Aulas’s Bold Vision for Lyon’s Fête des Lumières
Lyon, France – Jean-Michel Aulas, an independent candidate supported by the center and right for the 2026 Lyon municipal elections, has made a significant announcement regarding the future of the city’s iconic Fête des Lumières. Aulas, known for his ‘sensational’ declarations, stated that if he wins the mayoral race, he intends to appoint the internationally acclaimed electronic music pioneer, Jean-Michel Jarre, as the artistic director for the 2026 edition of the festival.
The revelation came during a live interview on the ‘Lyon Politiques’ program on BFM Lyon, in partnership with actu Lyon. Aulas, a multimillionaire businessman with an extensive network, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.
Jean-Michel Jarre: A Native Son to Lead the Lights
The former president of Olympique Lyonnais stated his intention to have the French composer and producer, who was born in Lyon, lead the artistic vision for the 2026 Fête des Lumières. “I discussed with Jean-Michel Jarre the possibility of starting the Fête des Lumières on December 8th, and he agreed. You have to be from Lyon to know that December 8th is everyone’s holiday,” Aulas remarked, emphasizing the significance of the date for Lyonnais residents.
Aulas had previously been critical of the 2025 edition of the festival, openly criticizing the artistic choices, stating, “I saw absurd things.” His comments had reportedly provoked a strong reaction from the ecological mayor, Grégory Doucet.
Jarre’s Legacy of Spectacle
Jean-Michel Jarre, now 77, is a celebrated French composer and producer, widely recognized as a pioneer of electronic music. He rose to international fame in the 1970s with his album ‘Oxygène’ and has since become a leading figure in synthetic and ambient music. Jarre is also renowned for his spectacular mega-concerts, which integrate light, lasers, and urban scenography, drawing record-breaking crowds in cities such as Houston, Moscow, and various locations across China. He also participated in the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, showcasing his mastery of immersive technologies.
The Political Landscape and Public Reaction
This announcement is expected to be a key talking point in the upcoming municipal campaign. Aulas’s proposal aims to bring a new dimension to the Fête des Lumières, a festival deeply embedded in Lyon’s cultural identity. The potential involvement of a global artistic figure like Jarre could significantly elevate the festival’s international profile and appeal.
While Aulas’s critics may question the feasibility or appropriateness of such a high-profile appointment in a municipal election campaign, his supporters are likely to view it as a bold and ambitious vision for the city’s cultural future. The proposal also highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding the management and artistic direction of Lyon’s most cherished cultural events.
The Fête des Lumières traditionally attracts millions of visitors to Lyon, and any changes to its format or artistic leadership are met with considerable public interest and debate. Aulas’s promise to involve Jean-Michel Jarre is a clear attempt to distinguish his campaign and offer a fresh perspective on the city’s cultural offerings.
As the municipal elections approach, this proposal will undoubtedly generate further discussion and scrutiny, shaping the narrative around the candidates’ visions for Lyon’s future.
