Festival de la Saint-Loup
The biggest Breton dance festival, national championship in Guingamp
About Saint-Loup
The biggest gathering of Breton dancers
The Festival de la Saint-Loup is the largest event dedicated to Breton dance in France. Every year, during the second half of August, the town of Guingamp hosts the national Breton dance championship organized by the Kendalc'h confederation, bringing together dozens of Celtic circles and bagadoù from all over Brittany.
A history rooted in tradition
The Saint-Loup festival is an ancient tradition in Guingamp. In 1953, the Saint-Loup moved to the town center, but it was in 1957 that the festival took its current form: the Kendalc'h committee and the festival committee had the idea of creating a major two-day Breton dance festival — a parade on Saturday evening and a dance competition on Sunday. The first edition of this "new formula" attracted nearly 30,000 people, who came to discover the performances of about thirty circles and bagadoù.
Four days of Breton celebration
Today, the festival spans four days. Every evening, a large fest-noz is held under a marquee with a dance floor in the Place du Vally. The program includes parades in traditional costume through the streets of Guingamp, the national Breton dance championship with Celtic circles competing, introductions to Breton dances and games, concerts of Celtic music, and activities for all ages.
An identity festival
The Festival de la Saint-Loup is more than just a festive event: it is an act of transmission of Breton culture. Breton dance, inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage of France, is celebrated here in all its diversity — gavotte, an dro, hanter dro, plinn, fisel — by dancers of all ages, from children to elders, in an atmosphere of pride and sharing.
Saint-Loup — edition 2026
The 69th edition of the Saint-Loup Festival will be held from August 19 to 23, 2026, in Guingamp (Côtes-d'Armor). Five days dedicated to Breton dance and music, culminating in the National Breton Dance Championship, fest-noz, concerts, parades of Celtic circles, and entertainment in the city center.
Saint-Loup Festival 2026
From Wednesday, August 19 to Sunday, August 23, 2026, Guingamp becomes the capital of Breton dance for its 69th Saint-Loup. The festival combines concerts, nocturnal fest-noz, parades of Celtic circles, dance workshops, and street entertainment in the city center (squares and streets in the heart of the city).
A highlight of this edition: the National Breton Dance Championship, which brings together the best Celtic circles and dance groups selected throughout the year within the Kenleur confederation. On Saturday, all groups participate in the Jean-Pierre Ellien Challenge (the "dérobée de Guingamp"); the new champion of Bretagne is crowned on Sunday evening after the final.
The full program and practical information are progressively published on saintloup.bzh.
Programme Saint-Loup 2026
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Festival opening (detailed program to be published).
Thursday, August 20, 2026
- 7:49 PM — Ivarh
- Korriganed Panvrid (vice-champion of Bretagne 2024-2025)
Friday, August 21, 2026
- 7:29 PM — Annie Ebrel Quartet
- Ital Express, Enneade, Barok and other groups
Saturday, August 22, 2026
- From 7:29 PM — Jean-Charles Guichen Groupe and other groups
- Jean-Pierre Ellien Challenge (the "dérobée de Guingamp")
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- From 7:33 PM — National Breton Dance Championship (final), parade, entertainment and fest-noz. Crowning of the new champion of Bretagne late in the evening.
Prices Saint-Loup 2026
Practical information — Saint-Loup
Practical Information
Location
Guingamp town center, Place du Vally and streets of the center, 22200 Guingamp.
Opening Hours
- Four days in August, from Thursday to Sunday. Fest-noz in the evening, competitions and parades during the day.
Prices
- Friday Fest-noz: €10
- Saturday Fest-noz: €8
- Sunday Championship: €15
Access
- By car: Guingamp is accessible via the RN12 (Rennes – Brest axis). Free parking on the outskirts.
- By train: Guingamp SNCF station (TGV Paris – Brest line).
Contact
- Website: saintloup.bzh
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Where does it take place — Saint-Loup
Centre-ville de Guingamp – Place du Vally
3 place du Champ au Roy, 22200 Guingamp, 22200 Guingamp