a cultural or geographical theme. In 2025, it is the traditional music of Colombia that is celebrated through workshops led by Alejandra Charry and Thibault Cellier from the group ¡Ya Voy !

Enchanting Venues

The festival takes over a multitude of locations in Mens and the surrounding villages: the medieval Halle, the Temple, the Church, Les Sagnes (open-air stage), private gardens (Jardin Cheynel, Jardin Bronner, Jardin du Croco, Villa Mensac), cellars, the Château de Montmeilleur, and the Domaine des Hautes Glaces. This dispersion of shows throughout the village encourages the public to wander, discover local heritage, and experience intimate and surprising artistic moments in the heart of exceptional landscapes between Vercors and Dévoluy.

A Civic and Ecological Commitment

Mens Alors ! stands out for its territorial anchoring and its commitments to eco-responsibility and local development. The festival favors short supply chains, partnerships with producers and artisans of Trièves, and implements concrete actions to reduce its environmental footprint. As a true player in the cultural life of Isère, it contributes to the tourist and economic dynamism of this rural mountain territory.