Mozart Festival
The only French festival dedicated to Mozart and his contemporaries, in the heart of Drôme
About Mozart Festival
A festival born from a passion for Mozart
In 1989, Henry Fuoc, a Mozart enthusiast and mayor of Saoû, a small village in Drôme nestled at the foot of Europe's most remarkable synclinal forest, decided to found a festival dedicated exclusively to the genius from Salzburg. From the very first edition, the success was phenomenal: 1,250 spectators flocked, with 250 having to sit on the ground for lack of chairs, earning the festival the nickname "Mozart without a tie". The budget was doubled in the second year.
From Saoû chante Mozart to Mozart Festival
For over thirty years, the festival was known as "Saoû chante Mozart", becoming an essential reference for classical music in France. In 2024, the event was renamed Mozart Festival, expanding its program to include Mozart and his contemporaries while maintaining its roots in Drôme. The festival is a member of France Festivals, the Salzburg Mozarteum, and the European association Mozart Wege.
Concerts in exceptional locations
One of the unique aspects of the Mozart Festival is the choice of its concert venues. Musicians perform in the heart of the Saoû forest, in Romanesque chapels, castles, and characterful villages throughout Drôme. Each concert is a unique experience where Mozart's music resonates in exceptional natural and heritage settings, far from traditional concert halls.
Musical excellence and conviviality
The Mozart Festival hosts internationally renowned artists each year: soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestras, and opera singers. The program, structured around an annual theme, explores the works of Mozart and his contemporaries with consistent artistic rigor. For the 2025 edition, the theme "Amadeus on Tour" celebrates Mozart's European travels, with stops in London, Italy, and Prague.
True to the "Mozart without a tie" spirit of its origins, the festival fosters proximity between artists and the public in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Moments of conviviality, meetings with musicians, and discovery of the Drôme region accompany each concert.
A festival rooted in Drôme
The Mozart Festival contributes to the cultural influence of Drôme and the dynamism of its rural territories. By investing in the department's emblematic locations, it facilitates access to high-level classical music in rural areas, true to its founder's vision. The festival welcomes several thousand spectators each year and is a highlight of the Drôme summer.
Mozart Festival — edition 2026
The 37th edition of the Mozart Festival takes place from July 5 to 19, 2026 throughout the Drôme, on the theme « Wolfgang & Marie-Antoinette ». About sixteen concerts by internationally renowned artists take over the forest of Saoû, Romanesque chapels, castles and heritage sites of the department, in the « Mozart without a tie » spirit that has made the festival unique since 1989.
Mozart Festival 2026: « Wolfgang & Marie-Antoinette »
For its 37th edition, from July 5 to 19, 2026, the Mozart Festival explores the theme « Wolfgang & Marie-Antoinette », inspired by the meeting of young Mozart with the future Queen of France at the court of Vienna and his Parisian travels. The program blends rare early works and major masterpieces (including the Coronation Mass), as well as composers Mozart encountered or admired: Johann Christian Bach, Boccherini, Handel.
About sixteen concerts unfold in exceptional locations in the Drôme: the forest of Saoû, the castle of Suze-la-Rousse, the quarries of Saint-Restitut, chapels and charming villages. True to its convivial spirit, the festival retains its inaugural weekend in Saoû, preceded by the Mozart Festival « le OFF » on July 4, two days of music, dance, and creation with free concerts.
Online ticketing is open on the official platform (Mapado). Reservations are highly recommended to receive tickets directly by email.
Programme Mozart Festival 2026
Saturday, July 4 — Mozart Festival « le OFF »
- Village of Saoû — Two days of music, dance, and creation, free concerts (until July 5)
Sunday, July 5
- 7:00 AM — Sunrise Concert · Château d'Eurre
- 9:00 PM — « Mozart's Imaginary Journey to Japan »
Monday, July 6 — Forest of Saoû
- Musical stroll in the forest
- Afternoon with Mozart
- « The Mozart Paradox »
Friday, July 10
- 9:00 PM — Bernold & Friends · Château de Vachères
Saturday, July 11
- Musical stroll in Crest
- 9:00 PM — « From Bach to Piazzolla » · Château d'Autichamp
Sunday, July 12
- 7:00 PM — Concerto for Flute and Harp · Saint-Géraud Church, Saillans (free church visit)
Friday, July 17
- 9:00 PM — Modigliani Quartet · Château de Suze-la-Rousse
Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 — Saint-Restitut
- « Marie-Antoinette and Mozart »
- « Mozart the Parisian »
- « Dodo Tharaud »
- Alexandre Tharaud Recital
- July 19: visit of the village of Saint-Restitut (free)
Detailed program and full schedule on the official website festivalmozart.fr.
Highlights Mozart Festival 2026
- 37th edition from July 5 to 19, 2026
- Theme « Wolfgang & Marie-Antoinette »
- About sixteen concerts throughout the Drôme
- Exceptional venues: forest of Saoû, Château de Suze-la-Rousse, quarries of Saint-Restitut
- Alexandre Tharaud Recital and Modigliani Quartet
- Free « le OFF » Festival on July 4 in Saoû
Prices Mozart Festival 2026
Practical information — Mozart Festival
Access
Concerts take place in various locations in Drôme, with a main weekend in Saoû.
- By car: Saoû is located 40 km southeast of Valence, via the D538 then the D136.
- By train: Crest SNCF station (15 km) or Valence TGV (40 km).
Ticketing
Online ticketing on the official festival website. Opens in April.
Contact
- Website: www.festivalmozart.fr
- Association: Saoû chante Mozart
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Where does it take place — Mozart Festival
Forêt de Saoû et lieux patrimoniaux de la Drôme
Place de l'Église, 26400 Saoû, 26400 Saoû