Besançon Music Festival Tickets and Venues: A Practical Guide

How to buy tickets

You can book tickets four ways: online, by regular mail, at the ticket office in Besançon, or at the gates about 45 minutes before each concert, subject to available seats. Online booking opens on June 19, and the ticket office in Besançon opens on September 4, Monday to Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM. The ticket office is located at the Kursaal, salle Proudhon (Place Granvelle).

If you book by mail, you'll need to fill out a booking form. For group reservations (10 or more) or special accessibility needs, the official practical information page provides a dedicated phone line and instructions. Online booking is available 24/7, except for groups, and lets you select your exact seat on a map.

Ticket delivery options

You can choose between paper tickets sent by post, e-tickets delivered by email, or picking up paper tickets at the office or on the evening of the concert. Postal tickets incur a contribution of €2 for postage, and mailing typically starts in mid-July. However, within a week of a concert, tickets are not mailed; you'll need to pick them up instead.

Pricing categories and 2026 rates

Ticket prices for the 2026 edition range from €6 to €54 depending on the category and concert. The main categories are A through E, with subcategories for full price, members, and reduced rates. For example, a Cat 1 ticket in Rate A costs €54 full, €44 for members, and €27 reduced, while a Cat 2 ticket in the same rate is €41 full, €33 members, and €21 reduced. Rates B and C follow a similar structure with lower prices, and Rate D and E concerts start at €12 full and €10 for members.

Category numbers (Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 3) indicate seating zones, while rates (A–E) are assigned per concert. For instance, an opening-night concert at the Grand Kursaal might be Tier A with prices from €21 to €54, while a chamber concert in the Petit Kursaal could be Tier D at €13 to €25. Always check the program for each concert's tier.

When booking online, you can choose your seat directly on a map. If booking by post, you need to consult the seating plans for the Théâtre Ledoux and Grand Kursaal and indicate your preferred 'zone' on the form. The organizers do their best to respect wishes based on availability.

Reduced rates and free admission

Reduced rates apply to jobseekers, students under 30, and people under 18. Proof of eligibility must be provided with your reservation and presented when collecting tickets; reservations without proof are not processed. The 'Members' rate is for members of the festival association and groups of 10 or more.

Children under 12 are admitted free when they accompany an adult with a booked place, except for concerts at a single price. Note that reductions are nominal and individual, except for the 'Cotisant Duo' offer if applicable.

The 2026 edition includes thirteen free concerts, up from five or six in previous years. These include the opening concert at Place de la Révolution and several others at venues like Micaud Park and Place Granvelle. Check the festival program for exact times and locations.

Seating at the Théâtre Ledoux

The Théâtre Ledoux, a historic theater, has no elevator. For wheelchair users, seating is available on the floor level in Category 2, as noted in the official practical information. If you are accompanied, you should mention it when booking so the staff can prepare an appropriate welcome.

Because of the lack of elevator, upper-level seats may not be accessible to those with mobility issues. If you need specific assistance, using the dedicated accessibility line (provided on the official page) is recommended rather than relying on general booking.

Grand Kursaal seating and venue notes

The Grand Kursaal is the festival's largest venue and hosts major orchestral concerts. Seating plans are available on the official website for postal bookings, and for online bookings you can see the map directly. As a general rule, the Grand Kursaal offers good sightlines, but specific note: for some concerts (e.g., at Saint-Jean Cathedral), open seating may have reduced visibility in the second category.

Other venues: Petit Kursaal, Cité des Arts, cathedral, and squares

Beyond the main halls, the festival uses the Petit Kursaal for jazz and world music, the Cité des Arts auditorium for contemporary and family concerts, and atmospheric settings like the Saint-Jean Cathedral and the outdoor squares of la Révolution and Granvelle. Each venue has its own ticketing category and seating arrangements, so check the program for details.

For outdoor concerts in squares, admission is free, but they can be cancelled in case of bad weather. Always verify the venue on the day, as changes are possible; tickets remain valid if the venue changes.

Booking tips

For accessibility reservations and general assistance, the festival provides a dedicated line that operates during ticket office hours. Be sure to have your proof of reduction ready when booking and when picking up tickets, as reduced-rate reservations without copies will not be processed.

Timing matters: online booking starts in mid-June, and popular concerts often sell out. The ticket office in Besançon opens in early September, so if you're booking late, plan to visit early.

General conditions to know before you go

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable except if a concert is cancelled. The hall and ticket office open 45 minutes before each concert, with access to seating beginning 30 minutes before. Concerts start on time; latecomers may be admitted only if it doesn't disturb the performance, and reserved seating is not guaranteed after the concert begins.

The resale of tickets at a higher price is prohibited, and photography, video, and audio recording are strictly forbidden. Payments at the ticket office can be made by credit card or cash only. Security checks (Vigipirate/COVID-19) may be in place, so avoid large bags and expect possible bag inspections.

Plan Your Visit

To make the most of your festival visit, plan your ticket strategy well in advance, especially for popular concerts. Use the official website's practical information to confirm dates and prices before booking.

If you're combining your trip with other activities, the Besançon Christmas Market often runs in December, offering another reason to return. Book your festival tickets early, and enjoy the music.