Agenda of festivals

 

In addition to the events discussed on the various guided tours pages, here are a few major events throughout the year in Brittany. Some current events are also presented on the home page.
For some events, we can take care of your organization so that you just enjoy the show (private transport and tours in the area, accommodation if the location in Combourg may suit, ticket booking ...)! Please contact us to precise your wishes. 

  • Fête de la Bretagne (Brittany festival) suggests a long list of events across Brittany (and even much further!). This festival derives from Breton patron Saint-Yves festival ("Gouel Erwan" in Breton). From 2026 May, 14th till 24th.

  • Festival Etonnants Voyageurs ("Amazing travellers" festival) is the inescapable meeting in Saint Malo for travel and exploration lovers, through books and films. From 2026 May, 23rd till 25th.

  • Music festival (fête de la musique), celebrated like everywhere in France on Summer Day, around June, 21st (depending on cities and towns).

 

  • A journey to Nantes (Le voyage à Nantes). Downtown and a few areas in Nantes take on bright colors of modern art to make the discovery of the city even more pleasant. Many inventive creations and events around these places. From late June to late August.
  • Festival des Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix was initially a crazy idea of musical rendez-vous in the center of Brittany. It has become the biggest music festival in France (in terms of spectators). Various music scenes. From 2026, July, 16th till 19th.

  • Cornouaille festival, in Quimper (Cornouaille is the historic area in Brittany particularly related to Cornwall). Breton music, but not only! Fest-noz, theatre, parade with costumes, dance and embroidery workshops. From 2026 July, 23rd till 26th.


  • Tro Breiz, which means touring Bretagne in Breton, is an old pilgrimage in the honour of the seven Breton saints, mostly from Wales and Cornwall, having preached in Bretagne (seven stages, one of which is staged every year in early August). From 2026 August, 2nd till 8th, the stage will go from Vannes to Quimper.
  • Sound and light show at the abbey of Bon Repos (near Rostrenen and the Lake of Guerlédan). Hundreds of voluntary extras take part in this Breton historical fresco, in a charming setting in the center of Brittany, after dark. Late July - early August (for 2026 : 29 and 31 July + 1-5-7-8 August).

  • Festival du Bout du Monde ("End of the world" festival) is a music festival that blends many influences in an amazing setting, on Crozon peninsula. From 2026 July, 31st till August 2nd.

  • Festival Interceltique de Lorient (Interceltic festival) is the annual festival of Celtic music and culture, from 2026 July, 31st till August 9th. 

  • Festival des filets bleus ("Blue fishing nets" festival), in Concarneau : concerts, traditional dance, parade... From 2026 August, 12th till 16th.

  • Festival du Roi Arthur, in Bréal sous Montfort (between Rennes and the Brocéliande forest), contemporary music festival. From 2026 August, 21st till 23rd.

 

  • Route du Rhum is a transatlantic sailing race that takes place between Saint-Malo and Guadeloupe every four years. Next departure in November 2026! The official start is on November, 1st.

  • Festival des Arts Sonnés, music festival in Evran (near Dinan). In November.

  • Festival Livre et Mer ("Book & Sea" festival) is the opportunity to dream about maritime litterature in different ways, with films, lectures, meeting with authors... In Concarneau, mid-November.

 Interceltic festival in Lorient, sailboats  Festival "tombees de la nuit" in Rennes

 

Some more rare events:

  • The week of the Gulf (la semaine du Golfe), one of the main sailing events in Brittany. Every two years beautiful sailing boats take part in regattas and parades in the Gulf of Morbihan, near Vannes. Next edition from 2027 May, 3rd till 9th.

  • Brest International maritime festival. Every four years, some boats from all seas and oceans meet in Brest, for one of the major sailing events. It is the perfect opportunity to admire old and beautiful sailing boats, and even to board on some traditional yachts. It is the while to contemplate the maritime history in a festive and musical environment.
    Next edition from July, 9th till 14th 2027.

  • Festival du chant de marin is a sea shanty festival that offers music from various places as well. It takes place in Paimpol once every two years. Next edition from 2027 August, 6th till 8th.

  • Great procession in Locronan (grande troménie de Locronan), every 6 years. Next rendez-vous in July 2031 !


 

Our Norman neighbours also organize interesting events !

 

© 2023 Visite Bretagne Alternative
© 2023 Visite Bretagne Alternative