Festival du Conte de Saurat

The art of storytelling at the foot of the Pyrenees

The Festival du Conte de Saurat is one of the most unique cultural events in Ariège. Every summer, in July, the village of Saurat, nestled in a high Pyrenean valley a few kilometers from Tarascon-sur-Ariège, transforms into a land of tales and stories. The association Spectacles et Contes, founded and presided over by Patrice Clou, has been organizing this event for over twenty years, celebrating the oral tradition, the power of imagination, and the ancestral art of storytelling.

Storytelling walks in the Pyrenean nature

One of the unique features of the Festival du Conte de Saurat is its program of outdoor storytelling walks. During the first days of the festival, professional storytellers take the public on a journey through the valley villages — Arignac, Ussat-les-Bains, Mercus — for outdoor storytelling evenings, starting at 8:30 PM, in partnership with the Tarascon region's reading network. These narrative walks, between nature and heritage, offer a unique way to discover the Pyrenean landscapes through the magic of stories.

Shows, open stage, and sharing

The heart of the festival beats at the Maison d'Amount, a venue for shows and gatherings in the center of Saurat. On Friday and Saturday evenings, professional storytellers from all over France present their shows, blending humor, poetry, fantasy, and tradition. The 24th edition in 2025 notably featured Olivier de Robert, Éric Weydert, Véronique Girard, and Catherine Pierloz. The festival also offers an open stage that allows ten artists to each present ten minutes of storytelling, creating an exceptional moment of sharing and discovery.

A festival driven by volunteer passion

The Festival du Conte de Saurat is a human-sized event, driven by the passion of the association Spectacles et Contes and its 21 volunteers. Supported by the association Bienvenue aux Spectacles, the festival cultivates a spirit of friendliness and sharing that makes it a unique meeting place for storytellers, artists, and the public. Entry is free for most events, making the art of storytelling accessible to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.