Festival Jazz à Vienne – France 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Founded in 1981 by Jean-Paul Boutellier, Jazz à Vienne was born to celebrate jazz in the historic Roman town of Vienne, Isère, leveraging the 2,000-year-old Théâtre Antique’s exceptional acoustics to create a unique fusion of ancient heritage and modern music. Inspired by local jazz enthusiasts, it aimed to bring global jazz to a regional audience.
• Cultural Significance: One of Europe’s premier jazz festivals, it showcases jazz’s evolution from traditional to avant-garde, reflecting Vienne’s Gallo-Roman legacy and fostering inclusivity with 75% of its 200+ annual concerts free or low-cost, drawing 200,000+ visitors from 30+ countries.
• Evolution: Starting with local French acts in the 1980s, it gained international stature by the 1990s, introducing projects like Jazz on the City (2000) and Caravan’Jazz (2010) for year-round engagement; the 2026 45th edition builds on 2025’s success, emphasizing eco-conscious practices and youth talent.
• Global Impact: Hosts 50–60 major artists yearly, including legends like Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Norah Jones; generates €10–15 million for Vienne’s economy, with 80% of attendees exploring local Roman sites and Rhône Valley vineyards.
• Milestones: UNESCO listed the Théâtre Antique as a heritage site (2005); 1983 marked Marsalis’s European debut; 2025’s 44th edition featured Gregory Porter and Hiromi; 2026’s launch (July 7, 2025) announced CHET – David Enhco & Marc Perrenoud, signaling a focus on innovative duos.
• Committed Festival: Champions sustainability with zero-waste catering, local sourcing, and carbon offset programs; supports education via Jazz for Kids, Rezzo, and internships; partners with France Inter for radio broadcasts reaching 1.5 million listeners.
• Community Role: Managed by Cybèle Production, it integrates with Vienne’s cultural fabric through free city concerts, museum collaborations, and workshops, fostering local pride and global connections in a town of 30,000.
• Recent Developments: 2026 introduces a “Jazz & Heritage” theme, blending performances with Roman history tours, and expands digital streaming on jazzavienne.com, following 2025’s 90,000+ online views.

Event Highlights

• Théâtre Antique Concerts: Mainstage evening shows (8:00 PM–midnight, June 25–July 11) in the 8,000-seat Roman amphitheater, featuring potential 2026 headliners like Nubya Garcia, Brad Mehldau, or Kamasi Washington, blending jazz with Afrobeat, Latin, and electro-fusion.
• Jardin de Cybèle Performances: Daytime sets (2:00 PM–6:00 PM) in Cybèle’s gardens, hosting intimate acts like Rhône Valley trios and European talents, with picnic-friendly spaces under ancient trees.
• The Club Sessions: Late-night jams (11:00 PM–2:00 AM, July 1–10) at the Club, showcasing Lyon-based improvisers and international guests, fostering spontaneous collaborations in a 200-seat venue.
• Jazz on the City: Free pop-up concerts across Vienne’s streets, squares, and museums (noon–8:00 PM), including Jazz O Museum at the Roman Museum, turning the town into a living jazz stage.
• Marathon Day: July 5, 2026, an all-day event with 12+ hours of music, from sunrise yoga-jazz at Cybèle to midnight electro-jazz at Théâtre Antique, featuring 20+ acts.
• Jazz for Kids: Interactive workshops and concerts for ages 4–14 (June 28–July 5, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM), with hands-on instrument sessions and storytelling on jazz history.
• International Jazz Forum: Industry panels (June 26–27, Maison de la Musique) with European and African delegates discussing sustainable touring, digital distribution, and gender equity in jazz.
• Exhibitions and Creations: “Letters on the Court” pairs jazz with poetry in Vienne’s historic courtyards; Rezzo commissions immersive soundscapes; rotating art exhibits at Musée Saint-Romain-en-Gal explore jazz’s visual legacy.
• Unique Attractions: All Night Jazz (July 10) with non-stop performances until dawn; JazzUp workshops for teens; Radio Jazz à Vienne live broadcasts; guided Roman tours synced with music.

