Festi'Vache

Festi'Vache: The Annual Maison de la Salers Festival

In the heart of the Pays de Salers, nestled in the Domaine du Fau in Saint-Bonnet-de-Salers, the Maison de la Salers celebrates the most emblematic cattle breed of Cantal every summer during Festi'Vache. Set in a 17th-century barn-stable transformed into an innovative and interactive museum space, this unique place dedicated to the Salers cow opens its doors for an exceptional day combining discovery, conviviality, and pastoral traditions.

Meet the Salers Cow and its Breeders

The highlight of Festi'Vache is the presentation of Salers cows and bulls by their breeders. In the afternoon, visitors can get up close to these magnificent animals with their characteristic mahogany coat, lyre-shaped horns, and rustic temperament, which have been the pride of Cantal for centuries. The breeders share their passion and expertise, explaining the specificities of the Salers breed and summer grazing practices on the volcanic pastures of the Massif Central.

Demonstrations and Local Know-How

Throughout the day, Festi'Vache offers a rich program of demonstrations of local know-how. Beekeepers present their craft and the fascinating world of bees, while herbalists introduce visitors to the medicinal and aromatic plants of Cantal. Artisans demonstrate stone sculpting, an ancestral art of the volcanic region. These encounters with passionate individuals allow visitors to understand the richness and diversity of the living heritage of the Pays de Salers.

Workshops, Games, and Activities for the Whole Family

Festi'Vache is a resolutely family-friendly event. Fun and educational workshops are offered to children to introduce them to the agricultural world in an enjoyable way. Games are set up throughout the domain, and storytellers entertain in the late afternoon with tales and legends from Cantal. Younger visitors can also enjoy the interactive tour of the Maison de la Salers, which traces the history of the cattle breed and its products through models, films, and interactive displays.

Gastronomy and Local Products

The discovery of the Salers cow would not be complete without tasting its exceptional products. Festi'Vache is an opportunity to sample AOP cheeses made from Salers cow's milk: Salers, a raw milk cheese exclusively made during summer grazing, and Cantal, for which the Salers breed provides part of the milk. Local producers also offer tastings of Salers meat, a beef breed renowned for the flavorful quality of its marbled meat, as well as other Cantal regional specialties.

The Maison de la Salers: An Exceptional Venue

The Maison de la Salers, the setting for Festi'Vache, is a unique museum space in France dedicated to a cattle breed. Housed in a 17th-century barn-stable at the Domaine du Fau, it offers an interactive and immersive experience that tells the story of the Salers cow, its connection to the volcanic territory of Cantal, traditional and contemporary breeding practices, and cheese making. The museum visit is accessible during Festi'Vache, providing an ideal cultural complement to the festive day.

A Growing Summer Event

Created in 2019, Festi'Vache has seen growing success with each edition. What began as a small local festival has become a recognized event in the Cantal summer calendar, attracting visitors from all over the region. The 7th edition in 2025 confirms the event's place in the cultural and agricultural landscape of the Pays de Salers, driven by a passionate team working to promote the pastoral heritage of Cantal.