Toulouse les Orgues

Toulouse is the organ capital of Europe and there are plenty of good reasons for this. It is not by chance that this event has been brought to life by the people - and the organs - of Toulouse.
The city has a rich and varied organ heritage, including many different styles of instruments from all periods of history. The exceptional number of organs in the city (30, 9 of which are classified historical monuments) and the surrounding region (370) mean that all kinds of music can be played.

Following in the footsteps of Xavier Darasse, many famous organists live in Toulouse and put on concerts of the very highest level. The Xavier Darasse organ competition is prestigious and organ lessons are highly sought after in the city. Internationally renowned organ makers produce organs from start to finish, servicing existing organs as well as making new instruments. Finally, the historical renaissance that Toulouse and its citizens are experiencing ensures that this cultural and touristic highlight will continue to delight a city that is at the very heart of Europe.

All of this explains why a musical spectacle of the magnitude of the International Toulouse les Orgues Festival, created by Jan Willem Jansen and Michel Bouvard in 1996, would not be able to exist and thrive anywhere else as it does in Toulouse.

Every October, a loyal following of enthusiasts as well as new fans come from all over France and many other countries to attend this not-to-be-missed festival.