Un Violon sur le Sable
Free symphonic music festival on Royan beach
About Violon sur le Sable
A symphonic festival on the sand
For over 35 years, Un Violon sur le Sable has transformed Royan beach into an open-air concert hall. Created in 1987 by Philippe Tranchet, this bold festival offers 3 major free symphonic concerts on the sand, with orchestras composed of musicians from the Paris Opera and other major ensembles.
An eclectic program
The festival boldly mixes genres: Mozart and Verdi rub shoulders with Zimmer and Williams in a program accessible to all. Each evening, 4 to 5 international soloists are accompanied by the symphony orchestra, with staging worthy of a rock concert: giant screens, sophisticated sound and lighting.
Un Violon sur la Ville
Since 2012, the festival off Un Violon sur la Ville has enriched the program with a dozen musical events in Royan and its surroundings during the festival week.
Violon sur le Sable — edition 2026
The 39th edition of Un Violon sur le Sable offers three major free symphonic concerts on the Grande-Conche beach in Royan, on July 25th, 28th, and 31st, 2026 at 10 PM, facing the ocean.
2026 Edition — 39th edition
The Un Violon sur le Sable festival returns for three exceptional symphonic evenings on July 25th, 28th, and 31st, 2026 at 10 PM on the Grande-Conche beach in Royan. The festival orchestra, under the direction of conductor Jérôme Pillement, accompanies about fifteen international soloists for an eclectic program mixing classical, lyrical, film music, and more popular tunes.
The historical principle of the festival remains unchanged: to offer great classical and lyrical music for free, on the sand and facing the ocean, in a popular and accessible atmosphere for all. The full festival "Un Violon sur la Ville" takes place from July 23rd to August 1st, 2026, with decentralized concerts in the city alongside the three major evenings on the beach.
Highlights Violon sur le Sable 2026
- 3 free symphonic concerts on Grande-Conche beach
- Musical direction: Jérôme Pillement
- Sopranos Pretty Yende and Vannina Santoni, tenors Cyrille Dubois and Julien Dran
- Violins Bomsori and Luka Faulisi, cello Astrig Siranossian
- Pianos Stella Almondo and Arielle Beck, glass harmonica Thomas Bloch
- Dance with Karl Paquette and a quartet of dancers from the Opéra de Paris
Prices Violon sur le Sable 2026
Practical information — Violon sur le Sable
Practical information
Location
Grande-Conche Beach, Boulevard Garnier, 17200 Royan
Access
- Free concerts on the sand
- Paid stands available for rent
- Public transport recommended
Prices
- Free on the sand
- Stands: variable prices depending on seating
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Where does it take place — Violon sur le Sable
Plage de la Grande-Conche
Boulevard Garnier, Plage de la Grande-Conche, 17200 Royan