Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane

ℹ️ Festival without an edition in 2026. First known as « Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane », the festival is now called « Les Estivales de Caractère » and is supported by the association des Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée. The organisers have announced on their official website that they will not be organising an edition in 2026.

A travelling festival in the towns of character

Each summer, the festival offered concerts in about ten small towns of character in Vendée (Apremont, Foussais-Payré, Mallièvre, Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, Mouchamps, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, Pouzauges, Rives-d'Autise, Tiffauges, Vouvant), with an open programme ranging from classical and sacred music to chanson and jazz.

The Saint-Vincent Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise

A jewel of Vendée Romanesque art, the Saint-Vincent Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise — now part of the commune of Rives-d'Autise — is among the most beautiful monuments in Vendée. Founded in the 11th century by the Benedictine order, it is intimately linked to Queen Aliénor d'Aquitaine, who spent part of her childhood there. Its square cloister, one of the rare Romanesque cloisters preserved in the region, and its nave with harmonious proportions made it an ideal setting for concerts. During the 26th edition (July 8 – August 2, 2025), the Kora Jazz Trio notably performed there.

Faymoreau and its Romanesque heritage

A few kilometres away, the village of Faymoreau also hosted concerts; the last edition featured Jean-François Novelli and Maude Gratton.

Romanesque Vendée: a heritage to discover

Beyond the festival, the south of Vendée conceals a little-known Romanesque heritage — several dozen churches and chapels inherited from the great Benedictine and Cluniac abbeys of Bas-Poitou (11th-12th centuries). The Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise and the church of Faymoreau remain open to visitors all year round.