The beautiful Austrian, which some say is more authentically Austrian than Vienna, is a dream destination for all culture lovers and other music lovers. Mozart's city likes to call itself "the stage of the world". It does not pale in any season from its glorious heritage, animated as it is by high-flying festivals. All year round, this faithful ambassador of classical music welcomes her guests to a cultural splendour of great quality, coupled with an elegance that has earned her a reputation throughout the world. Its gastronomy, its splendid historical heritage which gives pride of place to the Baroque and the charm of its shops will do the rest to give you a good desire to never leave it again

An armada of festivals

Salzburg, the great city in northern Austria, offers an impressive array of cultural events that enrich its calendar throughout the year. Starting with the famous Salzburg Festival, which takes place every summer, offering a programme of top-of-the-range classical music, including many operas. Founded by Max Reinhardt in 1920, this must-see festival is one of the most chic and famous in the world, attracting some 260,000 visitors each year. Each of its editions is a unique, conceptual event in itself. The 2017 edition will feature international music stars such as Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazón and Riccardo Muti.

In January, Salzburg launches its harmonic fireworks with Mozart's Week, which pays tribute to the city's most famous child. In Salzburg, Mozart is everywhere; you cannot leave without visiting Mozart's Birthplace and Mozart's Residence. At the beginning of April, the Easter Festival takes over with a programme of operas and classical concerts. Founded in 1967 by Herbert von Karajan, it will present in its 2017 edition a much awaited new production of Wagner's Valkyrie. The Salzburg spring will not then be finished attracting music lovers, as the Pentecost Festival will increase the number of operas and concerts. Scheduled for early June, this festival, initially intended to satisfy those who had not been able to buy tickets for the Easter Festival, has become its double, more intimate and focused on a poetic theme

Salzburg asserts itself in the classical as well as in the avant-garde

You might think Salzburg is linked to classical culture, but it is also at the forefront with the Sommerszene Contemporary Art Festival, which in June invites the public to attend performances, plays or contemporary dance shows. After the Salzburg Festival bouquet in August, autumn is not to be outdone with the Salzburg Cultural Days in October, which celebrate young performers of classical music

In October, Mozart's city is back in the spotlight with Jazz & The City, a very lively event that takes place in the old city for a few days. Finally, the Advent period, so romantic in Germanic countries, is also marked by the seal of harmony with the Salzburg Advent Songs, which attract nearly 40,000 visitors each year. The attractions of winter do not stop there: Winterfest, Fête hivernale is a contemporary circus festival with an astonishing programme.

A city of great museums

This does not mean that the Mozartstadt is only interested in sound beauty. The Salzburg Museum, winner of the European Museum of the Year Award in 2009, housed in the superb Neue Residenz, is one of the continent's largest museums dedicated to the history of a city from the angle of art and archaeology. It has a rich collection of treasures, both historical and medieval, and invites its visitors on a journey back in time. As for the Domquartier, it emanates from an innovative and lively museum concept. Opened in 2014, this UNESCO listed complex turns Salzburg Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace into a lively Baroque art show. Until January 2017, you can discover the Baroque richness of the Domquartier at the Louvre Museum in Paris thanks to the exhibition Geste Baroque. Salzburg Collections. In the summer of 2017, it is the Louvre's turn to invite itself to the Salzburg Museum with its exhibition Art royal - Drawings by Louvre masters

In Salzburg, fine arts are permanently on display at the Residenzgalerie Salzburg and the Museum der Moderne. Finally, among the 50 or so art galleries in the city, we recommend that you stay in the Thaddeus Ropac Gallery on Mirabellplatz. It is the Salzburg equivalent of the Parisian establishments of this famous Austrian gallery owner, where marvels of international contemporary art are exhibited.

Smart info

When? When? All year round, on the dates of the major festivals, according to your favourite event. Salzburg offers leading festivals in January, April, June, July, August, October and November/December

Duration. A long weekend to attend several cultural events, visit a few museums and explore the old town without forgetting a few gastronomic stops. The whole duration of a festival if you want to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a Salzburg festival

Public. Culture lovers will be at home in Salzburg, but those who are eager for exoticism will not be left behind. Immerse yourself in the splendour of this elegant classic city and take the pulse of an Austria steeped in culture

Getting there. Allow about 1 hour and 40 minutes for a direct flight from Paris to Salzburg

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Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible.

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