Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents – France 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Founded in 2000 by Bernard Souroque, the Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents (MJ5C) festival emerged to celebrate jazz’s global diversity, inspired by Marseille’s multicultural heritage as a Mediterranean port city. It began with a modest program at the Palais Longchamp and grew into a major cultural event.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually in July, MJ5C is one of France’s premier jazz festivals, attracting 40,000–50,000 attendees. It showcases jazz in its myriad forms—soul, vocal, flamenco, manouche, electrojazz, and more—reflecting the “five continents” ethos. The festival fosters cultural exchange, uniting international and local artists in Marseille’s vibrant settings.
• Growth Over Time: From 10 concerts in 2000, MJ5C expanded to over 40 events by 2025, spanning Marseille and its metropolitan area. The 2025 edition (July 1–13) featured 30 concerts, drawing 44,000 spectators. The 26th edition (July 1–13, 2026) will introduce a new “Jazz Futures” section for emerging artists and hybrid virtual concerts via marseillejazz.com.
• Cultural Impact: MJ5C contributes €15–20 million annually to Marseille’s economy, boosting tourism and local businesses. It promotes jazz as a universal language, with partnerships like the Saint Louis Jazz Festival (Senegal) and educational initiatives like masterclasses with IMFP (Institut Musical de Formation Professionnelle). The festival’s inclusivity shines through its HandiJazz accessibility program.
• Modern Developments: The 2026 edition will enhance digital engagement with live-streamed concerts and an updated festival app for schedules and artist Q&As. Sustainability efforts include eco-friendly staging and recycling stations. The 2025 Critics’ Competition, won by Lavinia for her review of London’s jazz scene, will expand in 2026 to include student categories.
• Recognition: Praised by Jazz Magazine as a “Mediterranean jazz beacon,” MJ5C is part of the Europe Jazz Network and Culture Pass programs. Its innovative programming earned a 2024 nomination for France’s Victoires du Jazz festival awards.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Opening Concert (July 1, 2026): Poetic Ways & Divertimento, led by Raphaël Imbert and Zahia Ziouani, at Centre de la Vieille Charité (8:00 PM), blending jazz improvisation with symphonic elements. Features Canarian saxophonist Raphaël Imbert and guest drummer Anne Paceo.
  • Parcours Métropolitain: A series of concerts across Aix-Marseille-Provence, including:
    • Saïko Nata (March 13, 2026, Espace Jean Ferrat, Septèmes-les-Vallons): Afro-jazz fusion with Hélène Niddam (piano) and Cheikh Yancouba Diébaté (kora).
    • Elise Vassallucci (June 13, 2026, Parc Miremont, Plan de Cuques): Chanson-jazz with Pierre Mikdjian (piano).
    • Cotonete (June 14, 2026, Domaine de Traconnade, Jouques): Funk-jazz collective in a vineyard setting.
    • Sur la Voie de Duke Ellington (June 17–22, 2026): Leila Olivesi leads tributes at multiple venues (Miramas, Vernègues, Vauvenargues, Aubagne, Châteauneuf-les-Martigues).
  • Main Festival (July 1–13, 2026):
    • Youn Sun Nah, Eric Legnini & Tony Paeleman (July 2, Centre de la Vieille Charité): Vocal jazz trio.
    • Nubya Garcia Odyssey (July 3, Centre de la Vieille Charité): London saxophonist’s modern jazz.
    • Tigran Hamasyan (July 4, Citadelle de Marseille): Armenian pianist’s The Bird of a Thousand Voices.
    • Antonio Lizana (July 5, Théâtre de la Sucrière): Flamenco-jazz fusion.
    • Jeff Mills & Emile Parisien 4tet with Angles Morts (July 8, Friche Belle de Mai): Techno-jazz collaboration with Marseille’s Angles Morts trio.
    • Erik Truffaz (July 11, Jazz Club 222): Film score-inspired jazz.
    • Dee Dee Bridgewater (July 12, Jazz Club 222): American vocal jazz legend.
  • Jazz Futures: New 2026 section featuring young artists like Coline Siméone (July 3, Centre de la Vieille Charité) and local Marseille talents.
  • International Jazz Day (April 30, 2026): Free duo performance by Jérémie Schacre and Stéphane Bularz at Métros RTM (Joliette/Castellane, 7:30 AM–6:30 PM).
  • Masterclasses and Workshops: Free sessions with IMFP at Friche Belle de Mai, focusing on improvisation and jazz theory (July 2–10, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM).
  • Exhibitions: Jazz photography and album art displays at Palais Longchamp (July 1–13, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, free).
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • HandiJazz Program: Accessibility with PMR platforms, sign language interpreters, and guide dog acceptance at all venues.
  • Marseille’s Multicultural Vibe: Concerts reflect the city’s diverse heritage, blending African, Latin, and European jazz influences.
  • Jazz Club 222: Exclusive late-night performances (July 11–12, 10:00 PM) at a pop-up venue, not included in PASS ALL JAZZ.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Historic Venues: Performances in iconic settings like Centre de la Vieille Charité, evoking New Orleans’ French Quarter.
  • Street Jazz: Impromptu txaranga-style performances in Petit Bayonne during Parcours Métropolitain.
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage with Marseille’s Mediterranean identity through jazz and local cuisine like bouillabaisse.

