Brittany's Biggest And Best Festivals
Brittany is home to many of France’s best-known festivals and celebrations. The Breton calendar is packed with local events and fêtes which draw international stars and spectators, so whenever you visit, you are likely to find something of interest going on. Here's a list of 25 festivals worth exploring :
Lieux Mouvants (Festival of Moving Places) in Lanrivain : 22 June to 1 September 2019
This quirky festival takes place over 11 weekends in the heart of Brittany around Lanrivain (about ten miles away from Bon Repos Gites in Central Brittany) and combines innovative shows, major artists, naturalists and pop-up gardens. Events are staged in villages and gardens that are off the beaten track and quite magical. You can expect art installations and shows that have been created on-site or exhibited in highly unusual ways. The artists are often present and happy to discuss their works.
Fêtes Historiques (Historical Festival) in Vannes : 13-14 July 2019
A great opportunity to soak up the medieval atmosphere at the heart of a city full of character (there are almost 300 Listed buildings within the town’s ancient walls). Enjoy the performances and side-shows as you meander through the rampart gardens and the cobbled streets of the old town. There’s also a vast range of medieval living-history on show, including smithies, cobblers, coopers, coin-makers, falconry displays and artillery demonstrations. Try some medieval cuisine at one of the many food stalls and as dusk settles enjoy the spectacle as dancers, acrobats and fire-eaters take to the streets.
National Day : 14 July 2019
Known simply as ‘le quatorze juillet’, on France’s National Day you will find all manner of celebrations taking place, even in the smallest villages, and usually ending with a fireworks display and Fest Noz (a night-time party). Or for something a little different you could head across to Mahalon for the World Wheeled-Bed Racing Championships.
Les Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix-Plouguer : 18-21 July 2019
Now in its 28th year, this is France's largest music festival and is staged just 20 miles away from Bon Repos Gites if you don't fancy the joys of camping! The festival boasts an array of international star names and bands just breaking through into the big time and seems to have the knack of creating a melting pot of musical styles and generations that suit the cosmopolitan audience.
Jazz en Ville in Vannes : 22-27 July 2019
This is largely a free festival with concerts and performances staged amidst the ancient town ramparts and in clubs and venues in the city centre. The focus of the festival is strongly on jazz music but it also includes a line-up of folk, blues, soul and rock performers. It's another great reason to spend some time in this beautiful city.
Festival Le Cornouaille (Festival of Cornwall) in Quimper: 23-28 July 2019
This is probably Brittany's most important cultural event and certainly the most well-established. Some 180 concerts, shows and events featuring performers from all over the world, celebrate Breton music and culture. For the duration of the festival, the beautiful city of Quimper is filled with street performances, art exhibitions, market stalls and artisanal food & drink vendors.
Fest Jazz in Châteauneuf-du-Faou : 26-28 July 2019
A laid-back festival that attracts artists and spectators from across the world. Stretched across five venues on the banks of the River Aulne, all are within easy walking distance of each other. The festival programme places emphasis on young musicians and lively, danceable jazz but other styles are well represented.
Festival Lyrique en Mer in Belle-Ile-en-Mer : 30 July-16 August 2019
Brittany’s answer to Britain's noted Glyndebourne Festival takes place in the beautiful setting of Belle-Isle-en-Mer. Now in its 21st edition, the festival grows from strength to strength and attracts the best international talents to its line-ups. This year’s varied programme is centered around Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.
Son et Lumière de Bon-Repos in Laniscat : 31 July-10 August 2019
Over two hours, the history of Brittany from the Roman invasion to the French Revolution is brought to life in eight vignettes. Projected onto a two hectare stage using the historic abbey walls as its backdrop, this state-of-the-art sound and light show uses around 400 actors, 2,300 costumes and hundreds of chariots, carriages, horses and farm animals, accompanied by pyrotechnic special effects and music to deliver an amazing spectacle complete with jousting, battle scenes and the burning of a village! Under ten minutes away from Bon Repos Gites.
Au Pont Du Rock in Maelstroit : 2-3 August 2019
The longest-running summer rock festival in Brittany is now in its 30th year. Staged in the historic town of Maelstroit, the event’s focus is on rock music but rap, reggae and electro also feature.
Festival du Chant de Marin (Sea Shanty Festival) in Paimpol : 2-4 August 2019
A biennial festival celebrating seafaring traditions and values. Hundreds of traditional sailing ships descend on the harbour, providing a backdrop for art and craft exhibitions, food and drink, music and dancing. There’s more than just sea shanties to be heard – the last event featured 160 bands and international stars play regularly.
Festival Interceltique (Celtic Festival) in Lorient : 2-11 August 2019
One of the biggest annual festivals in France - expect around 200 events and shows (over half of these are free!) and up to 5000 performers celebrating the best of Celtic culture. There’s truly something for everyone here, from bespoke harp workshops to a grand parade which regularly attracts over 50,000 spectators.
