Festival d'Arvor
The great celebration of Breton culture in Vannes
About Festival d'Arvor
Created in 1965, the Festival d'Arvor is one of the oldest and most emblematic Breton culture festivals in Morbihan. Every year in mid-August, it transforms the historic center of Vannes into a huge space for celebrating Breton traditions. The festival offers concerts, festoù-noz, parades in traditional costumes, street performances, conferences, and activities for all ages. A highlight of the event, the election of the Majestés d'Arvor on August 15th in front of the Town Hall perpetuates a tradition that showcases Vannes's traditional clothing heritage. The fireworks display from the ramparts lights up the evening of August 15th each year.
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The Festival d'Arvor: Brittany celebrates in the heart of Vannes
Since 1965, the Festival d'Arvor has been the unmissable event for Breton culture in Vannes. For several days in mid-August, the medieval city vibrates to the rhythm of bombards, binious, and traditional dances. The festival takes over the city's emblematic sites: the port, the gardens, the Place des Lices, the Town Hall square, and the Carmes district.
A rich and varied program
The Festival d'Arvor offers an eclectic program that blends tradition and modernity. The festoù-noz, these traditional Breton balls inscribed in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, are key moments of each edition. Breton, Celtic, and world music concerts take over the open-air stages, while street performances animate the alleys of the old town throughout the day.
The election of the Majestés d'Arvor
A highlight and emblematic tradition of the festival, the election of the Majestés d'Arvor takes place every August 15th in front of the Town Hall. This colorful ceremony highlights Vannes's traditional costumes and Breton clothing heritage. Candidates parade in period outfits, perpetuating a precious cultural heritage.
Activities and shows
The festival offers a multitude of activities: concerts on the port and garden stages, costumed parades in the cobbled streets, introductions to Breton dances, workshops for children, and conferences on the culture and history of Brittany. The Dark Noz, a contemporary and electronic version of the fest-noz, attracts a young audience eager to discover Breton music from a new angle.
A spectacular fireworks display
On the evening of August 15th, fireworks launched from the ramparts of Vannes illuminate the port and the old town, offering a magnificent show to the thousands of spectators gathered along the quays. This magical moment concludes the most festive day of the program.
A festival driven by volunteers
The Festival d'Arvor relies on the commitment of around 300 passionate volunteers who contribute to the organization and smooth running of the event. This associative and participatory dimension gives the festival a warm and authentic atmosphere, true to the spirit of Breton conviviality.
Festival d'Arvor — edition 2026
The Festival d'Arvor returns from August 14th to 16th, 2026, in the historic center of Vannes for a new edition celebrating Breton culture. On the program: concerts, festoù-noz, street performances, election of the Majestés d'Arvor, and fireworks on the ramparts.
Festival d'Arvor 2026
The Festival d'Arvor 2026 will take place from August 14th to 16th, 2026 in Vannes. The historic center of the city of the Veneti will once again host this great celebration of Breton culture, with concerts, festoù-noz, parades in traditional costumes, and numerous activities for the whole family.
The full program will be unveiled in the spring of 2026 on the festival's official website.
Prices Festival d'Arvor 2026
Practical information — Festival d'Arvor
Practical Information
Access and transport
By car: Vannes is accessible via the RN165 expressway from Nantes (1h30) and Lorient (45 min), and via the RN166 from Rennes (1h30). Several parking lots are available near the city center: Rabine parking, port parking, Étang au Duc parking.
By train: Vannes station is served by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (2h30) and by TER Bretagne from Rennes, Lorient, Quimper, and Nantes. The station is a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
By bus: The Kicéo network serves Vannes and its agglomeration. Regular lines connect the station to the city center and surrounding areas.
Festival venues
The festival takes place in the historic center of Vannes: the marina, the rampart gardens, the Place des Lices, the Town Hall square, the Palais des Arts, and the Carmes district. A festival map is available on the official website and at the Tourist Office.
Prices
The majority of street performances and activities are free. Some concerts and indoor shows may be ticketed. Consult the detailed program on the official festival website for specific prices for each event.
Accommodation
Vannes offers a wide choice of accommodation: hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and seasonal rentals. It is strongly advised to book early as mid-August is a very busy period in the Gulf of Morbihan.
Food
Numerous restaurants and crêperies liven up the city center. During the festival, food stalls offer Breton specialties: galettes, crêpes, seafood, and artisanal cider.
Contact
Association Festival d'Arvor – Tel: 07 69 90 04 14 – Email: [email protected] – Website: www.festival-arvor.bzh
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Festival d'Arvor
Centre historique de Vannes
Centre-ville de Vannes, 56000 Vannes