Festivals, exhibitions, concerts, get-togethers and lots more to keep you entertained during your stay in Gascony!
All the events to discover!
Concerts
Do you like discovering new artists? Dancing the night away? You won’t be disappointed when you come to Pays de Gex! Every year, our region plays host to numerous concerts and festivals of all kinds.
If you’re a jazz fan or enthusiast, take a look at the Jazz in Fort l’Ecluse festival, held every year in the fortress of the same name in Léaz during the summer season. Outside this period, the festival takes place in the orangery of the Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire, where you can enjoy magnificent, spellbinding jazz concerts.
The calendar has also been punctuated every year since 2021 by the Cri de la Goutte festival in Menthières. This sees a number of artists with diverse influences perform over two evenings, plus a day of cultural activities and sports demonstrations.
Cultural activities in Pays de Gex
If you like to learn new things, the Pays de Gex calendar is packed with events and workshops every year, so you’re sure to enjoy them!
If you’re a classical music fan, you can go to the Nuit des Conservatoires, a national event held every year in Ferney-Voltaire.
Do you enjoy writing? There are a number of writing workshops on offer in the area, aimed at both adults and teenagers.
Since 2020, Pays de Gex has also hosted a special event: the Prix Voltaire de la Photographie. The prize rewards the best photographic portraits by amateur or established artists under the age of 35. To admire the works of the competing artists, you can visit Ferney-Voltaire, in the famous writer’s château.
Sports events
Sporty at heart? Skiing and trail running have pride of place in the Jura diary!
Every year, the Nocturne de la Faucille welcomes competitors looking to challenge themselves on a 200m ascent loop with a one-hour time limit, the aim being to complete as many laps as possible. The race is one of three in the Haut-Jura ski touring challenge, alongside the Dôlapô and Monthoisey.
Are you more of a runner or a trail runner? Go for it on the Ultra trail des Monts du Jura (UTMJ) in autumn! This 175km race can be run alone or in relays of 2 to 6 people.
Festivals and events in the Monts Jura ?
Every first Sunday in August, the Dahu Festival takes place in the heart of the small town of Lélex. A legendary animal, the dahu is celebrated every year during a colourful day. A themed costume parade, brass band, pétanque competition, children’s workshops…
This is a not-to-be-missed event in the Jura, as are the legendary torchlight descents in Mijoux and Lélex in the winter months of February and March.
