St Hil Jazz Festival
The festival of all jazz in the Pays de Retz
About St Hil Jazz
St Hil Jazz Festival: Jazz Takes to the Air in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons
Nestled between Nantes and Pornic, in the heart of the Pays de Retz, the St Hil Jazz Festival transforms the Parc de la Cure into a green setting vibrant with the rhythm of jazz every early September. Born in 2018 from the passion of the association Complètement LIVE!, this human-sized festival offers a two-day musical immersion in a bucolic setting, under the chestnut trees of the park.
From New Orleans to Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons
The St Hil Jazz Festival's program explores all facets of jazz: from contemporary jazz to blues, from soul to funk, from improvised music to original creations. The festival hosts top-tier artists on the French and international jazz scene. Among the headliners of previous editions: Airelle Besson (Victoire de la Musique 2015), Baptiste Trotignon, Robin McKelle (American diva at the crossroads of soul and jazz), Thomas Enhco, Erik Truffaz, Géraldine Laurent (double Victoire du Jazz 2023), Rolando Luna (Cuban pianist from the Buena Vista Social Club), and Stéphane Belmondo.
Two Days, Two Ambiences
On Saturday afternoon and evening, three concerts follow one another in a sunset atmosphere, with ensembles ranging from trios to quintets. On Sunday, the festival adopts a more relaxed pace: picnic on the grass, musical brunch, and concerts in a deckchair style under the park's trees. The covered outdoor stage allows you to enjoy the concerts regardless of the weather conditions.
A Friendly and Gourmet Festival
The St Hil Jazz Festival makes it a point of honor to offer quality catering that highlights local products: oysters, salads, crepes, aperitif platters, and hot dishes are served on-site, accompanied by a bar. The festival's family-friendly and warm atmosphere makes it an unmissable event of the cultural season in Loire-Atlantique.
St Hil Jazz — edition 2026
The 8th edition of the St Hil Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Parc de la Cure in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons. True to its DNA, “all jazz” in a rural and friendly setting between Nantes and Pornic, the festival blends big names in French jazz, emerging artists, and creations with contemporary influences, under a covered open-air stage. Announced headliner: pianist Laurent Coulondre and his tribute to Michel Petrucciani.
8th Edition — September 5 and 6, 2026
The St Hil Jazz Festival returns for its 8th edition on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Parc de la Cure in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, organized by the Complètement LIVE! association. Two days of open-air concerts under a covered stage, with the sunset ambiance on Saturday evening and the relaxed musical brunch atmosphere on Sunday afternoon.
A Program of Big Names and Discoveries
The 2026 edition brings together the Toulouse quintet Datwood (Revelation 2026, jazz, funk, and afro), the pioneering world jazz group Mukta with Indian influences, pianist Laurent Coulondre with his tribute to Michel Petrucciani, the Gaëtan Nicot Quartet led by Nantes pianist Gaëtan Nicot, and flutist Ludivine Issambourg, a major figure in the French jazz funk and electro-jazz scene.
A Friendly and Gourmet Festival
The festival maintains its family spirit and local roots: on-site bar and catering (dinner on Saturday, lunch from 1 PM on Sunday), local products, free car and bike parking, PRM access. Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons train station (Nantes-Pornic line) is 300 meters from the site.
Programme St Hil Jazz 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 (from 5 PM to midnight)
- 6:00 PM — Datwood · Revelation 2026, Toulouse quintet blending jazz, contemporary music, funk, and afro
- 7:45 PM — Mukta · Pioneering world jazz group with Indian influences (double bass, sitar, trumpet, flute, drums, percussion)
- 9:30 PM — Laurent Coulondre, Tribute to Michel Petrucciani · The pianist reinvents the composer's standards in a trio (piano/organ, double bass, drums)
Sunday, September 6, 2026 (doors open from 1 PM, lunch on site)
- 3:00 PM — Gaëtan Nicot Quartet · The Nantes pianist between impressionistic influences and modern jazz (piano, tenor saxophone, double bass, drums)
- 4:45 PM — Ludivine Issambourg · Flutist, groovy project between jazz funk and soul (sextet: flutes, keyboard, trombone, saxophone, bass, drums)
Full official program on sthiljazzfestival.com.
Highlights St Hil Jazz 2026
- Dates: Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026
- 8th edition of the festival, at Parc de la Cure
- Laurent Coulondre — Tribute to Michel Petrucciani (headliner)
- Mukta (Indian world jazz) and Datwood (Revelation 2026)
- Ludivine Issambourg and the Gaëtan Nicot Quartet on Sunday
- Free for under 16s · 2-day pass in pre-sale at 38 €
Prices St Hil Jazz 2026
Practical information — St Hil Jazz
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons is located about 30 minutes from Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, and 15 minutes from Pornic. From Nantes, take the direction of Pornic via the D751 and follow the signs for Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons. Parking is available near the Parc de la Cure.
By public transport: The Aléop bus line connects Nantes to Pornic via Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons. The nearest train station is Pornic (Nantes-Pornic line).
Festival Venue
The festival takes place at the Parc de la Cure, Allée des Châtaigniers, in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons. The covered outdoor stage allows you to enjoy the concerts with peace of mind. Free seating on chairs and deckchairs.
Pricing
Free for under 16s. Adult ticket: approximately 20 euros per day, weekend pass available at a reduced pre-sale price. Online ticketing on Billetweb and in the tourist offices of Destination Pornic.
Accessibility
The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For any specific requests, please contact the organization by email.
Catering
Bar and catering on-site: oysters, salads, crepes, aperitif platters, and hot dishes. Local products are prioritized.
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Where does it take place — St Hil Jazz
Parc de la Cure
Allée des Châtaigniers, 44680 Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons