Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane
Music festival in the small towns of character in Vendée (now Les Estivales de Caractère) — no edition in 2026
Edition 2026 — event currently on hold
There is no edition scheduled in 2026 for this event. This page remains accessible to archive the history of the manifestation and will be updated if a new edition is announced.
About Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane
ℹ️ No edition in 2026. This festival, born under the name « Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane » and now called « Les Estivales de Caractère », is organised by the association des Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée. On their official website, the organisers announce that they will not be organising an edition in 2026.
Each summer, the festival offered a series of concerts within the remarkable heritage setting of several small towns of character in Vendée — including Rives-d'Autise (formerly Nieul-sur-l'Autise) and Faymoreau, in the south of Vendée. The Saint-Vincent Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise, founded in the 11th century and linked to Queen Aliénor d'Aquitaine, and the Romanesque church of Faymoreau served as settings with incomparable acoustics and beauty. The 26th edition took place from July 8 to August 2, 2025.
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.
Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane — edition 2026
ℹ️ 2026 edition cancelled. The association of Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée, which organises this festival now called « Les Estivales de Caractère » (formerly Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane), announced on its official website that no edition would be organised in 2026. Therefore, there will be no concerts at the Saint-Vincent Abbey in Rives-d'Autise or in Faymoreau this summer. The last edition (the 26th) took place from July 8 to August 2, 2025.
ℹ️ 2026 edition cancelled — no festival this summer. The Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée, organisers of the festival now called « Les Estivales de Caractère » (originally Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane), have indicated on their official website that they will not be organising an edition in 2026.
No 2026 Edition
After the 26th edition held from July 8 to August 2, 2025, in about ten small towns of character in Vendée (including Rives-d'Autise and Faymoreau), no edition is scheduled for summer 2026. Music lovers will therefore not be able to attend concerts this year in the Saint-Vincent Abbey in Nieul-sur-l'Autise (Rives-d'Autise) or in the church of Faymoreau.
To find out about the future of the festival and a possible resumption, it is best to contact the association of Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée or consult its official website.
Programme Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane 2026
Provisional 2026 Program
- Concerts of early, Baroque, and chamber music
- Sacred polyphony and medieval music
- Saint-Vincent Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise
- Faymoreau Church
- Detailed program to be confirmed in Spring 2026
Highlights Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane 2026
To Note for 2026
- Concerts in Saint-Vincent Abbey, a monument linked to Eleanor of Aquitaine
- Sacred and classical music in an exceptional Romanesque setting
- Intimate atmosphere and limited capacities
- Rives-d'Autise, Vendée (85240)
Prices Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane 2026
Practical information — Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane
ℹ️ No edition in 2026. The festival (Les Estivales de Caractère, formerly Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane) is not being organised in 2026 by the association des Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée.
Locations
Saint-Vincent Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise (commune of Rives-d'Autise, 85240) and church of Faymoreau (85240), among the towns of character usually involved.
Access
Rives-d'Autise is accessible from Fontenay-le-Comte (12 km) via the D938 then D25, or from Niort (30 km) via the D611. Parking available at the abbey.
Information
Association des Petites Cités de Caractère de la Vendée — tel. 02 51 51 48 92 — official website: festival-vendee.com. The Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise (02 51 52 47 43) and the Vendée Marais Poitevin / Pays de Fontenay-Vendée tourist office remain the right contacts for local heritage and the possible resumption of the festival.
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Where does it take place — Nuits Musicales Vendée Romane
Abbaye Saint-Vincent de Nieul-sur-l'Autise et église de Faymoreau
Abbaye Saint-Vincent, 85240 Rives-d'Autise