Saint Jazz sur Vie

Saint Jazz sur Vie: Over 40 Years of Jazz Passion in Vendée

Created in 1984 by Jean-Luc Leroux and Hervé Le Roux, the Saint Jazz sur Vie festival has established itself as one of the most emblematic jazz events in Western France. Every year, on Pentecost weekend, the port city of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie transforms into a true jazz capital, welcoming internationally renowned artists in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

La Conserverie: A Unique Setting for Jazz

The heart of the festival beats at the Salle de la Conserverie, a former sardine cannery beautifully converted into a cultural space. Located on the Quai des Greniers, facing the marina, this venue offers remarkable acoustics and a rare proximity between artists and the audience. It is here that the major concerts of Friday and Saturday evenings are held, bringing together the biggest names in jazz.

Jazz Legends on the Vendée Coast

Over its four decades of existence, Saint Jazz sur Vie has hosted exceptional artists: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ahmad Jamal, Archie Shepp, Rhoda Scott — the festival's godmother and an absolute virtuoso of the Hammond organ —, Richard Galliano with his enchanting accordion, and the legendary Golden Gate Quartet. The programming, true to the founders' spirit, navigates between traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, gypsy jazz influences, bossa nova, and gospel.

A Festival That Lives Throughout the City

Beyond the concerts at La Conserverie, Saint Jazz sur Vie takes over the entire city. The Village du Jazz, located on the Quai du Port Fidèle, offers free concerts throughout the weekend. Musical parades animate the streets and the market, while the Bénéteau kiosk on the marina hosts open-air performances. The Saint-Gilles church resonates with gospel sounds during a dedicated evening, and an art exhibition — paintings, sculptures, photographs — accompanies the week preceding the festival.

An Event Driven by Volunteer Passion

Driven by about fifty passionate volunteers under the presidency of Jean-Paul Brochoire, the festival is a major player in the cultural life of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It contributes to the influence of the city far beyond the Vendée borders and makes this fishing and pleasure port a popular cultural destination every spring.