A must-see cultural outing in the Vendée
From 7 to 15 November 2026, the 2026 Camembert Jazz Festival will bring Fontenay-le-Comte to life to the rhythm of jazz with concerts, talks, exhibitions and cultural events – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a local outing whilst staying at the Gîte de la Prairie.
In autumn, the south of the Vendée continues to offer some great opportunities to get out and about and explore the area. If you’re staying with us at the Gîte de la Prairie, you can, for example, enjoy the Camembert Jazz Festival 2026, held in Fontenay-le-Comte from 7 to 15 November. Located just a few kilometres from the holiday cottage, the town becomes a real hub for jazz and culture for several days.
This new edition brings together concerts, films, talks, exhibitions and entertainment. The programme thus offers the chance to discover jazz in its various forms, at a number of venues in Fontenay-le-Comte and the surrounding area. The Vendée Marais Poitevin Tourist Office confirms that the festival will take place from 7 to 15 November 2026.
The Camembert Jazz Festival 2026, a cultural event in Fontenay-le-Comte
The Camembert Jazz Festival returns to Fontenay-le-Comte for another week dedicated to jazz music. The event is not limited to a series of concerts. It offers a varied programme that allows both locals and visitors to discover different genres, artists and musical worlds.
For the 2026 edition, four major events are scheduled to take place at the Théâtre municipal in Fontenay-le-Comte. They will bring together ensembles and artists with different styles, offering a glimpse into the richness of contemporary jazz.
This main programme is complemented by a host of events taking place around the festival. The official programme includes exhibitions, a lecture-concert dedicated to Billie Holiday and Lester Young, film screenings and a musical storytelling performance.
A week of jazz to experience in a different way
The value of the Camembert Jazz Festival 2026 lies also in the diversity of the activities on offer. You don’t need to be a jazz expert to enjoy this event. The various formats allow you to discover this musical world through history, cinema, the visual arts and even the passing on of knowledge.
On Saturday 7 November, a walking concert by Dab Dixie is scheduled to take place at Les Moulins Liot. On Sunday 8 November, a lecture-concert will explore the friendship between Billie Holiday and Lester Young. Other events will continue until the festival closes on 15 November.
As the full programme is subject to change, we advise you to check the official programme before you travel to confirm the times and access arrangements.
Fontenay-le-Comte, a cultural outing just a few kilometres from the holiday cottage
For guests staying at the Gîte de la Prairie, the festival is an activity that’s easy to fit into a weekend or a short holiday. Our holiday home is situated in Auchay-sur-Vendée, in the immediate vicinity of Fontenay-le-Comte.
This setting allows you to combine the tranquillity of the countryside with the entertainment on offer in town. After a day spent exploring the local area or an evening at the festival, you can return to a peaceful, leafy setting.
You can also make the most of your stay to discover the local attractions. Our page dedicated to the a visit to and a stay in Fontenay-le-Comte gives you some ideas on how to make the most of your time exploring the city.
What is there to do around Fontenay-le-Comte during the festival?
The festival can serve as a starting point for a wider programme of activities. The south of the Vendée offers a range of options to enhance your stay, particularly if you have several days to spare.
This blend of heritage, nature and culture is particularly well suited to an autumn break. November offers a more peaceful atmosphere and allows you to explore the area at a different pace.
A holiday in the Vendée centred around the Camembert Jazz Festival
Choose the Gîte de la Prairie Using this as a starting point allows you to plan your stay exactly as you wish. You can spend a day in Fontenay-le-Comte, set aside an evening for a concert and leave time to enjoy the house and its surroundings.
Our renovated old farmhouse offers a comfortable setting for families and groups of friends. The living areas are designed to encourage time spent together, whilst the tree-lined garden is the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, weather permitting.
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To help you plan your stay, you can also visit our page dedicated to holiday cottage rental in the Vendée with a swimming pool or directly check availability at the Gîte de la Prairie.
Why choose November to explore the south of the Vendée?
November offers a chance to experience the southern Vendée from a different perspective. Visitor numbers are lower, and cultural activities take centre stage in local outings. The Camembert Jazz Festival 2026 It therefore offers a great opportunity to come and discover Fontenay-le-Comte whilst enjoying a rich cultural programme.
Whether it’s for a weekend away, a family break or a get-together with friends, you can combine a trip to a concert with exploring the local heritage and surrounding countryside. The Gîte de la Prairie offers a peaceful base from which to make the most of your break in the Vendée.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Camembert Jazz Festival taking place?
The Camembert Jazz Festival 2026 takes place in Fontenay-le-Comte from 7 to 15 November 2026. The programme includes concerts, as well as a range of cultural events centred around jazz.
Where does the Camembert Jazz Festival take place in Fontenay-le-Comte?
The festival takes place across several venues in Fontenay-le-Comte and the Pays de Fontenay-Vendée. The four major concerts of the 2026 edition will be held, in particular, at the Fontenay-le-Comte Municipal Theatre.
Which artists are on the line-up for the 2026 Camembert Jazz Festival?
The main programme includes, amongst other things, Shades, Marie Carrié, Antoine Hervier Trio with Géraldine Laurent and Archibald Ligonnière. Other artists and speakers will be taking part in the talks, screenings and events scheduled throughout the week.
Does the festival offer anything other than concerts?
Yes. The programme also includes exhibitions, talks, film screenings, musical storytelling and educational events. This diversity allows people to discover jazz beyond the music scene.
What is there to do near Fontenay-le-Comte during a visit in November?
You can round off your visit to the festival by exploring the heritage of Fontenay-le-Comte, or going for a walk in the Mervent Forest, a trip to the Marais Poitevin or a walk in the area around the holiday cottage.
