Aix-en-Provence
Provence, France
Cezanne’s elegant hometown, filled with fountains and beautiful mansions, works of art and excellent restaurants. The ‘Florence of France’.
Travel bucket list idea:
Founded in 1948, this international festival of lyrical arts, dedicated to opera and classical music in particular, is one of the most prestigious in France.
Each year it attracts top singers, as well as the likes of Les Arts Florissants, the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra – although more contemporary works are performed as well, some specially commissioned for the festival.
Concerts, along with an elite array of masterclasses, take place in beautiful historic venues in and around Aix-en-Provence.
All events are ticketed. Tickets go on sale on the festival website on February 1st and sell out fast – so buy ASAP. Tickets can also be bought at the Boutique du Festival ticket office, next to the cathedral in the Palais de l’Ancien Archeveche, or at FNAC superstores.
The main opera venue is the Theatre de l’Archeveche in the courtyard of the Archbishop’s Palace, while concerts take place in the Cathedrale St-Sauveur and other glorious buildings in and around Aix. The furthest out, the Theatre du Grand Saint-Jean (10km north), is linked by a free shuttle from La Rotonde.
Various special discounts are available for under 30s and for children. Arrive on time for performances, or face lock-outs until the intermission.
The festival tends to run for a month from the end of June.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Provence, France
Cezanne’s elegant hometown, filled with fountains and beautiful mansions, works of art and excellent restaurants. The ‘Florence of France’.
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.