Festi'Vals des Chibottes
The popular and heritage festival of Vals-près-le-Puy in the heart of the chibottes site
About Festi'Vals des Chibottes
Festi'Vals des Chibottes: A Celebration at the Heart of Vals Heritage
Born in 2021 under the name Festivogue des Chibottes on the initiative of the artistic collective Yggdrasil and the municipality, Festi'Vals des Chibottes has become the unmissable festive event of Vals-près-le-Puy, at the gates of Le Puy-en-Velay. Every late summer, over a weekend, the town celebrates its most emblematic heritage: the chibottes, these surprising dry stone huts of volcanic origin built by the shepherds and winegrowers of Velay.
The Chibottes: Unique Ancestral Heritage
The chibottes are double-skinned dry stone constructions, circular or square in plan, covered with a stone dome. Built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries in the Dolaizon valley, they served as shelters for shepherds and tool sheds for winegrowers who practiced terraced polyculture. The term "chibotte" was popularized by the historian Albert Boudon-Lashermes. There were once over 200 chibottes at Crouzas. In 2011, a 5.5 km "sentier des chibottes" (chibottes trail), labeled "Respirando", was inaugurated and welcomes over 12,000 visitors each year.
A Festive and Family Program
Each year, Festi'Vals des Chibottes offers a rich program of activities for all audiences:
- Stone Soup: Prepared collectively on Friday evening to open the festival, this friendly culinary tradition brings together locals and visitors.
- Torchlight Procession: At dusk, a torchlight procession winds through the streets of the town center, accompanied by a brass band.
- Popular Ball: At Le Préau, the evening continues with music and dancing.
- Family Shows: Storytelling, puppets, magic, face painting, donkey rides, and creative workshops liven up the chibottes site on Saturday.
- Craft Market: Local artisans and regional producers offer their creations and specialties.
- Foulées des Vignerons: A 13 km race with a 400 m elevation gain, a family orienteering race, and a 7 km walk conclude the festival on Sunday.
An Identity Ambition for Vals-près-le-Puy
According to the mayor, Laurent Bernard, Festi'Vals des Chibottes aims to "forge a new image for the town" by making the chibottes the identity mark of Vals, similar to the Festival du Roi de l'Oiseau for Le Puy-en-Velay. The event allows residents to reclaim the emblematic Crouzas site by creating a collective imagination rooted in local heritage. Driven by passionate volunteers and supported by the municipality, the festival combines conviviality, heritage discovery, and popular festivities.
Festi'Vals des Chibottes — edition 2026
6th Edition — End of August 2026
The Festi'Vals des Chibottes returns for its 6th edition at the end of August 2026 in Vals-près-le-Puy. Since its creation in 2021, the festival has continued to grow to become the unmissable festive and heritage event of the town.
What to Expect
- Stone Soup: Collective preparation of this friendly culinary tradition.
- Torchlight Procession: Nocturnal procession through the village streets accompanied by a brass band.
- Popular Ball: Dancing evening at Le Préau.
- Family Activities: Storytelling, puppets, creative workshops, face painting, donkey rides at the Crouzas site.
- Craft Market: Local artisans and producers.
- Foulées des Vignerons: 13 km race and 7 km walk.
The precise dates and complete program will be announced by the Mairie de Vals-près-le-Puy during the summer of 2026.
Prices Festi'Vals des Chibottes 2026
Practical information — Festi'Vals des Chibottes
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By Car: Vals-près-le-Puy is located 4 km south of Le Puy-en-Velay, accessible via the D31. The Crouzas site has a parking area located slightly above the D31, between Vals-près-le-Puy and Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison. Coming from Vals, the parking is on the right just after a bend; the chibottes trail is indicated there.
From Le Puy-en-Velay: Approximately 10 minutes by car via the D31. The town center of Vals-près-le-Puy is also accessible on foot or by bike from Le Puy-en-Velay.
Festival Venues
The festival takes place at several locations:
- Le Préau (town center): Opening evening, stone soup, popular ball
- Crouzas site (chibottes trail): Saturday family activities, shows, craft market
- Town center streets: Torchlight procession
Prices
Most of the activities are free access. Some services are paid:
- Stone Soup: €1 per bowl, €5 for a full meal
- Saturday Lunch Family Meal: €12 adults, €8 children
- Creative Workshops and Afternoon Shows: €3 children, €6 adults
Indicative Schedule
Friday: from 6 PM — opening, stone soup, torchlight procession at 8:30 PM, popular ball
Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM — craft market, family meal at noon, shows and activities from 2 PM to 6 PM
Sunday morning: Foulées des Vignerons starting at 8:15 AM
Contact
Mairie de Vals-près-le-Puy
2, place du Monastère — 43750 Vals-près-le-Puy
Phone: 04 71 05 77 77
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.valspreslepuy.fr
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the chibottes trail.
- Bring a flashlight for the torchlight procession.
- In case of bad weather, some activities may be moved or canceled. Check the town hall website or Facebook page before your visit.
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Where does it take place — Festi'Vals des Chibottes
Site du Crouzas — Sentier des Chibottes
Site du Crouzas, 43750 Vals-près-le-Puy