The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on the 21st June across all the towns, cities, and villages in France. Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for culture, the Fête de la Musique is completely different from a normal music festival. Firstly because it is a free fête; secondly because it is open to both amateur and professional musicians. In fact it is open to anyone who wants to perform. The day is supposed to be a day for musical expression for all people, from different social backgrounds, from different musical genres, from different age groups and ethnicities.
All musicians perform for free and all the concerts are free. It’s for this reason that the concerts take place in almost all public open spaces from streets and parks to museums, train stations and even castles. Major music institutions such as orchestras, operas and choirs are also encouraged to perform outside their usual locations even in hospitals and prisons. The idea is to bring all music to all people.
The Fête de la Musique is also celebrated in ski resorts and Chamonix will be no exception. It has a variety of different musical events planned in the streets and bars and restaurants. They will start their day in the afternoon setting up large stages outside the Tourist Office, in the Place du Mont Blanc and in the Place Balmat. But we think the best way to enjoy the event is to book a table outside one of the main restaurants. That way you can watch all the action and when you have finished your meal you can take a walk down Rue de Moulin, a cobbled pedestrian street where live bands play, DJ’s set up in the street and folk singers play to diners. There is such a special carnival atmosphere in resort for this event. It really is not to be missed.
Chamonix info – http://www.chamonet.com/events/chamonix-events-summer.htm
Fete de le Musique info – http://www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr/site-2010/?page_id=550
For information on property in Chamonix visit http://www.alpineangels.net