Val'Dordogne Choral Festival
Gathering of choirs of all styles and backgrounds in Argentat-sur-Dordogne
2026
About Val'Dordogne
Val'Dordogne — edition 2026
16th edition of the Val'Dordogne Choral Festival, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Saint-Pierre church in Argentat-sur-Dordogne. Organized by the Chorale des Gabariers, this annual gathering brings together choirs of all styles around choral singing. The 2026 edition welcomes the Chorale d'Objat, the Groupe Vocal Los Gojats del Porti, and the Ensemble Vocal de Terrasson. Free admission.
Join us on October 3, 2026, for the 16th edition
The 16th edition of the Val'Dordogne Choral Festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Saint-Pierre church in Argentat-sur-Dordogne. True to its tradition of the first Saturday of October, this choral gathering, organized by the Chorale des Gabariers, brings together vocal ensembles of all styles and backgrounds to celebrate choral singing in its diversity.
For this 2026 edition, the Chorale des Gabariers welcomes three guest ensembles: the Chorale d'Objat, the Groupe Vocal Los Gojats del Porti, and the Ensemble Vocal de Terrasson. Each choir will present its repertoire, blending traditional songs, polyphonies, variety, and sacred music, in a warm and friendly atmosphere under the festival's motto: «Pleasure, exchange, and conviviality».
Free admission allows everyone to discover the beauty of choral singing and share a moment of musical fraternity. The Val'Dordogne Choral Festival embodies the commitment of the Chorale des Gabariers to choral practice and cultural life in the Dordogne valley.
Highlights Val'Dordogne 2026
- Gathering of choirs of all styles and backgrounds
- Over 100 choristers for a day of choral singing
- Gospel, jazz, classical, and traditional songs
- Free admission
Programme Val'Dordogne 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Saint-Pierre Church, Argentat-sur-Dordogne
Concert featuring the Chorale des Gabariers (organizer) and its guest ensembles:
- Chorale d'Objat
- Groupe Vocal Los Gojats del Porti
- Ensemble Vocal de Terrasson
Varied repertoires: traditional songs, polyphonies, variety, and sacred music. Free admission.
Prices Val'Dordogne 2026
Practical information — Val'Dordogne
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place at the Saint-Pierre church or the Le Turenne cinema, Argentat-sur-Dordogne, 19400.
- By car: Argentat-sur-Dordogne is located 30 km southwest of Tulle (D1120) and 50 km southeast of Brive-la-Gaillarde (D940). Free parking nearby.
- By train: Brive-la-Gaillarde station (50 km), then bus or car rental.
Schedule
- First Saturday of October.
- Concerts in the afternoon and evening (times to be confirmed depending on the edition).
Prices
- Free admission
Contact
- Website: www.choraledesgabariers.fr
- Email: Contact via the Chorale des Gabariers website
A Choral Gathering Since 2009
The Val'Dordogne Choral Festival was created in 2009 by the Chorale des Gabariers d'Argentat, a vocal group founded in 1985 dedicated to traditional Limousin songs, the songs of the gabariers (river boatmen), and French variety repertoire. Every year, on the first Saturday of October, the festival brings together over 100 choristers from choirs of all styles and backgrounds: gospel, jazz, classical, French variety, world songs, and traditional polyphonies. This gathering affirms the vitality and diversity of choral art in the Dordogne valley.
Choirs of All Styles and Backgrounds
The program of the Val'Dordogne Choral Festival features local, regional, and sometimes national choirs. Each group presents its own repertoire, offering the audience a mosaic of musical styles: gospel and spirituals, vocal jazz, classical and sacred music, French variety, traditional Limousin songs, and world polyphonies. This diversity enriches the festival and appeals to a wide audience, from classical music lovers to fans of traditional singing and gospel.
A Free and Accessible Event for All
The Val'Dordogne Choral Festival takes place in emblematic venues in Argentat-sur-Dordogne: the Saint-Pierre church, a historic building in the heart of the town, or the Le Turenne cinema, a key cultural venue in the Dordogne valley. Admission is free and open to all, allowing everyone to discover the beauty of choral singing and share a moment of musical conviviality. The festival embodies the spirit of sharing and fraternity inherent in choral art, where the collective voice takes precedence over individuality.
40 Years of the Chorale des Gabariers in 2025
In 2025, the Val'Dordogne Choral Festival celebrated a double anniversary: the 15th anniversary of the festival and the 40th anniversary of the Chorale des Gabariers d'Argentat, founded in 1985. This choir, which has sung traditional town airs, gabarier songs, and Limousin folklore since its inception, has evolved to encompass a broader repertoire while preserving its local roots. The festival testifies to the Chorale des Gabariers' commitment to choral practice and cultural life in Corrèze.
Where does it take place — Val'Dordogne
Val'Dordogne in brief
Other festivals near Argentat-sur-Dordogne
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