Villefranchement Jazz
The jazz event of Villefranche-de-Rouergue
About Villefranchement Jazz
Jazz takes over the royal bastide
Created in 2023, Villefranchement Jazz is a young festival supported by AJAR (Association Animation Jazz Rouergue), the Espaces Culturels of Villefranche, and the Comité des Fêtes. It builds on the jazz tradition of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a town that houses the second largest public jazz collection in France — an exceptional collection of records, magazines, and archives built up over decades.
A full day dedicated to jazz
The festival takes place over a full day with a varied program:
- Record Fair (9 am-5 pm): under the arcades of Place Notre-Dame, bargain hunters and music lovers can find used CDs, vinyl records, books, and musical equipment. Stalls cost 2 euros per linear meter.
- Free Open-Air Concert (3:30 pm): on Place Notre-Dame, a concert open to all for a friendly introduction to jazz. In 2024, The Jazz Bicravers performed a gypsy jazz set.
- Evening at Château de Graves (8 pm): in the elegant setting of the castle, a Lindy Hop (swing dance) initiation followed by concerts. In 2024, the all-female group Octopussy and the Mississippi Jazz Band electrified the evening.
Photographic Exhibition
In parallel with the festival, a photographic exhibition dedicated to jazz is presented at La Manufacture, Villefranche's cultural center. In 2024, the exhibition “Villefranchement Jazz” was visible from August 27th to September 7th, offering an artistic perspective on the world of jazz through the lens of passionate photographers.
Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a town of jazz
The festival draws on a jazz heritage deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The town boasts an exceptionally rich jazz documentary collection — records, sheet music, magazines, and archives — making it a reference point for enthusiasts and researchers. Villefranchement Jazz contributes to keeping this heritage alive by sharing it with as many people as possible in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Villefranchement Jazz — edition 2026
AJAR 40th Anniversary Jazz Night — Saturday, July 4th, 2026
In 2026, AJAR (Association Jazz Animation Rouergue), the organization behind Villefranchement Jazz, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a major free jazz evening on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, held outdoors at Place Notre-Dame in Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The event welcomes the public starting at 6:30 PM, with four musical highlights scheduled until midnight.
Programme Villefranchement Jazz 2026
Doors open at 6:30 PM.
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Wonder Brass Quartet — A modern brass band featuring four musicians from Toulouse (Caroline Marceillac on sousaphone, Sarah Meguellati on soprano saxophone, Éline Groulier on trombone, and Wilma Ambrosio on prepared bass drum), performing an energetic and festive repertoire of jazz, funk, and Latin music.
- 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: "Paris Berlin Cabaret" — Singers from the Opéra Bastide festival.
- 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Antoine Delbos Quartet — Modern jazz inspired by John Coltrane, featuring Robin Nitram on guitar, Oscar Bineau on saxophone, and Thierry Marietan on bass.
- 10:30 PM – Midnight: Jam session — A collaborative musical experience open to musicians.
On-site dining options are available (local vendors or bring your own picnic; tables and chairs provided), along with a refreshment bar.
Highlights Villefranchement Jazz 2026
- AJAR 40th anniversary celebration
- Saturday, July 4th, 2026, at Place Notre-Dame
- Free outdoor concert
- Wonder Brass Quartet, Antoine Delbos Quartet, Opéra Bastide cabaret, and jam session
Prices Villefranchement Jazz 2026
Practical information — Villefranchement Jazz
Practical Information
Locations
- Place Notre-Dame: Record fair and free afternoon concert.
- Château de Graves: Jazz and swing evening (paid concert).
- La Manufacture: Photographic exhibition.
Prices
- Record Fair and Place Notre-Dame Concert: Free.
- Evening at Château de Graves: 18 euros (full price), 15 euros (students, PRM, job seekers), free for children under 12.
Access
- By car: D922 from Rodez (60 km) or D911 from Albi (70 km). Free parking in the city center.
- By train: Villefranche-de-Rouergue station (Toulouse-Rodez line).
Reservations
- Tourist Office: 05 36 16 20 00
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Where does it take place — Villefranchement Jazz
Place Notre-Dame / Château de Graves
Place Notre-Dame, 12200 Villefranche-de-Rouergue