From July 8 to 11, 2025, the enchanting gardens of the Notre-Dame-de-Vie chapel in Mougins will host one of the most refined musical experiences of the summer: the Notre-Dame-de-Vie Music Festival. Over four evenings, this significant site of Provençal heritage will become a theater for a dialogue among generations, aesthetics, and musical sensitivities. A festival that not only presents concerts but also creates truly genuine moments of escape and contemplation.
A Historic Site Full of Soul
The Notre-Dame-de-Vie chapel, classified as a historical monument, has watched over the heights of Mougins since the 12th century. Restored in the 17th century, it retains its arcade porch, bell tower, and ex-votos, which testify to the popular fervor of the past. It was also the last refuge of Pablo Picasso, whose home is located just a few meters away. The chapel's garden has been a meeting place for geniuses such as Rostropovich, Chaplin, Jean Cocteau, and Winston Churchill. Even today, this Mediterranean backdrop, bathed in the songs of cicadas and the fragrance of olive trees, provides an ideal setting for classical music.
A Demanding and Inspired Artistic Direction
For this 2025 edition, the artistic direction has been entrusted to Philippe Depetris, a renowned flutist and passionate music lover. Drawing on his stage and programming experience, he is designing a festival that combines musical excellence with accessibility. His vision? To create a bridge between the emblematic figures of classical music and the new generation of performers, in a spirit of openness and dialogue between eras and styles.
Schedule and Organization
The concerts will begin each evening at precisely 9 PM in the chapel gardens. The audience is welcomed starting at 7 PM in a friendly atmosphere, with on-site catering provided by the Yvonne Diner food truck. Free parking is available at the Les Cabrières school, with free shuttles to the chapel starting at 7 PM, then every 30 minutes until 8:30 PM. In case of rain, the concerts will take place at Scène 55, and spectators will be informed via SMS.
Four Evenings, Four Universes
Tuesday, July 8: Renaud Capuçon & Guillaume Bellom
The opening night promises to be magnificent. The violinist Renaud Capuçon, acclaimed for his sensitivity and virtuosity, will be joined by pianist Guillaume Bellom. Together, they will explore the romantic peaks with works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss. Their interpretations promise elegance, intensity, and complicity.
Wednesday, July 9: David Fray
In a solo recital, pianist David Fray will offer an unprecedented exploration of transcriptions from Bach to Wagner. With his poetic touch, profound playing, and unique musical thought, Fray turns every concert into an introspective experience.
Thursday, July 10: Henri Demarquette & Jean-Frédéric Neuburger
This cello-piano duo promises thrills. Cellist Henri Demarquette, known for the richness of his timbre and artistic generosity, teams up with talented pianist and composer Jean-Frédéric Neuburger. Together, they will traverse the contrasting emotions of Beethoven, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff.
Friday, July 11: Thomas Enhco & Vassilena Serafimova
The festival will conclude with a spectacular finale featuring the project "Bach Mirror," where Thomas Enhco's piano and Vassilena Serafimova's marimba reinterpret Bach in a contemporary alchemy. Their musical complicity, enriched by improvisation and a bold stylistic freedom, makes this concert a suspended moment, where baroque dialogues with jazz and contemporary music.
Prices and Reservations
Tickets are available starting at €30. Passes allow attendance at multiple concerts at preferential rates:
- 2 concerts: €78
- 3 concerts: €113
- 4 concerts: €143
Discounted rates are available for students, job seekers, and children under 12.
Reservations can be made at mougins.fr, at Scène 55 (55 chemin de Faissole), or on-site (subject to availability).
A Festival for Everyone
This festival caters to both discerning music lovers and curious visitors. It combines musical excellence with the simplicity of an outdoor summer gathering. Each evening promises emotion, shared beauty, and the rediscovery of a living heritage. It is also an invitation to take time, to marvel, and to experience music in a different way.
When Music Embraces Stone and Stars
The Notre-Dame-de-Vie Music Festival is much more than a series of concerts: it is a suspended moment, an immersion in beauty, sensitivity, and the timeless. In the golden silence of the evening, beneath the cypresses, the notes rise and tell what words cannot express.
Each edition brings its share of revelations, shared moments, and unforgettable memories. The charm of the venue, the quality of the performers, and the warm welcome make it a unique event on the French Riviera. If you are looking for an intimate, refined, and inspiring musical experience, Notre-Dame-de-Vie is here for you.