Fest Jazz: The Little Breton Festival with a Star-Studded Sound

When someone mentions the word ‘jazz’, what comes to mind? Is it a smoky bar that pulses to the heartbeat of soulful blues? Or perhaps a boogie-woogie piano, a joyful crowd of swing dancers or the sizzle of a Dixie trumpet on a sultry summer night? Jazz means different things to different people, but if any or all of this resonates with you, then the definition can be captured in two simple words: Fest Jazz.

Situated in an idyllic location on the banks of the River Aulne, Fest Jazz explodes from the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Faou, soaking this small village with a torrent of music and dancing each July. Born in 2005, raised in the cradle of the Breton countryside and nurtured by the love and dedication of 250 volunteers, it has the feel of a village fête, with the scent of hot, buttery crêpes and dancing in the square, yet it is bursting with star-studded musical names. For its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2025, the festival was headlined by the David Hermlin Trio, who performed live on Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny in December; the New Orleans street music sensations Tuba Skinny; and the world-famous Gunhild Carling, who has played with Sabrina Carpenter, Macy Gray, Postmodern Jukebox and more. Other acts to have featured in recent editions include Thomas Dutronc and Bireli Lagrene, and in July 2026 over thirty artists will take to the stages, among them Stochelo Rosenberg, David Graham, Ben Waters, Jean-Baptiste Franc, Rimski & Handkerchief and the Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band. Hailed recently as ‘the Marciac of the west’, Fest Jazz continues to grow in reputation and stature year on year.

Yet Fest Jazz is not simply another jazz festival. It is determined to break the mould. This is a festival without pretension or preconception which, in the words of Jazz Kreiz Breizh President Trevor Stent, is ‘more Woodstock than Conservatoire’. Relaxed and casual, it attracts audiences of all ages, with an intergenerational and international atmosphere that sees local Bretonistes rub shoulders with overseas visitors. Fifteen per cent of the audience come from abroad, travelling to Chateauneuf-du-Faou for the first, second or twentieth time. The emphasis is on promoting homegrown talent while also importing seasoned acts from further afield. Its young and dynamic organisers blend experience with fresh ideas, which ensures the festival remains innovative and vibrant. Constance Eve, the Director of Fest Jazz, takes particular pride in the fact that the festival has such a strong identity and clear values, with over 50 per cent of the groups led by women, and the appointment of 20-year-old Mathias Deschere as Communications Director has revolutionised the image of the festival and its messaging. His favourite part of the event? ‘Jazz on the river with groups on barges. Oh, and the marquees for both stages and spectators, because sometimes it rains in Brittany!’

The energy behind Fest Jazz takes physical form too. Dancers are welcomed with open arms. Dedicated dancefloors and free workshops are provided over the weekend, and it certainly adds to the spectacle when high-flying Lindy Hoppers erupt onto the stage. As Trevor notes: ‘The musicians at Fest Jazz are of the highest quality, but they MUST play for the audience and not for themselves. This is not “intellectual jazz” or introverted twiddling. It’s “dancing in the streets” jazz.’ And dance, they do.

But even if you are not a natural mover, there is still no need to stay in one place. The festival boasts four covered stages across its self-contained site, so visitors are free to stroll from tent to tent, drinking in the casual ambience and a glass of local cidre, admiring the classic cars and savouring the cuisine. On a non-musical front, Fest Jazz has also broadened its appeal to families. As Trevor observes: ‘How many jazz festivals have an “Espace Famille”, complete with face painting and circus performers? It symbolises the fact that the festival is a fun event for all the family.’

Chateauneuf-du-Faou itself is the perfect staging post for anyone looking to explore a part of Brittany that is off the usual tourist trail. Situated on the edge of the Armorique Regional Natural Park, the town has a rich cultural heritage, and with its castle, river and traditional way of life, it epitomises the prettiness of the area. Easily accessible from the main Breton ports, and with plenty of nearby gîtes, camping options and good transport links, it is ideal for those planning a short weekend break or a leisurely family trip around Brittany.

Everyone’s notion of jazz, and of a jazz festival, may differ, but to understand the passion and energy behind this weekend, you must step into its dancing shoes. So if ever someone asks what jazz means to you, your answer is here. It is Fest Jazz, and it is waiting to welcome you in July.

• Dates: 23^rd – 26^th July 2026
• Info and tickets: www.fest-jazz.com
• Children under 16: Free entry / Students under 25: 17€
• Free shuttle buses to and from the town centre (c.5 min ride to festival site)
• English-speaking volunteers across the site
• Email [email protected] (in English or French) with any questions or enquiries