For its 24th edition in 2026, the festival will offer, from June 4th to 7th, four days of free concerts with prestigious artists such as Henri Texier, in iconic locations throughout the royal city.
Chinon, jazz at its heart
In Chinon, culture isn’t just an added bonus; it’s an integral part of the region’s identity. Between its medieval heritage, gastronomy, renowned vineyards, and vibrant arts scene, this royal city of Touraine has cultivated a strong cultural ambition for years. Theater, exhibitions, classical music, street performances, literature, and festivals punctuate the seasons and attract visitors from all over France and even Europe each year.
Within this particularly rich cultural offering, the Chinon en Jazz festival holds a special place. For over twenty years, this free event has transformed the streets, squares, and historical monuments of Chinon into open stages dedicated to jazz and improvised music. Born in the early 2000s, thanks to the initiative of the City of Chinon and the Petit Faucheux de Tours, the festival has established itself as a key event on the Tours cultural calendar.
What makes Chinon en Jazz unique is, first and foremost, its philosophy. Here, jazz isn’t experienced in a closed venue reserved for connoisseurs; it permeates the entire city. The festival champions an open, inquisitive, and demanding yet accessible program, blending big names in French and international jazz with emerging artists, contemporary creations, festive brass bands, and hybrid projects.
The setting contributes significantly to the magic of the event. Few festivals can boast of hosting concerts in such iconic locations as the Royal Fortress of Chinon, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Mexme, the city gardens, or the Rabelais Museum in La Devinière. The interplay between heritage and musical creation gives the festival a unique atmosphere—convivial, popular, and artistic. And, let’s reiterate, all the concerts at this festival are completely free!
A festival that has hosted nationally and internationally renowned artists
Over the years, Chinon en Jazz has showcased numerous major artists from the contemporary jazz scene. Previous programs have featured renowned figures such as Andreas Schaerer, one of Europe’s most creative Swiss vocalists; Naïssam Jalal, with her blended jazz influenced by Eastern music; and Cuban cellist Ana Carla Maza.
The festival has also highlighted emblematic artists of the new French scene: Leïla Martial, Marion Rampal, Mamie Jotax, Grand Slam, and projects from Jazz Migration, a leading national organization supporting emerging jazz talent.
This ability to blend established artists with emerging talents contributes significantly to the festival’s success. Chinon en Jazz now attracts an audience from well beyond the Indre-et-Loire region: jazz enthusiasts, cultural tourists, heritage lovers, and the simply curious all enjoy this warm and festive atmosphere, discovering Chinon in a new light.
The 2026 edition: four days of jazz in the heart of the royal city
The 2026 edition, taking place from June 4th to 7th, will be a special occasion as the festival celebrates its 24th anniversary. This year, the organizers have put together a particularly ambitious program, which will, as always, be entirely free.
Thursday, June 4: Opening at La Devinière
The festival will begin at La Devinière, the birthplace of François Rabelais and an iconic site in the Chinon region.
The opening concert will feature Duo Brady, an intimate ensemble that blends improvisation, contemporary sound textures, and jazz lyricism. In the enchanting setting of the Rabelais Museum, this opening promises a suspended moment, a fusion of literature, heritage, and musical creation.
Friday, June 5th: Afrobeat comes to Chinon
On Friday, the Royal Fortress of Chinon will resonate with the sounds of Jumbo System, the only self-proclaimed French Afrobeat brass band. Inspired by Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, the group blends jazz, funk, highlife, and African rhythms in a spectacular and festive display.
In the evening, the group will extend the experience with the “Kalakuta Sound System” project in Place du Général de Gaulle, transforming the town center into a giant open-air dance floor.
Saturday, June 6: an eclectic and prestigious day
Saturday will begin on the steps of Saint-Maurice Church with Bahvoilà, a group with diverse influences blending groove, improvisation, and world music sounds.
Next, the festival moves to the Collegiate Church of Saint-Mexme, a key venue renowned for its exceptional acoustics.
The Oko trio, led by trombonist Fidel Fourneyron, will offer a modern and adventurous jazz experience, drawing on African influences and improvisational music.
Following this will be Tree, a contemplative and sensitive project that explores atmospheric soundscapes between contemporary jazz and minimalist music.
The highlight of this 2026 edition will undoubtedly be the appearance of the legendary bassist Henri Texier with his “Essential Quartet.” A major figure in European jazz for several decades, and a longtime collaborator of Aldo Romano, Louis Sclavis, and Joe Lovano, Henri Texier is an absolute icon of French jazz. His presence in Chinon confirms the festival’s national reach.
Sunday, June 7: closing event with a musical stroll and contemporary jazz
Sunday morning will begin at Espace Saint-Jean with the Bondonneau/Keller/Ribis trio, accompanied by an improvisation workshop presentation.
In the afternoon, the Promenade des Docteurs Mattrais will host two original ensembles: J.U.NE followed by Superpêche, a surprising duo combining baritone saxophone and cello. Their free and inventive improvised music perfectly illustrates the festival’s open-minded spirit.
Finally, the closing ceremony will take place at the Saint-Mexme Collegiate Church with two major projects: L’Arbre Rouge by saxophonist Hugues Mayot, and Garden of Silences by Clément Janinet, a poetic and immersive musical journey blending jazz, contemporary music, and traditional influences.
All the information is available at chinonenjazz.com
Chinon, a cultural destination all year round
Beyond Chinon en Jazz, the Chinon region offers a particularly vibrant cultural scene in 2026. For example, Chinon en Fanfares, on May 30th, brings the city’s streets and squares to life with a festive atmosphere.
Visitors can also enjoy activities at the Royal Fortress, summer exhibitions, night markets, concerts in troglodyte cellars, wine events showcasing Chinon wines, and performances in the charming villages of the Loire Valley.
The region also hosts several renowned events focused on heritage, theater, and contemporary music, contributing to making Chinon a major cultural tourist destination in Touraine.
Staying in the heart of the festival
To fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of Chinon en Jazz, the cottages of La Pénesais are the perfect base. Located in a peaceful and authentic setting in the heart of the Touraine countryside, they offer easy access to Chinon (perhaps by bicycle) while allowing you to enjoy the charm of the Loire Valley.
The cottages of La Pénesais will be delighted to welcome festival-goers coming to experience this 24th edition of Chinon en Jazz, a festival of musical discoveries, exceptional heritage, and the Loire Valley lifestyle.