Jazz à Vienne

Jazz à Vienne is a renowned jazz festival that takes place in the ancient town of Vienne, France, not far from Lyon. The festival is celebrated for its rich history and its spectacular venue: the Roman Theatre of Vienne, which adds a unique ambiance to the performances. This ancient amphitheater, dating back to the 1st century, provides an extraordinary backdrop for the festival’s concerts.

The festival typically occurs annually in late June to early July, spanning over two weeks. It attracts a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from jazz legends and contemporary stars to emerging talents, encompassing a wide variety of jazz styles and related genres such as blues, soul, and funk. Over the years, Jazz à Vienne has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz and has become one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe.

In addition to concerts in the Roman Theatre, Jazz à Vienne features performances in other venues and public spaces around the city, including jam sessions, workshops, and exhibitions, contributing to an immersive jazz experience for both artists and attendees.

The festival’s program also includes “Jazz Mix,” late-night DJ sets that blend jazz with electronic music, reflecting the festival’s inclusive approach to music and its dedication to exploring the boundaries of jazz.

Jazz à Vienne is not only a celebration of jazz music but also a cultural event that brings together music lovers from around the world, fostering a sense of community and shared experience among attendees. Its setting in the historic city of Vienne, with its Roman ruins and vibrant cultural scene, adds to the allure, making it a must-visit event for jazz enthusiasts.

How to get to the Jazz à Vienne Festival?

If You’re Flying:

• Nearest Major Airport: The closest major airport to Vienne is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). It’s an international airport serving Lyon, the third-largest city in France, and is well-connected to many cities across Europe and some intercontinental destinations.
• From Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Vienne: After arriving at Lyon airport, you can reach Vienne by:
• Train: There is a tram (Rhônexpress) connecting the airport to Lyon’s Part-Dieu train station, where you can catch a regional train (TER) to Vienne. The train journey from Lyon Part-Dieu to Vienne takes about 20-30 minutes.
• Car Rental: Renting a car at the airport and driving to Vienne is another option. The drive usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

If You’re Taking a Train:

• Direct Trains: Vienne is accessible by regional trains (TER) from several major cities in France, including Lyon, which is a major railway hub. Direct trains from Lyon to Vienne are frequent and provide a quick and convenient way to travel.
• From Paris: If you’re coming from Paris, you can take a TGV (high-speed train) to Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache stations and then switch to a regional train to Vienne.

If You’re Driving:

• From Lyon: Vienne is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Lyon. If you’re driving from Lyon, you can take the A7 motorway directly to Vienne. The journey usually takes around 30-45 minutes.
• From Other Parts of France: Vienne is well-connected by the French motorway network. If you’re coming from the north (e.g., Paris), the A6 and A7 motorways are your main routes. From the south (e.g., Marseille), the A7 is the direct route.

Local Transportation:

Once in Vienne, the town is small enough to explore on foot, especially the historic center and the area around the Roman Theatre – the main location of Jazz à Vienne. Public transport options and taxis are also available for longer distances within the town or to explore the surrounding region.