Date & Duration

• Dates: June 25 – July 11, 2026 (45th edition, confirmed via 2025 launch event, spanning 17 days in early summer).
• Duration: 17 days, with daily events from 10:00 AM (workshops) to 2:00 AM (club nights); peak activity July 1–10 with nightly Théâtre shows.
• Key Schedule: Launch preview July 7, 2025 (CHET concert); festival opening June 25, 2026; Jazz for Kids June 28–July 5; Marathon Day July 5; All Night Jazz July 10; closing gala July 11.

Venue / Location

• City: Vienne, Isère, France, a 30,000-resident town 30 km south of Lyon, renowned for its Roman heritage, including the Théâtre Antique and Temple d’Auguste et de Livie.
• Main Venue: Théâtre Antique, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater (Rue du Cirque, 8,000 seats), offering unmatched acoustics and Mediterranean vistas for flagship concerts.
• Secondary Venues: Jardin de Cybèle (open-air garden for 500, relaxed daytime sets); The Club (200-seat venue for late-night jams); Musée Saint-Romain-en-Gal (Jazz O Museum); Vienne streets for Jazz on the City; Maison de la Musique for workshops and forums.
• Notable Areas: Roman esplanade for picnics; Pipet Hill for panoramic festival views; old town for pop-up performances; Rhône riverbanks for post-concert strolls.
• Google Maps Address: Théâtre Antique de Vienne, Rue du Cirque, 38200 Vienne, France (45.5258° N, 4.8722° E) – festival epicenter.

Ticket Information

• Ticket Sales: Online at jazzavienne.com (from March 2026); box office at 11 rue du Cirque (+33 4 74 78 87 87, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM); Vienne Condrieu Tourisme offices.
• Admission: Théâtre Antique $27–$60 USD (€25–€55); Jardin de Cybèle/The Club $11–$22 USD (€10–€20); 75% of events (Jazz on the City, kids programs) free.
• Pricing: Minimum $0 (free concerts); maximum $385 USD (€355, integral pass for 10 Théâtre nights); single-night average $38 USD (€35).
• Packages: 7-evening pass $209 USD (€190, launch price until April 2026); integral pass $385 USD (€355); trio pack $55 USD (€50) for three nights (15–25 age group); gift vouchers $33–$110 USD (€30–€100).
• Reduced Rates: Under-14 free; 15–25 years $16 USD (€15); students/seniors $22 USD (€20); family bundle $44 USD (€40) for 2 adults + 2 kids; Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes/Culture Pass accepted.
• VIP Options: Premium add-on $55 USD (€50) includes lounge access, artist Q&As, and priority seating; limited to 100 per night.
• Accessibility: 30 wheelchair platforms, 70 easy-access seats; book via handi-accueil@cybele-production.com or +33 4 74 78 87 87.
• Note: Nominative, non-transferable tickets; cashless payment on-site; no refunds post-14-day withdrawal period; prohibited items (glass, non-festival cups) listed on site; smartphone tickets accepted unless screen damaged.

Contact Information

• Email: contact@cybele-production.com (general); billetterie@cybele-production.com (tickets); handi-accueil@cybele-production.com (accessibility); presse@cybele-production.com (media).
• Phone: +33 4 74 78 87 87 (English/French, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; accessibility support).
• Website: https://jazzavienne.com (lineup, tickets, streaming, newsletter signup).
• Social Media: @jazzavienneofficiel (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok); @jazzavienne (YouTube, Twitter) for artist spotlights, live clips, and festival teasers.
• Key Staff: Cybèle Production team; festival director via contact@cybele-production.com; accessibility lead for Handi-accueil.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via presse@cybele-production.com; volunteers (ushers, setup) open February 2026 via website form.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours for email; social media within 12 hours; phone during office hours.
• Language Support: French, English; Spanish/Italian for international queries; Arabic on request.

