Events in Brittany

 

Agenda of festivals

 

In addition to the events discussed on the various 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 (ticket booking, transport, accommodation, tours in the area...)! 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 2023 May, 12th till 21st.

  • 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 2023 May, 15th till 21st.

  • Festival Etonnants Voyageurs ("Amazing travellers" festival) is the inescapable meeting in Saint Malo for travel and exploration lovers, through books and films. From 2023 May, 27th till 29th.
  • 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 middle of Brittany. It has become the biggest music festival in France (in terms of spectators). Various music scenes. From 2023, July, 13th till 17th.

  • 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 2023 July, 19th till 23rd.


    Traditional festival in Saint Suliac Maritime festival in Brest


  • 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). Late July - early August 2023, the stage will go from Dol de Bretagne to Rennes.
  • 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, after dark. Late July - early 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 2023 August 4th till 6th.

  • 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 2023 August, 4th till 6th.

  • Festival Interceltique de Lorient (Interceltic festival) is the annual festival of Celtic music and culture, from 2023 August, 4th till 13th.

  • Festival des filets bleus ("Blue fishing nets" festival), in Concarneau : concerts, traditional dance, parade... From 2023 August, 11th till 15th.

  • 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:

  • 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 in July 2024.

  • Route du Rhum is a transatlantic sailing race that takes place between Saint-Malo and Guadeloupe every four years. Next departure in 2026!

  • Great procession in Locronan (grande troménie de Locronan), every 6 years. Next rendez-vous in July 2025.

 

Our Norman neighbours also organize interesting events !

 

© 2023 Visite Bretagne Alternative