Date & Duration

dates to be announced

Venue / Location

• City: Marseille, Aix-Marseille-Provence, France
• Main Venues:
  • Centre de la Vieille Charité: 2 Rue de la Charité, Marseille, for main festival concerts (July 1–5, capacity 2,000).
  • Citadelle de Marseille: Esplanade de la Tourette, for Tigran Hamasyan (July 4).
  • Théâtre de la Sucrière: Quai de la Sucrière, for Ludivine Issambourg and Antonio Lizana (July 5).
  • Friche Belle de Mai: 41 Rue Jobin, for Jeff Mills & Angles Morts (July 8, capacity 3,000).
  • Palais Longchamp: Bd du Jardin Zoologique, for exhibitions and opening events.
  • Parcours Métropolitain Venues: Espace Jean Ferrat (Septèmes-les-Vallons), Parc Miremont (Plan de Cuques), Domaine de Traconnade (Jouques), Théâtre La Colonne (Miramas), and others.
• Notable Areas:
  • Vieux-Port: Near main venues, hosting street performances and food stalls.
  • Le Panier: Historic district for impromptu jazz sessions.
• Google Maps Address: 15 Rue Beauvau, 13001 Marseille, France

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Available from June 1, 2026, via marseillejazz.com, FNAC (fnac.com, Géant, Magasins U, Intermarché), Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.fr, Carrefour, Auchan, Cora, Cultura, E.Leclerc), or SeeTickets (seetickets.fr). No on-site ticket booths; online only.
  • Accessibility: Email contact@marseillejazz.com or call +33 4 95 09 32 57 for PMR reservations (no extra cost).
  • Festival app (TBD, June 2026) for mobile tickets and Apple Wallet downloads.
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for main festival concerts and Jazz Club 222.
  • Free for International Jazz Day, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Single Tickets: $21.60–$43.20 (€20–€40, main festival concerts).
  • Jazz Club 222: $27–$54 (€25–€50).
  • PASS 3 Jours: $118.80 (€110, choose 3 evenings, excludes Jazz Club 222).
  • PASS ALL JAZZ: $270 (€250, all main festival concerts, excludes Jazz Club 222).
  • Reduced Rate: $16.20–$32.40 (€15–€30) for students, RSA beneficiaries, unemployed, CMI holders, AAH recipients, large families, INSEAMM/AMU affiliates, IMFP trainees, Marseille City Pass holders (valid ID required).
  • Service Fees: $1–$3 (€1–€3) per ticket, not included in quoted prices.
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (free events like International Jazz Day, workshops).
  • Maximum: $270 (€250, PASS ALL JAZZ, plus fees).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • PMR Platforms: Reserved seating with visibility; email contact@marseillejazz.com.
  • VIP Seats: $43.20–$54 (€40–€50, premium concert seating, Centre de la Vieille Charité/Friche Belle de Mai).

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General/Ticketing: contact@marseillejazz.com
  • Artistic Submissions: artistique@marseillejazz.com
  • Lost Items/Accessibility: contact@marseillejazz.com
  • Press: presse@marseillejazz.com
• Phone: +33 4 95 09 32 57 (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday)
• Website: marseillejazz.com
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @marseillejazz
  • X: @MarseilleJazz
  • Hashtag: #MJ5C2026
• Key Staff:
  • Organizer: Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents Association
  • Artistic Director: Bernard Souroque
  • Press: Presse & Pro team (contact presse@marseillejazz.com)
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Apply for accreditation by June 2026 via presse@marseillejazz.com.
  • Volunteers: Apply via marseillejazz.com (May 2026).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, French support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions: MJ5C celebrates Marseille’s Mediterranean identity, blending jazz with African, Latin, and European influences. The HandiJazz program and free street performances reflect inclusivity.
• Music: Diverse genres from manouche (Jérémie Schacre duo) to techno-jazz (Jeff Mills) and flamenco-jazz (Antonio Lizana).
• Costumes: Casual attire, with some festayres wearing berets or Mediterranean-inspired outfits.
• Local Customs: Post-concert socializing at Vieux-Port cafés, enjoying pastis and jazz discussions; respectful silence during performances.

Food & Drinks

• Specialties: Bouillabaisse, tapenade, pissaladière at food stalls near Centre de la Vieille Charité and Friche Belle de Mai.
• Beverages: Pastis, Provençal rosé, local craft beers (e.g., La Cagole) at festival bars. Vegan and vegetarian options available.
• Dining Notes: No on-site dining at concert venues; nearby Vieux-Port restaurants offer Marseille cuisine.

Getting There

• Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS, 25 km, $20–$30 taxi, $10 shuttle to Saint-Charles Station).
• Train: Marseille Saint-Charles Station, 1 km from main venues, TGV from Paris (3 hours, $50–$120, sncf.com).
• Bus/Metro: RTM Métro Line 1 to Vieux-Port (Centre de la Vieille Charité, $1.50, rtm.fr); buses to Friche Belle de Mai ($1.50).
• Parking: $5–$15/day near Palais Longchamp (vinci.fr).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues with PMR platforms; guide dogs allowed; email contact@marseillejazz.com. Schengen visa may apply (diplomatie.gouv.fr).

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: InterContinental Marseille – Hôtel Dieu, $150–$300/night.
• Mid-Range: NH Collection Marseille, $80–$150/night.
• Budget: Ibis Budget Marseille Vieux-Port, $40–$80/night.
• Airbnb: Le Panier apartments, $50–$120/night; book via provence-tourism.com.
• Booking Tips: Reserve 4–6 months ahead for festival discounts.

Accessibility Declaration

• Commitment: MJ5C adheres to accessibility standards, with PMR platforms, sign language interpreters, and guide dog acceptance at all venues. The website (marseillejazz.com) is partially compliant with WCAG 2.1, with ongoing improvements to contrast and navigation.
• Contact: Email contact@marseillejazz.com or call +33 4 95 09 32 57 for accessibility requests or complaints.
• Improvements: 2026 will add audio descriptions for select concerts and improved website accessibility for screen readers.