Festival de Contes de Nay

The art of storytelling in the heart of Béarn

Since 1997, the Festival de Contes de Nay has celebrated the ancestral art of oral storytelling in the exceptional setting of the Maison Carrée, a Renaissance architectural gem located on the Place de la République in Nay. Every first weekend of August, professional storytellers from all over France take over the emblematic places of the town to offer the public moments of dreams, listening, and wonder.

Enchanted places

The originality of this festival lies in its ability to transform everyday places into magical narrative spaces:

• The Maison Carrée: This 16th-century historic monument, with its arcaded galleries and remarkable architecture, becomes the main stage for performances.
• The kindergarten: Young children discover the pleasure of listening in a reassuring and familiar setting.
• The retirement home: Stories create bridges between generations, bringing joy and escape to residents.
• The streets and squares of Nay: Storytelling walks allow you to rediscover the medieval fortified town from a poetic angle.

A festival for all ages

The Festival de Contes de Nay is aimed at all audiences, from the youngest to the oldest. The performances are adapted to different age groups, with specific sessions for young children and evenings for adults. The apéro-conte (storytelling aperitif), a friendly moment where stories are enjoyed with a glass of Jurançon wine, is one of the festival's highlights.

Talented storytellers

Each edition invites recognized professional storytellers on the national scene, masters in the art of captivating their audience by the sole force of their words. These artists of the word perpetuate a millennial tradition while renewing it through contemporary forms of narration.

Nay, a fortified town in Béarn

Nay is a fortified town founded in the 13th century, located at the foot of the Pyrenees in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. The town is known for its Maison Carrée, a listed historic monument, which today houses a museum and a cultural center active throughout the year. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of this Béarnais city with its rich architectural heritage.