Val Cenis Tango Festival
The Argentine tango festival celebrating the historical links between Maurienne and Argentina
About Tango Val Cenis
The Val Cenis Tango Festival is a unique event, born from the deep historical connection that unites Haute-Maurienne with Latin America. In the 19th century, many families from Lanslebourg emigrated to Argentina and Uruguay in search of better living conditions, bringing with them their mountain culture and traditions. The festival pays homage to these distant cousins through the music and dance of Argentine tango. For four days in August, Val Cenis vibrates to the rhythm of milongas, shows, tango classes, and dancing aperitifs, culminating in the legendary Milonga de las nubes, held at an altitude of over 2,000 meters on the Mont-Cenis plateau.
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Val Cenis Tango Festival: Where Argentina Meets the Alps
The Val Cenis Tango Festival is a singular cultural event that builds a bridge between the Haute-Maurienne Alps and the Rio de la Plata. This festival, which will celebrate its 20th edition in 2026, draws its roots from a history of emigration that marked the valley in the 19th century: facing economic difficulties related to the transformations of mountain life, many families from Lanslebourg crossed the Atlantic to settle in Argentina and Uruguay, taking their Savoyard culture with them and, in return, discovering tango, born in the suburbs of Buenos Aires.
A Tribute to the "Cousins" from Latin America
The festival is, above all, a tribute to these distant "cousins" from Latin America, descendants of Savoyard emigrants who helped build modern Argentina. Through the music and dance of Argentine tango, the festival perpetuates this transatlantic link and celebrates the cultural intermingling between Savoie and the Rio de la Plata. Each edition invites artists—dancers, musicians, DJs—from Argentina, Uruguay, and all over Europe to share their passion for tango.
The Milonga de las nubes: Dancing Tango at 2,000 Meters
The most iconic moment of the festival is the Milonga de las nubes (the milonga of the clouds), a dance party held at an altitude of over 2,000 meters on the Mont-Cenis plateau, with a magnificent panorama of the Vanoise peaks. Dancing tango in this exceptional natural setting, between sky and mountains, is a unique experience in the world that attracts enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Shows, Milongas, and Introductions
The festival's program revolves around several highlights: professional tango shows on stage, evening and outdoor milongas (tango dances), classes and workshops for beginners and advanced dancers, friendly tango aperitifs, and specialized DJ sets featuring traditional and nuevo tango. The classes are taught by renowned maestros, offering both beginners and experienced dancers the opportunity to improve in an exceptional setting.
Val Cenis in Summer: Mountains and Culture
The festival takes place in August, in the heart of summer in Haute-Maurienne. Participants naturally combine the pleasures of tango with mountain activities: hikes to the Mont-Cenis pass, exploration of the Vanoise National Park, swimming in the Mont-Cenis lake, and visits to the historical heritage of Lanslebourg. This combination of culture and nature makes the festival a unique immersive experience.
Tango Val Cenis — edition 2026
The 20th edition of the Val Cenis Tango Festival will be held from August 18 to 22, 2026, in Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis. This anniversary edition will celebrate twenty years of Argentine tango in Haute-Maurienne with an exceptional program: shows, milongas, classes, DJ sets, tango aperitifs, and the legendary Milonga de las nubes on the Mont-Cenis plateau.
Val Cenis Tango Festival 2026 — 20th Edition
The Val Cenis Tango Festival will celebrate its 20th edition from August 18 to 22, 2026, in Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis. This anniversary edition will mark twenty years of Argentine tango in the heart of Haute-Maurienne Vanoise, perpetuating the memory of the historical links between the Maurienne valley and Latin America.
For this special edition, the festival will offer an enriched program over five days: professional tango shows at the Auditorium Laurent Gerra, evening and outdoor milongas, classes and workshops for beginners and advanced dancers, friendly tango aperitifs, and DJ sets mixing traditional and nuevo tango.
The highlight of this 20th edition will be the Milonga de las nubes, held at an altitude of over 2,000 meters on the Mont-Cenis plateau, facing the exceptional panorama of the Vanoise peaks. Dancing tango between sky and mountains, in this historically rich natural site, constitutes a unique experience in the world that contributes to the festival's international renown.
Programme Tango Val Cenis 2026
2026 Program (subject to change)
- Tuesday, August 18: Opening evening and first milonga
- Wednesday, August 19: Tango classes, tango aperitif, evening milonga
- Thursday, August 20: Workshops, tango show, milonga
- Friday, August 21: Milonga de las nubes on the Mont-Cenis plateau
- Saturday, August 22: Grand closing show and gala milonga
Highlights Tango Val Cenis 2026
- 20th anniversary edition of the Val Cenis Argentine tango festival
- Five days of milongas, shows, classes, and tango aperitifs
- Milonga de las nubes at over 2,000 meters altitude on the Mont-Cenis plateau
- Tribute to the historical links between Maurienne and Argentina
- International artists and tango maestros
Prices Tango Val Cenis 2026
Practical information — Tango Val Cenis
Access to Val Cenis - Lanslebourg
By Car
From Chambéry, take the A43 then the N6 towards Modane and Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (approx. 120 km, 1h30). Free parking in the resort.
By Train
The nearest station is Modane, served by TGV from Paris. From Modane, Lanslebourg is accessible by shuttle or car (25 km, approx. 30 minutes).
Typical Program
- Afternoon: Tango classes and workshops (beginner and advanced)
- Late Afternoon: Outdoor tango aperitif
- Evening: Milongas and shows at the Auditorium Laurent Gerra
- Special Event: Milonga de las nubes on the Mont-Cenis plateau at over 2,000 m
Ticketing
Prices and booking procedures are announced each year on the Val Cenis tourist office website.
Accessibility
The Auditorium Laurent Gerra is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Milonga de las nubes, held outdoors on the Mont-Cenis plateau, is accessible by car.
Contact
Val Cenis Tourist Office
Phone: +33 (0)4 79 05 99 06
Website: www.valcenis.com
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Tango Val Cenis
Auditorium Laurent Gerra et plateau du Mont-Cenis
89 rue du Mont-Cenis, 73480 Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis