Bal Folk du Perche
Traditional music and dance festival of the Perche
About Bal Folk du Perche
Folk tradition in the heart of Perche
The Bal Folk du Perche, a flagship event of the Trad'Orne festival, has become the unmissable gathering for lovers of traditional music and dances in the Orne Perche region. Every spring, the town of Sablons-sur-Huisne hosts musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts for a weekend of sharing and conviviality around traditional musical heritage.
Three days of celebration
The festival unfolds over three days packed with events:
Friday evening
The festival officially opens on Friday late afternoon with an inaugural aperitif at 6:30 PM, followed by the first major folk dance at 9:00 PM. The bands Tradart, Perchémaine, and Planchée get the audience dancing to traditional tunes from the Perche, Brittany, Auvergne, and beyond.
Saturday
Saturday is dedicated to practical workshops, open to all levels:
- Diatonic accordion workshop: introduction and advanced training on this iconic folk instrument
- Folk violin workshop: discovery of violin techniques in the traditional repertoire
- Group dance workshop: learning traditional dances for adults, all levels
In the afternoon, the market square comes alive with an open stage where amateur and experienced musicians can share their repertoire. In the evening, a second major folk dance brings together the bands “Roule et Ferme derrière” and “Bargainatt” for a lively dancing night.
Sunday
On Sunday morning, a musical aperitif accompanied by barbecues provides a convivial and cheerful closing to the festival. It's an opportunity to gather one last time around music and local gastronomy before parting.
The festival bands
The lineup highlights regional and national groups specializing in the traditional repertoire:
- Tradart: traditional music from central France
- Perchémaine: repertoire from Perche and Maine
- Planchée: dance music
- Bargainatt: festive and energetic folk
- Roule et Ferme derrière: dance music
Sablons-sur-Huisne, in the heart of Perche
Sablons-sur-Huisne, a commune in the Orne Perche region, offers a rural and authentic setting for this festival. The rolling landscapes, oak forests, and Percheron manors provide an ideal backdrop for celebrating the musical traditions of this culturally rich and historic territory.
Bal Folk du Perche — edition 2026
Highlights Bal Folk du Perche 2026
- 4th edition of the Trad'Orne festival
- April 10-12, 2026
- Folk dances Friday and Saturday evenings
- Instrument and dance workshops on Saturday
- Musical aperitif on Sunday
Prices Bal Folk du Perche 2026
Practical information — Bal Folk du Perche
Practical information
Access
The festival takes place in Sablons-sur-Huisne, in the heart of the Orne Perche region, in a rural and authentic setting.
- By car: Sablons-sur-Huisne is accessible via the D955 from Mortagne-au-Perche (15 min) or from Nogent-le-Rotrou (25 min). From Alençon, take the D955 (40 min). From Paris, take the A11 towards Le Mans, exit at Nogent-le-Rotrou, then the D955 (approx. 2 hours). Free parking on-site and around the town hall.
- By train: Nearest station is Nogent-le-Rotrou (25 km), served by TER Centre-Val de Loire from Paris-Austerlitz. Carpooling is highly recommended to reach Sablons-sur-Huisne from the station.
Location
Town hall and market square, 61110 Sablons-sur-Huisne. The town hall hosts the evening dances and some workshops, while the market square is the venue for the open stage and daytime outdoor activities.
Program
The festival takes place over three days:
- Friday evening: official opening at 6:30 PM, first major folk dance at 9:00 PM with invited bands
- Saturday daytime: practical workshops (diatonic accordion, folk violin, group dance) open to all levels, entertainment in the market square with an open stage
- Saturday evening: second major folk dance at 9:00 PM
- Sunday morning: musical aperitif and barbecues starting at 11:00 AM for a festive and friendly closing
Prices
Evening dances (Friday and Saturday): 10 euros per evening. Workshops: price to be confirmed depending on the edition (usually between 5 and 15 euros). Daytime entertainment and open stage are free access. Sunday aperitif: contribution by hat.
Workshops
Saturday workshops are open to all levels, from beginners to advanced. They are led by experienced musicians and dancers who share their expertise in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Instruments are not provided for the music workshops: bring your own diatonic accordion or violin. For the dance workshop, just come with comfortable shoes.
Catering
On-site catering on Saturday evening (meal prepared by volunteers) and Sunday lunch (barbecues and salads). A bar is available throughout the weekend with cold drinks, craft beers, and mulled wine. Proceeds from catering contribute to the festival's funding.
Accommodation
For festival-goers wishing to stay the whole weekend, accommodation options are available nearby: rural gites, bed and breakfasts in the Perche region. The Tourist Office of Mortagne-au-Perche (02 33 83 34 37) can provide information.
Contact
Official website: tradorne.net
Sablons-sur-Huisne Town Hall: sablons-sur-huisne.fr
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Where does it take place — Bal Folk du Perche
Salle des fêtes et place du marché, Sablons-sur-Huisne
Centre-bourg, 61110 Sablons-sur-Huisne