Summer Shows of Baume-les-Messieurs
Summer season of shows in the abbey and village of Baume-les-Messieurs
About Summer Shows of Baume
Baume-les-Messieurs: a spectacular setting for live performance
Baume-les-Messieurs, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is nestled at the bottom of a spectacular valley formed by three converging valleys. This exceptional natural site, dominated by limestone cliffs over 200 meters high, is home to an Imperial Abbey founded in the 6th century by the Irish monk Saint Columbanus. It is in this grandiose setting that the Summer Shows of Baume-les-Messieurs take place every summer.
The Imperial Abbey, a jewel box for shows
The Abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs is one of the jewels of the Jura heritage. Founded in the 6th century and becoming a Benedictine abbey, it gave birth to the Abbey of Cluny in the 10th century. Its monastic buildings, its Romanesque and Gothic abbey church, its cloister, and its gardens form a remarkable architectural ensemble. The exceptional acoustics of the abbey church make it a privileged venue for classical and baroque music concerts.
An eclectic program
The Summer Shows offer a varied program that takes advantage of the diversity of the site's spaces:
- Classical and baroque music concerts: recitals and chamber concerts in the abbey church, particularly as part of the Jura Baroque Seasons
- Contemporary music: creations and sound performances related to the location
- Circus and performing arts: contemporary circus shows in outdoor spaces
- Theater and storytelling: performances in the abbey courtyards and gardens
- Night shows: performances using light and the natural spaces of the valley
The Jura Baroque Seasons
Among the highlights of the summer season, the Jura Baroque Seasons offer high-level baroque music concerts in the abbey church. Internationally renowned ensembles, such as Le Poème Harmonique conducted by Vincent Dumestre, regularly perform in this exceptional setting, offering programs that combine ancient music and heritage discovery.
An exceptional natural and cultural site
Beyond the shows, Baume-les-Messieurs offers a set of remarkable natural sites: the Baume Caves, accessible from April to September with a sound and light tour, the Tufs waterfall, and hiking trails that allow you to discover the valley from the overlooking viewpoints. The summer shows are part of this natural and heritage richness, inviting spectators to extend their visit by discovering the site.
Summer Shows of Baume — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Spectacles d'été de Baume-les-Messieurs focuses its programming at the Abbaye impériale from June 26 to July 2, 2026, with nine concerts mainly presented by Les Saisons Baroques du Jura (artistic direction Vincent Dumestre) and the Ensemble Théodora in partnership with the Fondation Royaumont. An intensive week of baroque and chamber music in the exceptional acoustics of the abbey church.
2026 Edition: an exceptional baroque week at the abbey church
From June 26 to July 2, 2026, the Abbaye impériale de Baume-les-Messieurs hosts a concentrated program of nine concerts, mainly presented by Les Saisons Baroques du Jura (Summer season) under the artistic direction of Vincent Dumestre, and complemented by the residency of the Ensemble Théodora in partnership with the Fondation Royaumont.
Les Saisons Baroques du Jura — Summer Season 2026
A baroque music festival created by conductor Vincent Dumestre, Les Saisons Baroques du Jura brings together the great names of the current baroque scene with the remarkable heritage of the Jura. The abbey church of Baume-les-Messieurs, with its exceptional acoustics, is the emblematic venue for the summer season.
Ensemble Théodora — Companionship in Baume-les-Messieurs
From June 29 to July 2, 2026, the Ensemble Théodora presents a new project entirely dedicated to Jean-Philippe Rameau, in companionship with the Fondation Royaumont and Les Saisons Baroques du Jura. The program culminates with the creation of « Le Petit Théâtre de Monsieur Rameau », dedicated to the composer's chamber music.
An exceptional heritage setting
The Abbaye impériale de Baume-les-Messieurs, founded in the 6th century and birthplace of the Cluny Abbey, is one of the jewels of the Jura heritage. Its Romanesque and Gothic abbey church, its cloister, and its conventual buildings offer a spectacular setting for concerts, a few steps from the Baume caves and the Tufs waterfall, in the heart of the reculée classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Programme Summer Shows of Baume 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026
- 8:30 PM — Le Poème Harmonique, conducted by Vincent Dumestre · « The Birth of Opera, from Cavalli to Lully » · Abbey Church · from 25 €
Saturday, June 27, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Fernando Escalona (countertenor) & Patrick Ayrton (harpsichord) · « Handel on Stage » · Abbey Church · from 12 €
- 8:30 PM — Le Caravansérail, conducted by Bertrand Cuiller · « Fairies Opera Scenes » — a journey into the heart of the English repertoire, links between theatre music and fairy tales · Abbey Church · from 25 €
Sunday, June 28, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Les Lunaisiens, conducted by Arnaud Marzorati · « La Marseillaise du Capitaine Rouget » · Abbey Church
- 8:30 PM — Lucie Chabard & Baptiste Guittet · « Platée à deux » (after Rameau) · Abbey Church
Monday, June 29, 2026
- Evening — Ensemble Théodora · « Companionship in Baume-les-Messieurs » — opening of the Rameau residency, in partnership with the Fondation Royaumont · Abbey Church
Tuesday, June 30 & Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Residency and work stages of the Ensemble Théodora around Jean-Philippe Rameau · Abbey
Thursday, July 2, 2026
- 8:30 PM — Ensemble Théodora · « Le Petit Théâtre de Monsieur Rameau » — creation dedicated to Rameau's chamber music · Abbey Church · from 25 €
Indicative program from official sources consulted (Les Saisons Baroques du Jura, Infoconcert, Fest.fr). Final details and times to be confirmed with the official ticket office.
Highlights Summer Shows of Baume 2026
- Opening concert Le Poème Harmonique / Vincent Dumestre — « From Cavalli to Lully », birth of opera (June 26)
- Residency of Ensemble Théodora around Jean-Philippe Rameau, in companionship with the Fondation Royaumont (June 29 → July 2)
- Le Caravansérail / Bertrand Cuiller — « Fairies Opera Scenes », a dive into the English baroque repertoire (June 27)
- Exceptional acoustics of the Romanesque and Gothic abbey church of Baume-les-Messieurs, birthplace of Cluny Abbey
- Unique setting in the heart of a reculée classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, near the Baume caves and the Tufs waterfall
Prices Summer Shows of Baume 2026
Practical information — Summer Shows of Baume
Practical Information
Location
Imperial Abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs
39210 Baume-les-Messieurs
Dates
The shows take place throughout the summer, from June to September, according to the annual program.
Prices
Vary depending on the shows. Some events are free, others require ticketing. Consult the detailed program on the Jura Tourisme or Scènes du Jura website.
Access
- By car: Baume-les-Messieurs is located 15 km northeast of Lons-le-Saunier, accessible via the D471 then the D70. Free parking at the entrance of the village.
- From Lons-le-Saunier: approximately 20 minutes.
- From Poligny: approximately 25 minutes.
Accommodation
A few gîtes and bed and breakfasts in the village. More numerous accommodations in Lons-le-Saunier and surrounding towns.
Contact
Office de Tourisme Cœur du Jura
Website: www.lons-jura.fr
Tips
Bring warm clothing for evening shows, as the nights are cool in the valley. The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.
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Where does it take place — Summer Shows of Baume
Abbaye impériale de Baume-les-Messieurs
Abbaye impériale, 39210 Baume-les-Messieurs, 39210 Baume-les-Messieurs