Le Temps des Guitares

Le Temps des Guitares is an international guitar festival celebrating its 10th anniversary, with artistic direction by Olivier Bensa and Cécile Cardinot. It is held in the Chapelle Notre Dame de l'île in Luzech.

Location

Luzech, France

Type

Festival

Most recent edition

28 July 2026 – 1 August 2026

Next edition

Usually each July — dates to be announced

Frequency

annual

Official website

http://www.letempsdesguitares.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Luzech

Deep in the Lot department of south-western France, the small town of Luzech hosts Le Temps des Guitares, a festival celebrating the instrument in a distinctive setting. Encircled by the Lot river, which carves a dramatic meander around it, Luzech sits on an isthmus at the heart of the Cahors wine region. This festival offers a chance to immerse yourself in guitar music while exploring a corner of rural France rich in history and natural beauty.

Getting there

Luzech is located in the Lot department, with the nearest major city being Cahors. The most practical approach is to fly into Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), which offers a wide range of connections. From Toulouse, regular trains run north to Cahors, typically taking about an hour and a half. From Cahors, Luzech is a short journey, reachable by local bus services or taxi; renting a car in Cahors also provides flexibility for exploring the surrounding Quercy region and its vineyards.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Luzech on Omio →

France runs on Type E sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

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Where to stay

Luzech, with its approximately 1,800 inhabitants, is a compact and walkable town. Staying near the central square, built on the site of an old canal, places you within easy reach of local amenities and the festival venues. The unique geography of the peninsula, bordered by the Lot river, means you are never far from picturesque views. The town offers a relaxed base for a few days, with options often including guesthouses and smaller hotels that integrate well into the local charm.

What you'll hear

Le Temps des Guitares is an annual festival that brings together guitarists and enthusiasts for a series of concerts, masterclasses, and musical gatherings. While it is not specifically a competition, the event provides a rich programme of performances showcasing diverse talents and interpretations within the classical guitar world. Attendees can expect a varied repertoire across the week, from solo recitals to ensemble pieces, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for appreciation and learning.

While Luzech has no specific composer tied to its history, the region's ancient past provides a deep, resonant backdrop for contemporary music. From its prehistoric settlements and Gallic oppidum on the Impernal hill to its medieval barony, Luzech has witnessed centuries of human activity. This sense of enduring history, where the river Lot has carved its path and communities have thrived for millennia, lends a timeless quality to the musical experiences presented at the festival.

The local table

The Quercy region, where Luzech is situated, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, with duck products taking a starring role. Look for *confit de canard*, duck legs slow-cooked in their own fat until tender, and *magret de canard*, pan-seared duck breast. Foie gras, often served as an appetizer, is another regional specialty. The area is also famous for its walnuts, often incorporated into salads and desserts. To complement your meal, be sure to sample the local Cahors wine, a robust red known for its deep colour and fruit-forward character, produced in the very vineyards surrounding the town.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Luzech →

While you're there

Between festival events, Luzech offers several historical and natural attractions. Climb the Impernal hill to explore the remains of the Gallic oppidum and Roman structures, enjoying panoramic views of the Lot river's meander, known as the "cingle." Visit the Luzech Tower, classified as an ancient monument, which is a remnant of the old Luzech Château. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Island, dating to 1504, and the Gothic Chapel of Saint James of Luzech (also known as the Blue Penitents) are also worth seeing. The Lot river itself invites activities like fishing and kayaking, or simply a leisurely walk along its banks.

For a day trip, the city of Cahors, the departmental capital, is easily accessible. Here you can explore its historic centre, including the famous Pont Valentré bridge, and visit the Cahors library, which houses a bust of Lucterius, the heroic leader of the Gaulish resistance at Uxellodunum, a site once hypothesized to be near Luzech.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Luzech →

More guitar events in France: Concours International de Guitare d'Antony · Concours International Roland Dyens

Also in July: Canadian Music Competition - Guitar · Certamen Miquel Llobet · Classical Guitar Retreat Scotland · Concorso Città di Fiuggi · Granada Guitar Festival · International Guitar Festival José Tomás Villa de Petrer

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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