Festival CastelRoc

CastelRoc: Popular festival in the heart of an exceptional medieval village

The CastelRoc Festival is much more than just a music festival: it is the grand popular festival of Castelnau-de-Montmiral, a medieval bastide from the 13th century labeled Most Beautiful Village in France, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vère valley and the Gaillac vineyards. Heir to a festive tradition dating back to the 1930s, the festival has evolved over the decades to become an essential musical event in the north of the Tarn.

A free and popular festival

CastelRoc's philosophy is based on an unshakeable principle: entry is free. Funded by the Castelnau-de-Montmiral Festival Committee, catering revenue, and local partners, the festival offers three evenings of concerts accessible to all, without any ticketing. This free access is the strength and authenticity of the event, which brings together families, young and old in a large-scale village festival atmosphere.

Three days of concerts on the Esplanade

The festival takes place on the magnificent Esplanade of Castelnau-de-Montmiral, a vast square offering an exceptional panorama of the Gaillacois hillsides. Two stages host an eclectic program mixing rock, variety, tributes, local bands, and national headliners. The program alternates between discoveries and sure bets, with concerts running from mid-afternoon until late at night, punctuated by DJ sets that extend the party.

Giant aligot and grills: a gourmet tradition

It's impossible to talk about CastelRoc without mentioning its giant aligot, prepared over a wood fire in the village square in a huge cauldron. This emblematic specialty of the Southwest, a creamy mixture of potatoes and fresh tomme cheese from Aubrac, is served with grilled sausages. The catering stands also offer beef ribs and duck breasts cooked over a wood fire, as well as local products and tombolas.

A springboard for local artists

CastelRoc gives an important place to local and regional bands. Each edition includes a music competition offering young regional bands a professional-quality stage in front of a large audience. This participatory dimension strengthens the link between the festival and its territory.