Every spring, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood rediscovers a bit of its musical soul. The jazz festival that bears its name returns in May 2026, with a new edition taking place from May 18 to 24 at several iconic venues throughout the neighborhood.
Created in 2001, this event is deeply rooted in the history of the neighborhood, often considered the cradle of jazz in Europe. In the 1950s, Saint-Germain-des-Prés was already attracting musicians, writers, and jazz enthusiasts. Boris Vian and Sidney Bechet left their mark on an entire era, and today the festival carries on this legacy by keeping this culture alive in the heart of Paris.
The concept remains simple and works just as well as ever: offering concerts in venues steeped in history. The Théâtre de l’Odéon, the Monnaie de Paris, the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and even more intimate venues will thus become, for the duration of the festival, true jazz stages.
As usual, the lineup features a mix of established artists and emerging talents. Over the years, the festival has hosted major figures such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Brad Mehldau, and Manu Dibango, while also making room for the emerging scene. This year, for example, the Laurant Courthaliac Trio, the Adèle Viret Quartet, and Loco Cello will take the stage.
For 2026, several evenings are already planned at various venues throughout the neighborhood, with the festival kicking off on May 11 at the Odéon and a program that will then unfold over several days.
Not just for jazz fans, the festival also draws a curious crowd every year, drawn by the setting and the atmosphere. You can come to discover an artist, but also to enjoy a rare moment in the heart of the Left Bank’s most beautiful venues.
With this new edition, the Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is already one of the major musical events of the Parisian spring.
📍Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Multiple venues
📆 May 18–24, 2026 – Opening concert on May 11, 2026