Au Foin de la Lune

Au Foin de la Lune: A Musical Walk Under the Moonlight

Since 2011, the association Au Foin de la Rue has organized a free family event every September called Au Foin de la Lune. Born from the initiative of a volunteer committee created in 2010, this event offers the people of Mayenne the chance to enjoy the last summer evenings in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with concerts, live performances, participatory workshops, and sound ambushes scattered outdoors.

An Original Concept: The Musical Walk

The founding principle of Au Foin de la Lune is a musical walk of about five kilometers, punctuated by artistic surprises. The route crosses the paths and hedgerow landscapes of the Mayenne countryside, where the public discovers fanfares, folk music bands, visual installations, or unusual scenes staged by performing arts companies along the way. The walk ends with music in a cultural venue, where the festivities continue with evening concerts.

A 100% Volunteer Event

Au Foin de la Lune is entirely conceived, run, and coordinated by volunteers from the association Au Foin de la Rue. From poster design to route planning, from staging sound ambushes to welcoming the public, every aspect of the event relies on the commitment of the association's members. This participatory dimension makes it a meeting point deeply rooted in local life, where the inhabitants of the territory become actors of culture.

Accessibility and Inclusion

The event is distinguished by a strong commitment to accessibility. Joëlettes (all-terrain wheelchairs) are provided free of charge, by reservation with the association Étincelle 53, to enable people with motor, sensory, or cognitive disabilities to participate in the walk. This inclusive approach is in line with the long-standing values of the association Au Foin de la Rue.

Thematic and Eclectic Editions

Over the years, each edition of Au Foin de la Lune offers a different thematic universe. The 11th edition (2022), for example, immersed the public in an astronomical and lunar universe, with workshops on the theme of the moon, a musical tale, a show for young audiences titled 1, 2, 3 Lune, a space rock concert, and a dance for adults. Previous editions have explored other themes, always in a spirit of discovery and sharing.

An Event Rooted in a Broader Associative Project

Au Foin de la Lune is part of the overall project of the association Au Foin de la Rue, whose activities are divided into three areas: the Au Foin de la Rue festival (first weekend of July), the cultural season (of which Au Foin de la Lune is a part), and a resource center dedicated to cultural practices in rural areas. The association, founded in 2000 and based in Saint-Denis-de-Gastines, a rural commune of about 1,500 inhabitants, carries out a committed and eco-responsible project for cultural democratization.