St-Remy Fete de Musique
I visited in June and on the night of the 21st, the Summer Solstice, the centre of St Remy, the heart of the town, was thumping to a mélange of rhythms it was the night of the nationwide Fete de Musique, held each year on the Summer Solstice. Music oozed from every corner. We wandered down the narrow cobblestone streets built for pedestrians and horses, where centuries before, bold boys in breeches pursued giggling girls in tight bodices and free flowing long skirts. Musicians spill from bars and cafés or just find a spot in the streets playing anything from jazz to hip hop. It’s a free and extremely popular celebration, musicians play for free, and anyone can join in. It’s a way to unite all
tastes and all ages. We watched as a Dr Who inspired punk band belted out Latin jazz numbers that would have intoxicated Dave Brubeck. The beat was hypnotic. Out on the square, where the market stalls were set up at dawn, more traditional French music guided older couples & oddly paired children around the dance floor.
This town has become a favourite for visitors to the Luberon, but despite its popularity, the famous still come to Saint Rémy. Celebrities and movie stars from around the world can be seen taking coffee and nibbling on a croissant in the cafés on the cool and shady la place Jean-Jaures. Here they can avoid the limelight from bigger cities, and enjoy a little peace and semi anonymity.