Cultural Experience

• Roman-Jazz Synergy: Théâtre Antique’s ancient stones amplify jazz’s improvisational spirit, creating a timeless dialogue between Vienne’s Roman past and global music, as praised by Le Figaro for its “royal setting.”
• Eclectic Programming: 200 concerts span traditional jazz, Ethio-jazz, cumbia, and electro, with 64% new artists in 2025 (per Dauphiné Libéré), ensuring 2026’s fresh lineup pushes boundaries.
• Community Immersion: Jazz on the City transforms Vienne’s squares into stages, with free sets at Roman sites; Marathon Day and All Night Jazz foster communal celebration.
• Youth and Education: Jazz for Kids engages 1,000+ children annually with workshops; Rezzo commissions and internships mentor emerging talents; JazzUp empowers teens with composition classes.
• Sustainability Focus: Zero-waste bars, biodegradable packaging, and Rebooteille’s returnable bottles align with Rhône Valley’s eco ethos, reducing festival waste by 20% since 2023.
• Global Resonance: France Inter’s live broadcasts and Télérama’s “sure bet” acclaim amplify Vienne’s voice; 2026’s “Jazz & Heritage” theme ties performances to guided Roman tours, enhancing cultural depth.

Food & Drinks

• Chefs’ Jars: Rhône Valley specialties like daube provençale in eco-friendly jars at Cybèle ($8–$12 USD).
• Côtes du Rhône Wines: Local Viognier and Syrah, served at Théâtre Antique bars ($5–$8 USD/glass).
• Artisanal Ice Creams: Lavender-honey and apricot-thyme from Reventin-Vaugris ($3–$5 USD).
• Fresh Rhône Fries: With herbed aioli, sourced from local farms ($4–$6 USD).
• Savoyard Lemonade: Isère fruit syrups and iced teas, zero-waste ($2–$4 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Free fresh water fountains at all venues; Isère apple juice ($2–$3 USD).
• Eco Features: 100% biodegradable packaging; Rebooteille wine bottle returns; local chef collaborations for zero-waste menus.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS, 40 km), with Rhônexpress tram to Lyon Part-Dieu ($12 USD, 30 minutes), then TER train to Vienne ($5 USD, 25 minutes).
• Public Transport: TER trains from Lyon Part-Dieu to Vienne ($5 USD, 25 minutes, hourly); free VA shuttle from Vienne station to venues (every 15 minutes, 6:00 PM–1:00 AM); Lignes d’Isère buses from Grenoble ($10 USD, 1 hour).
• Car: A7 highway from Lyon (30 minutes); drop-off at Théâtre Antique; P+R parking lots ($10 USD/day) with shuttle service; carpooling via festival app.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from LYS ($50–$70 USD); Uber/Bolt from Lyon ($20–$30 USD); local taxis ($5–$10 USD).
• Biking/Walking: Vélo’v bike rentals ($2 USD/hour); venues within 10-minute walk from Vienne station; bike paths along Rhône.
• Accessibility: VA shuttle wheelchair-accessible; dedicated drop-off points; adapted toilets; hearing devices; contact handi-accueil@cybele-production.com for arrangements.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Hôtel de la Barge (Rhône river views, $150–$250 USD/night); Domaine de Clairefontaine (château, $180–$300 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: Campanile Vienne ($80–$120 USD/night); Ibis Styles Vienne ($70–$110 USD/night); Hôtel La Pyramide ($100–$160 USD/night).
• Budget: Hôtel d’Europe ($50–$80 USD/night); Airbnb in Vienne old town ($40–$70 USD/night); Première Classe Vienne ($45–$75 USD/night).
• Boutique: Le M de Vienne (historic charm, $100–$150 USD/night); Les Jardins de la Cathedrale (central, $90–$140 USD/night).
• Hostels: Auberge de Jeunesse Vienne (dorms, $30–$50 USD/night).
• Rural Stays: Gîtes in Condrieu vineyards ($60–$100 USD/night); campervan sites at Camping de Vienne ($20–$40 USD/night).
• Group Options: Vienne Condrieu Tourisme offers 15+ person bookings; campsites for tents/mobile homes ($15–$50 USD/night).