Printemps de la Guitare

Printemps de la Guitare is a classical-guitar competition in Charleroi, Belgium. It is held every two years, usually in May.

Repertoire requirements

Check website

• Competition Round · 20 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://printemps-guitare.be/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Charleroi

Charleroi, often overlooked, is home to the biennial Printemps de la Guitare festival. This event offers a unique opportunity for classical guitar enthusiasts to explore a city undergoing significant transformation. Once a hub of mining and heavy industry in Wallonia, Charleroi is reinventing itself, blending a rich industrial past with modern cultural initiatives, making it an intriguing backdrop for an international music festival.

Getting there

Charleroi is easily accessible, primarily through Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), a major hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizzair, with routes across Europe and North Africa. Despite its name, the airport is about 55 kilometres (34 miles) from Brussels and directly north of Charleroi. From CRL, the TEC bus line A1 runs frequently to the Charleroi-Sud train station, taking about 17 minutes and costing €6 (as of April 2025). From Charleroi-Sud, direct trains connect to Brussels (including Brussels Airport) and other Belgian destinations. Alternatively, Flibco operates direct buses from major cities like Bruges, Ghent, Mons, and Lille (France) to Charleroi Airport, with a journey to Brussels Midi Station taking about an hour.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Charleroi on Omio →

Belgium 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.

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

Charleroi's city centre, particularly around the modernized Charleroi-Sud train station and across the Sambre river, offers convenient bases for exploring the festival. While the city has historically faced urban decay, ongoing investments in infrastructure and tourism mean there are increasing options. Staying centrally allows easy access to the festival venues and the city's emerging attractions. Given the city's revitalization efforts, it is advisable to check current offerings and book accommodations in advance, especially during festival periods.

What you'll hear

The Printemps de la Guitare is a biennial festival that draws international talent to Charleroi, offering a program centered on the classical guitar. While the specific repertoire is best confirmed on the official website, the event features a competition where winners are awarded cash prizes and concert opportunities. This focus on emerging and established guitarists ensures a high standard of musical performance.

Charleroi, while not historically associated with a specific classical guitar composer, has a vibrant cultural landscape beyond the festival. It holds a significant place in Belgian comic strip history, being the birthplace of Spirou magazine and home to murals of characters like Lucky Luke at metro stations. The city also hosts an annual modern dance festival, reflecting its broader commitment to contemporary arts. This dynamic backdrop provides an interesting contrast to the classical music presented by the Printemps de la Guitare.

The local table

Charleroi's culinary scene reflects its Walloon location and its history, particularly the influence of Italian immigrants who arrived during its industrial boom. While specific local dishes are not widely documented, visitors can expect to find typical Belgian fare, including excellent frites, mussels, and various stews. The city's ongoing revitalization also means a growing array of contemporary dining options and international cuisine. Look for local patisseries and chocolatiers, which are staples of Belgian culinary tradition.

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

While you're there

Between concerts, Charleroi offers several points of interest that reveal its unique character. The internationally acclaimed Museum of Photography is a highlight, showcasing a vast collection and regularly updated exhibitions. Explore the city's comic strip heritage, subtly woven into the urban fabric, with murals visible at metro stations like Parc and Janson. Delve into the city's industrial past by observing its "Pays Noir" (Black Country) legacy, which shaped its development from the 19th century onwards; its origins as a Spanish fortress in 1666, named after King Charles II, are also part of its fascinating history. Charleroi is a city in motion, and simply walking its streets reveals the blend of its industrial heritage and its modern reinvention. For a broader exploration, Brussels is about an hour away by direct train from Charleroi-Sud, offering a wealth of historical and cultural attractions.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Charleroi →

More guitar events in Belgium: Antwerpen Gitaarfestival · Brussels International Guitar Festival and Competition

Also in May: Altamira Gorizia International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional de Madrid (FIGUIM) · Heinsberg Guitar Festival and Competition · Jugend musiziert · Nilo Peraldo Bert International Competition · San-in Guitar Competition

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.

← All competitions & festivals