Fête du Bruit in Landerneau : 9-11 August 2019
Now in its 11th year, the young gun of the Brittany music festivals scene has quickly established a history of staging strong international line-ups alongside emerging talent.
Festival de la Saint-Loup in Guingamp : 13-18 August 2019
This is one of the oldest traditional festivals in Brittany with origins stretching back to the early 19th century. A celebration of Breton dance and music featuring some 2,500 artists from across Brittany and the Celtic nations. There is a lot to see and do - Breton dance workshops, Breton games, parades and concerts run throughout the week, with the National Breton Dance Competition a real highlight.
Les Filets Bleus (Blue Fishing Nets) in Concarneau : 14-18 August 2019
Named after the blue sardine-fishing nets that once covered the quays of picturesque Concarneau, this vibrant and colourful festival has been around for over a hundred years. Wandering around, you can soak up the atmosphere of the performances and parades and if you are feeling adventurous try a bout of Gouren (Breton wrestling), a game of Palets (boules Breton-style) or learn a few Breton dance steps.
Route du Rock in St Malo : 15-17 August 2019
Now in its 28th year, this is an internationally acclaimed alternative music festival staged in the picturesque town of St Malo where big names and breakthrough acts share several stages.
Fête de l’Oignon de Roscoff (Onion Festival) in Roscoff : 24-25 August 2019
The beautiful seaside town of Roscoff celebrates its famous pink onions every summer with a two-day festival. There’s music ‘til the early hours and an interesting market spread along the quayside selling many different onion flavoured products, from tarts and sausages to chutney and beer - yes, beer!
Yaouank (Youth Festival) in Rennes : 23 November 2019
Now in its 21st year, this festival continues to grow and evolve but its core aim remains to inject fresh blood into traditional Breton music. Expect lots of musical fusions! A fortnight of events and concerts culminate in the biggest Fest-Noz (a night-time party!) in Brittany - from 5pm on Saturday to 5am on Sunday.
Fête de la Coquille Saint‑Jacques (Scallop Festival) in Erquy : 18-19 April 2020
The Bay of St Brieuc lays claim to some of the best scallops in Europe. To celebrate the end of the fishing season, the ports of Saint-Quay Portrieux, Erquy & Paimpol take it in turns to organise this festival. There is much to see and do, including boat trips, arts & craft markets and cooking exhibitions. There’s lots of music and, needless to say, there will be tons (over 50 of them!) of fresh scallops to enjoy!
Classique au Large in St Malo : May 2020 (exact dates not released yet)
A well-established festival focused on classical music with many free performances to enjoy in various venues across the charming coastal town of St Malo. Do spend some time soaking in the atmosphere of the old walled city!
Fête de la Bretagne (Festival of Brittany) : mid May 2020
Over 300 events organised across Brittany and beyond showcasing Breton culture, from the most traditional of customs to the latest youth trends. There will be a range of concerts, exhibitions, walks, street entertainments and artisan markets to dip into.
Art Rock in St Brieuc : 29-31 May 2020
Not your standard music festival but an artistic celebration with dance, video, theatre, circus and contemporary arts sharing the limelight with the music. This year’s festival in the coastal city of St Brieuc featured 55 concerts, three exhibitions, and many dance shows, street art displays and new screenings. - expect a similar number in 2020!
A food festival - Rock’n Toques – runs concurrently, with the big names of Breton gastronomy offering visitors an amazing take on street food. As well as Michelin-starred chefs and other great cooks, the participation of so many Pâtissiers, Artisan Boulangers and crêpe makers make this a real gourmet fest. Just 45 minutes away from Bon Repos Gites.
Hellfest in Clisson : 19-21 June 2020
One of the biggest heavy metal music festivals in Europe, boasting consistently impressive line-ups. Over 150 acts appeared this year. Although no longer, strictly speaking, in Brittany, Clisson is at the heart of historic Brittany.
Temps Fête Festival in Douarnenez : 15 to 19 July 2020
Tall ships and other traditional vessels from all parts of the world form the backdrop to this long-running festival. The quaysides of the town’s four ports are packed with entertainers and musicians, artisanal markets and food stalls, creating a convivial and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are plenty of activities for children (and adults) to get involved in such as tying sailors’ knots or climbing sail rigging.
Fête des Remparts (Festival of the Ramparts) in Dinan : 18-19 July 2020
Held every other year, this colourful festival takes over the pretty medieval town of Dinan. Lots of locals and visitors get into the festival spirit and dress in medieval costumes adding to the fun atmosphere (and allows you free entry to the festival’s main events!). It’s a packed weekend with a big medieval market, jousting tournaments and a spectacular grand parade.
This is, of necessity, just a small selection of events worthy of your time - you'll be sure to find something to suit you, whenever you visit beautiful Brittany.
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