Festival des Foins

A hidden festival on a Morvan hill

Born in 2012 in the hamlet of Montigny, in Saint-Germain-des-Champs, the Festival des Foins is one of the most endearing musical events in the Yonne region. Driven by the association La Boîte à Meuh, it has established itself in a few editions as a must-attend event of the Burgundian summer season, true to a simple philosophy: to offer everyone, especially residents of rural areas, access to vibrant, diverse, and quality culture.

Set in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, the festival site is a setting in itself: hay bales, old Massey Ferguson tractors, gently sloping meadows, and the wooded horizon against the sky. Far from the major circuits, far from the noise of cities, the Festival des Foins returns to the essentials — music, conviviality, and the open air.

An eclectic and bold program

The artistic direction of the Festival des Foins is distinguished by its refusal of any label. From one edition to the next, the program unreservedly mixes contemporary music, French chanson, guinguette, jazz, soul, funk, world music, circus, and banda. The organizers select their artists not only for their musical qualities but also for the humanity they embody — their diversity, their commitment, the richness of their universes.

Over the first thirteen editions, the festival has hosted artists as unique as Sanseverino, an essential figure of gypsy jazz chanson, Vanupié, Flying Orkestar, Lady Bazaar, Teacup Monster, Collectif 13, French Soul Connection, and Godhiva. The single, human-sized stage facilitates intimate and warm concerts where artists and the public truly share something.

A cultural project rooted in the territory

The Festival des Foins is not just a music festival: it is a cultural and social project deeply rooted in its territory. La Boîte à Meuh, a non-profit association based in Montigny, works year-round to promote access to culture for disadvantaged audiences and to combat social exclusion and isolation that particularly affect rural areas.

In this spirit of solidarity, affordable prices are offered, partnerships are established with local social structures, and civic service missions allow young volunteers to get involved with the team. The festival is designed for *everyone* to have a good time: relaxation areas, entertainment for all ages, and special attention to welcoming people with reduced mobility complete the setup.

The tradition of the hay bale roll

Among the must-sees of the Festival des Foins, a unique event has won the hearts of regulars: the hay bale roll. This quirky race, where the bravest participants compete by pushing round bales down the slope, has become one of the festival's signatures. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the place: festive, offbeat, rooted in rural life, and above all, profoundly human.

Thirteen editions, the same momentum

Since its first celebration on June 23, 2012, the Festival des Foins has continued to grow while remaining true to itself. Every June, the Montigny hill transforms into a festive village. On-site camping allows festival-goers from afar to extend the experience under the Morvan stars. The bars offer craft beers and local wines, the food stalls celebrate the flavors of the region, and the music plays until the night calls it a day.

For its 13th edition in 2025, the festival continues its journey with the same artistic standards and the same popular roots. A new eclectic lineup, an ever-enchanting rural setting: the Festival des Foins remains a precious interlude in the Burgundian cultural calendar.