Carnac Storytelling Festival — Once Upon a Time
When the menhirs start telling stories
About Carnac Storytelling Festival
The Art of Storytelling in the Land of Menhirs
The Carnac Storytelling Festival, named "Once Upon a Time", is a summer cultural event that celebrates the ancient art of storytelling in a setting steeped in history and mystery. Carnac, world-renowned for its menhir alignments, offers an ideal natural and heritage backdrop for the oral transmission of legends and imaginary tales.
Professional Storytellers and Local Associations
Each edition welcomes renowned professional storytellers, invited to share their art in various locations within the commune. Local storytelling associations — "Il Était une fois" from Lorient, "Les Conteurs du Golfe de Vannes", "Histoires de Mots" from Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, and "Contes d'ici et d'Ailleurs" from Carnac — actively participate in the programming, offering intimate and warm moments of sharing.
Varied Formats in Unusual Locations
The originality of the Storytelling Festival lies in the diversity of formats and performance venues. Stories are told during storytelling walks by the sea, at the municipal library, at the nursery for toddlers, on the beach at sunset, during evening gatherings, and in heritage sites. This dispersion throughout the town creates a narrative journey that invites spectators to discover Carnac in a new way.
A Family-Friendly and Accessible Festival
The Carnac Storytelling Festival is designed as a family-friendly event accessible to all. Sessions are adapted to different audiences: stories for toddlers, adventure tales for children, Breton legends, and world stories for adults. Entry is free for most events, making the festival accessible to the widest possible audience.
Carnac, Land of Legends
The anchoring of this festival in Carnac makes perfect sense when you consider that this commune is home to the world's most significant megalithic alignments. The menhirs, dolmens, and tumuli that dot the Carnac landscape are themselves surrounded by ancient legends, offering storytellers an inexhaustible source of inspiration and the public a sense of immersion in a world where reality and imagination blend.
Carnac Storytelling Festival — edition 2026
The Carnac Storytelling Festival « Il Était... Une Fois » returns from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2026, mainly at La Petite Métairie, in the heart of the menhir alignments. Five days of stories, storytelling walks, storytelling aperitifs, workshops, and shows for all ages, with family. Carte blanche to the association « Il était une fois » with Martine Compagnon and Patrik Ewen.
2026 Edition — from July 29 to August 2
The festival brings its stories to La Petite Métairie (route de Kerlescan), to the Terraqué cultural space, and various locations in Carnac. Most events are free or by free contribution; two evening shows are paid (8 € / 6 €).
The 2026 program highlights Breton storytelling and world repertoire, with workshops (voice, storytelling) led by Anne-Sophie Masson and Martine Compagnon, creative workshops (collage with Mélanie Busnel), and an exhibition by artists Mélanie Busnel and Gildas Bitout from July 30 to August 9.
Programme Carnac Storytelling Festival 2026
Before the festival
- Thursday, June 25 — Stories at the P'tits Loups de Carnac nursery (free)
- Saturday, June 27 — Stories at the Terraqué cultural space, sessions at 11 am and 11:30 am (free)
Wednesday, July 29
- Voice workshop with Anne-Sophie Masson (full)
Thursday, July 30
- 6 pm — Inauguration, exhibition opening, and storytelling aperitif at La Petite Métairie (free)
- 9 pm — Show « Il était une fois » (free contribution, from 6 years old)
- Storytelling workshop with Martine Compagnon (full)
Friday, July 31
- 9 pm — Martine Compagnon, « La Grande Faucheuse » — 8 € / 6 € (from 10 years old)
- Storytelling workshop with Martine Compagnon (full)
Saturday, August 1
- 10:30 am — Storytelling walk (free)
- 11 am — Stories for children from 4 years old (free)
- 2 pm-6 pm — Collage workshop with Mélanie Busnel (60 €)
- 4 pm — Open stage (free)
- 6 pm — Storytelling aperitif (free)
- 9 pm — Patrik Ewen, « À la lisière des trois pays... » — 8 € / 6 €
Sunday, August 2
- 11 am — Children / parents stories (free)
- 11 am — Stories at the Kercado tumulus (free)
- 6 pm — Grand Finale with musical surprises (free)
Exhibition: from July 30 to August 9 — Mélanie Busnel and Gildas Bitout.
Highlights Carnac Storytelling Festival 2026
- Carte blanche to the association « Il était une fois »: Martine Compagnon and Patrik Ewen
- Storytelling walk and stories at the Kercado tumulus, in the heart of the megaliths
- Voice and storytelling workshops, creative workshops
- Grand musical finale on Sunday
Prices Carnac Storytelling Festival 2026
Practical information — Carnac Storytelling Festival
Dates and Locations
The Storytelling Festival generally takes place over one to two weeks in July-August. Events are spread across several locations in Carnac: library, beach, nursery, municipal halls, and outdoor spaces. The detailed program is available at the Carnac Tourist Office and on the festival's official website.
Access
By car: Carnac is located 30 km southwest of Vannes via the D768. Parking available in the town center and near the beaches.
By train: Auray station (12 km), then BreizhGo bus to Carnac.
Prices
Most events are free. Some special evening gatherings or performances may have a fee (moderate prices).
Accommodation
Carnac offers a comprehensive range of accommodation: hotels, campsites, B&Bs, and rentals. Booking recommended during high season. Carnac Tourist Office: ot-carnac.fr.
Contact
- Association: APM Carnac
- Website: Carnac Storytelling Festival
- Tourist Office: ot-carnac.fr
Accessibility
Most venues hosting festival events are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Some outdoor sites (beach, trails) may present access difficulties. Contact the organizers for any specific requests.
Practical Tips
As the festival takes place both outdoors and indoors, pack clothing suitable for Breton summer weather (hat, sunscreen for the beach, light jacket for evenings). Outdoor sessions may be canceled in case of bad weather. Check the program updated daily at the Tourist Office.
Food and Drink
Carnac has a wide range of dining options: gourmet restaurants, crêperies, oyster bars, and ice cream parlors are numerous in the town center and along the seafront. No specific catering is provided at the festival venues.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Carnac Storytelling Festival
La Petite Métairie (et divers lieux à Carnac)
La Petite Métairie, Route de Kerlescan, 56340 Carnac, 56340 Carnac