Tourrettes Jazz Festival

"Festival Jazz à Tourrettes" is an annual cultural event organised in the perched Var village of Tourrettes. Held in early July for over 20 years now, it is a much-loved highlight of the local social calendar.

Main Square Lit Up | Photo © Festival Jazz à Tourrettes

The setting is the main village square, in front of the Château du Puy in Tourrettes; which is always beautifully illuminated for the event. The organisers try to programme a wide coverage of different jazz genres, so there is always somethign for everyone to enjoy.

The 21st edition of Festival Jazz à Tourrettes - 2024

This year the event will be held on Friday and Saturday, 5-6th July. As always, admission is completely free and it's a particularly interesting line-up this year.

2024 Poster © Festival Jazz à Tourrettes

The Line-up for the 2024 Tourrettes Jazz Festival

FRIDAY JULY 5

8:30 p.m. - BLUE MONKEYS BIG BAND

The Blue Monkeys is a jazz orchestra, made up of 18 musicians (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm section) and a singer; in the style of Glen Miller. It is led by an internationally-renowned trombonist, and revisits the great classics of swing era with a subtle blend of vigour and delicacy.

10:00 p.m. - SAMY THIEBAULT QUINTET

Tenor saxophonist and composer, Samy Thiébault presents his album “Awé”, the final part of a trilogy (complementing previous albums “Caribbean Stories” & “Symphonic Tales”). A disciple of Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, among others, he also draws his inspiration from African, Cuban and Brazilian music.

Tenor saxophonist and composer, Samy Thiébault (2024 headliner)

SATURDAY JULY 6

8:30 p.m. - ERIC LUTER AND INDIANA JAZZ BAND

Eric Luter, son of clarinetist Claude Luter, will accompany the Indiana Jazz Band on trumpet and vocals. The group has performed right across the PACA region and have accompanied big Jazz names, like Marc Laferrière, Alain Meaume, and Kristin Marion.

9:30 p.m. // ADRIEN BRANDEIS QUARTET - “Siempre más allá”

Adrien Brandeis, French pianist-composer, pays homage to Mexico through his third album “Siempre más allá” (Always beyond). A colorful jazz that allows him to showcase his contrasting influences. “He has established himself today as one of the most promising talents” according to Jazz Magazine and he has already performed in 16 countries at renowned festivals.

Check out the vibe

This video from the 2023 event will give you a feel. This is Bernard Montagne and his Jazz Manouche troop, if you like a little Gypsy Jazz:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JkVNDIsSmI

How to Get there

• By train/taxi: Take a train on the super-fast TGV route to Saint-Raphaël Valescure station, then catch a local taxi for the 35km drive up to Tourrettes.

• By car: Leave the A8 (Nice – Aix en Provence) autoroute at exit 39 (direction "Fayence /Les Adrets de l 'Estérel") and drive a delightful route around the Lake of Saint-Cassien on the D37 into the Valley of Fayence. Follow signs from there on the D562, D19, D219 to the centre of the village.
  

• By bus: Whilst car is probably your best bet, you can reach Tourrettes by bus with a bit of effort. The village is served by the ZOU regional network; and timetables are available at their website: https://zou.maregionsud.fr/
  

Resources

• The official website for the Jazz a Tourrettes

• Tourrettes on the PACA Tourist Website
  

Accommodation

With panoramic views, private infinity pool, super-fast Broadband / WiFi and modern air-conditioning, Haute Vue is a Villa with private pool & panoramic view in Montauroux; perfectly positioned for exploring both the interior of Provence and the French Riviera. Sleeping 10/12 in 5/6 bedrooms, it is the perfect central base for a holiday in the South of France; close to the beautiful perched villages of Provence and in easy reach of the beaches and sights of the sparkling Côte d'Azur.

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