Saint-Germain en Live
The multidisciplinary festival for the cultural back-to-school season in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
About Saint-Germain en Live
Saint-Germain en Live: The Royal City in Festival Mode
Saint-Germain en Live was born in 2021 from the desire of the City of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas to create a major cultural event to unite the entire city for the back-to-school season. In just a few editions, the festival has established itself as a highlight of the cultural calendar in the Yvelines, attracting an ever-larger audience thanks to its bold and multidisciplinary programming.
A Festival Throughout the City
The originality of Saint-Germain en Live lies in its ability to take over the entire city. Performances unfold in multiple venues: the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas, a nationally recognized stage, La CLEF, an iconic venue for contemporary music, the Maison natale Claude-Debussy, the Musée départemental Maurice-Denis, as well as the squares and streets of the city center — Place du Marché-Neuf, Place Michel-Pericard, Parvis de la gare RER A, Jardin des Arts. This dissemination throughout the urban space creates a unique festive atmosphere, where one can move from an indoor concert to a street performance in just a few steps.
Music, Dance, and Circus: Borderless Programming
The festival boldly mixes disciplines and aesthetics. Music plays a central role — French chanson, pop, rock, jazz, world music — but contemporary dance, circus, and street arts are an integral part of the festival's identity. Each edition invites a guest of honor whose work influences the programming. In 2025, circus artist and choreographer Yoann Bourgeois has been chosen as the guest of honor.
Top-Tier Artists
Over its editions, Saint-Germain en Live has hosted major artists: Hoshi, Thomas Dutronc, Claude, Hannah Williams, Nirek Mokar, and many others. The festival also offers numerous free outdoor concerts — aperitif concerts, street stages, live bar performances — allowing everyone to enjoy the event without barriers.
Saint-Germain en Live — edition 2026
The 6th edition of Saint-Germain en Live will take place from September 23 to 27, 2026, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. For five days, the royal city transforms into an open stage: concerts, dance, circus, and street performances take over the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas, La CLEF, the Maison natale Claude-Debussy, the chapel of the Musée Maurice-Denis, and the town center squares. The 2026 program combines headliners from the French scene (Philippe Katerine, Jérémy Frérot, Ladaniva, Pony Pony Run Run, Elephanz), contemporary dance creations, and free outdoor shows.
6th Edition — September 23 to 27, 2026
The Saint-Germain en Live festival returns for its 6th edition from September 23 to 27, 2026, true to its multidisciplinary DNA: music, dance, circus, and street arts unfold throughout the city of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The opening night, on September 23 at the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas, offers a symphonic reinterpretation of Philippe Katerine's universe.
A Program Blending Headliners and Creation
The festival alternates between headliner concerts, contemporary creations, and free urban performances. At La CLEF, a double electro-pop bill features Pony Pony Run Run and Elephanz on September 24, followed by Ladaniva on September 26. The Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas hosts the new creation by choreographer Marion Motin, « Les Affamés », on September 25, and Jérémy Frérot's closing concert on September 27. At the Maison natale Claude-Debussy, pianist Antonio Faraò performs on September 24.
Free Outdoor Highlights
Over the weekend, the Place du Marché-Neuf and the streets of the city center host free shows: Mehdi Kerkouche's immersive show « 360 », aerial performances by Compagnie Gratte Ciel, a tribute to Miles Davis, and the « Rues en Live » route (Théâtre de la Toupine, Suzie and the Mad Men). On September 27, concerts are also scheduled from 11 AM at the chapel of the Musée Maurice-Denis.
Programme Saint-Germain en Live 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas — Opening Night: symphonic reinterpretation of Philippe Katerine's universe
Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Maison natale Claude-Debussy — Antonio Faraò (jazz piano)
- La CLEF · 8:30 PM — Double electro-pop bill: Pony Pony Run Run and Elephanz
Friday, September 25, 2026
- Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas · 8:30 PM — « Les Affamés », new creation by choreographer Marion Motin (dance)
Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Place du Marché-Neuf (free) — « 360 », immersive show by Mehdi Kerkouche; aerial performances by Compagnie Gratte Ciel; tribute to Miles Davis (Conservatoire Claude-Debussy and Théâtre du Corps)
- City center streets (free) — « Rues en Live »: Théâtre de la Toupine, Compagnie Gratte Ciel, Suzie and the Mad Men
- La CLEF · 8:30 PM — Ladaniva (+ opening act)
Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Chapelle du Musée Maurice-Denis · from 11 AM — Concerts
- Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas — Closing Concert: Jérémy Frérot (+ Gaumar)
Many outdoor shows and concerts are offered with free admission; indoor concerts are paid (online ticketing).
Highlights Saint-Germain en Live 2026
- Symphonic opening night featuring Philippe Katerine at the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas (September 23)
- Closing concert by Jérémy Frérot on September 27
- Pony Pony Run Run, Elephanz, and Ladaniva at La CLEF
- Dance creation « Les Affamés » by Marion Motin
- Numerous free street performances over the weekend (Mehdi Kerkouche, Compagnie Gratte Ciel)
Prices Saint-Germain en Live 2026
Practical information — Saint-Germain en Live
Practical Information
Access
By RER: Line A, terminus Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The city center and festival venues are within walking distance of the station (5 to 10 minutes).
By Tram: Line T13, stop Saint-Germain-en-Laye Grande Ceinture.
By Car: Highway A13 or A14, direction Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Château and Marché Neuf parking lots nearby.
Festival Venues
- Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas: Place André Malraux
- La CLEF: 46 rue de Mareil
- Maison natale Claude-Debussy: 38 rue au Pain
- Musée départemental Maurice-Denis: 2bis rue Maurice Denis
- Salle Jacques-Tati: 2 allée Berthe Morisot
- Squares and streets of the city center
Ticketing
Paid concerts: online ticketing at saintgermainenlive.fr and at the box office of the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas. Many free outdoor concerts and performances are offered.
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Where does it take place — Saint-Germain en Live
Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas et lieux multiples
Place André Malraux, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye