The largest open-air music festival in the Ain department, in the grounds of the Saint-Exupéry château
The Printemps de Pérouges is the largest open-air music festival in the Ain department. Founded in 1997 by Marie Rigaud and her sisters Anne Lise and Elsa Rigaud, it has established itself over the years as a major cultural event in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, attracting around 40,000 festival-goers each year.
In its early days, the festival offered four classical music concerts in the fortress-church of the medieval town of Pérouges. Marie Rigaud, passionate about opera singing, gradually broadened the programme to include other musical genres. In 2016, the festival moved to the Polo Club de Lyon in Saint-Vulbas, hosting nearly 15,000 spectators for artists such as Johnny Hallyday. In 2022, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary. In 2023, it relocated to the magnificent grounds of the Château de Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens, the childhood home of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Concerts take place in the grounds of the Château de Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens, a lush, history-steeped green oasis. This 18th-century château, located 50 km north-east of Lyon and 15 km from the medieval town of Pérouges, offers a setting that is both intimate and grand. The atmosphere is simultaneously convivial and electric, combining concerts under the stars with local gastronomy.
Over the years, the Printemps de Pérouges has hosted top-tier artists: Sting, Deep Purple, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, Scorpions, Manu Chao, Patrick Bruel, Michel Polnareff, Juliette Armanet, Bigflo & Oli, Ibrahim Maalouf, Nekfeu, Soprano and many more. The programme blends French chanson, rock, pop, world music, gospel and even comedy, offering a diversity that appeals to all audiences.
On site, festival-goers enjoy a food court area with food trucks serving local specialities, a bar showcasing regional products and an outdoor restaurant accessible by reservation for a gourmet meal. The festival is also a moment of sharing and conviviality with family and friends.
The Printemps de Pérouges stands out for its economic model that relies heavily on private partners, who account for around 50% of its funding. The permanent team comprises six employees, supported by more than 450 volunteers during recent editions.
The 29th edition of Printemps de Pérouges takes place from June 23 to 28, 2026 in the park of Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens castle, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's childhood home. Six open-air concert evenings feature an eclectic program with Lenny Kravitz opening, Jean-Louis Aubert, Christophe Maé, Louane, Theodora, Magma, and The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Three pre-festival evenings are also organized in the Pérouges fortress-church on June 3, 4, and 5 with a gospel concert and the Maîtrise de Saint-Marc (Les Choristes).
From Tuesday, June 23 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, Printemps de Pérouges returns for its 29th edition in the park of Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens castle. Six open-air concert evenings with a capacity of 3,500 numbered seated places in the stands and a standing pit in front of the stage.
The American star opens the festival on Tuesday, June 23 with a special concert starting at 9:30 PM (doors open 6 PM). Lenny Kravitz will perform his timeless hits (Are You Gonna Go My Way, Let Love Rule, Fly Away) and tracks from his latest album Blue Electric Light. The young American artist De'Wayne will perform the first part.
Before the official opening, three exceptional evenings will be held in the intimate setting of the fortress-church of the medieval city of Pérouges:
The festival offers a varied musical journey, from pop to progressive rock, French variety, and tribute shows. Jean-Louis Aubert, an emblematic figure of French rock, will perform on Thursday, June 25 with Sam Sauvage as the opening act. Christophe Maé will ensure a festive evening on Friday, June 26. Louane closes the edition on Sunday, June 28, surrounded by Luiza (one of the most programmed artists of 2026 festivals) and Mentissa.
Wednesday, June 24 brings together two rock legends: Magma, a mythical French progressive rock band founded by Christian Vander, and The Australian Pink Floyd Show, the famous tribute band that faithfully recreates Pink Floyd's visual and sound spectacle. The band Zermatt, winner of the rock springboard, opens the evening.
The park of Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens castle, where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry spent his childhood, hosts the evenings in an atmosphere that is both friendly and grand. The festival mobilizes 400 volunteers and offers a food court area with local specialties, a bar showcasing local products, and an open-air gourmet restaurant by reservation, in partnership with Saveurs de l'Ain.
Doors open: 6:00 PM — Concerts start around 9:30 PM
From Lyon or Geneva, take the A42 motorway, exit 7 (Meximieux-Pérouges) or exit 8 (Ambérieu-en-Bugey). Follow signs for Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens. The site is approximately 40 minutes from Lyon and 35 km from Bourg-en-Bresse. Carpooling is encouraged via Blablacar or the WE-CO platform.
Nearest stations: Ambérieu-en-Bugey (7.5 km) and Meximieux-Pérouges (13 km). Trains run hourly from Lyon Part-Dieu. Please note: no trains or buses after 9pm. No shuttle service is currently available from the stations.
Line A32: Lyon - Meximieux (13 km from the site). Line A30: Bourg-en-Bresse - Ambérieu (7.5 km from the site).
Free parking on site in designated fields and meadows. A separate area is provided for motorhomes (overnight parking not permitted). Accessible parking is reserved for holders of a disability card. Parking along roads or on private property is prohibited.
A platform is set up near the stage for wheelchair users (1 person + companion). Reserved seating is available in the stands. Reduced rates are offered for people with disabilities.
Phone: 04 72 19 77 45 (Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm)
Email: [email protected]
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Parc du Château de Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens
548 rue de la Libération, 01500 Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens