The municipality of Saint-Paul-de-Vence honors the memory of the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, who had a special connection to the village since the 1970s. A day of commemoration is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, marking the anniversary of his passing on October 20, 2005.
The artist transformed the interior of the Sainte-Croix des Pénitents Blancs chapel, now known as the « Folon Chapel ». His work, completed by his artist friends after his sudden departure, was inaugurated on June 13, 2008.
The program will begin at 11 AM with a guided tour titled 'The Folon Chapel: A Poetic Journey Between Earth and Sky'. This tour will explore the stained glass, sculptures, and light effects created by Folon. Admission is free and requires reservation with the Tourist Office at 04 93 32 86 95.
At 6 PM, a commemorative mass will be held in the chapel by Father Éric Ravoux, with music by Marion des Pallières and Béatrice Cumins. The service will last approximately 45 minutes, and admission is free, subject to availability.
The evening will continue at 7 PM with a concert by the clarinet quartet « Les Bâtons Noirs ». The four musicians, Guillaume Bruckert (soprano clarinet), Pierre-Alexis Deneux (sopranino clarinet), Marc Lafond (cor anglais), and Philippe Ballesta (bass clarinet), will offer a sonic journey of about an hour. Admission is also free, by reservation with the Events Department at 04 93 32 41 64 or via email at evenementiel@saint-pauldevence.fr.
