Festival du Volcan du Montpeloux
Water shows in the heart of a volcano, under the stars of Livradois-Forez
About Volcan du Montpeloux
Since 2006, the Festival du Volcan du Montpeloux has offered an eclectic program each summer, mixing theater, music, dance, and circus in a unique natural setting: the crater of the Montpeloux volcano in Saillant, with its 70-meter-high basalt columns. The shows take place on a floating stage on the water, under the stars, offering exceptional acoustics and an extraordinary sensory experience. The festival hosts 200 spectators every Thursday evening in July and August.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Volcan du Montpeloux at the best price.
Sponsored link
Festival du Volcan du Montpeloux: A Unique Festival in France
The Festival du Volcan du Montpeloux is a unique event in France: a performing arts festival that takes place in the heart of a volcanic crater. Since 2006, every Thursday evening in the summer, the Montpeloux volcano in Saillant hosts shows on a floating stage on the water, framed by 70-meter-high basalt columns, under the stars of Livradois-Forez.
An Exceptional Natural Setting
The Montpeloux site is an ancient volcano whose crater has filled with water over the centuries, creating a natural body of water surrounded by spectacular basalt columns. This geological formation offers exceptional natural acoustics and a magical setting for the shows. The natural amphitheater accommodates 200 spectators in an intimate and majestic atmosphere.
A Multidisciplinary Program
The festival offers an eclectic program that combines:
- Theater: classical and contemporary plays adapted to the unique setting
- Music: acoustic concerts and musical performances
- Dance: choreographic shows on the aquatic stage
- Circus: circus arts and acrobatic performances
- Storytelling: narrations and tales under the stars
Every Thursday evening at 9 PM, a different show is presented, offering spectators the opportunity to discover a wide panorama of the performing arts throughout the summer.
Twenty Years of Magic
In 2026, the festival celebrates its 20th edition, two decades of shows that have delighted thousands of spectators in this magical place. Supported by the Communauté de communes Ambert Livradois Forez, the festival has become a cultural jewel of the region, attracting a loyal audience and many visitors curious to discover this exceptional natural site.
Volcan du Montpeloux — edition 2026
The 20th edition of the Festival du Volcan du Montpeloux will be held from July 2 to August 20, 2026, every Thursday evening at 9 PM. For this anniversary, a varied program mixing theater, music, dance, and circus is promised. Tickets available from June 8, 2026.
20th Edition - July 2 to August 20, 2026
The Festival du Volcan du Montpeloux celebrates its 20th edition from July 2 to August 20, 2026. Every Thursday evening at 9 PM, the Montpeloux volcanic crater hosts a different show on its floating stage. For this anniversary, the program promises to be exceptional, mixing theater, music, dance, and circus.
Ticketing opens on June 8, 2026. Booking is mandatory (200 seats per performance).
Highlights Volcan du Montpeloux 2026
To Remember for 2026
- 20th anniversary edition
- Every Thursday from July 2 to August 20, 2026, at 9 PM
- Ticketing from June 8, 2026
- 200 seats per performance
Prices Volcan du Montpeloux 2026
Practical information — Volcan du Montpeloux
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: The Montpeloux volcano is located in the commune of Saillant (63840), in the Ance valley, about 90 km southeast of Clermont-Ferrand. Access via the D906 through Ambert then direction Saillant. Parking is available near the site. Allow for a short walk to the crater.
Festival Venue
Volcan du Montpeloux, Montpeloux, 63840 Saillant. The floating stage is set up on the body of water in the heart of the volcanic crater. Capacity: 200 seats.
Ticketing
Full price: €12. Reduced price: €6 (under 12s, students, job seekers). Member price: €8 (holders of a library card). Free for under 5s. Booking is mandatory due to limited capacity (200 seats). Online ticketing on the website of the Communauté de communes Ambert Livradois Forez.
Schedule
Every Thursday evening in July and August at 9 PM. Arrive early to settle into the natural seating.
Practical Tips
Bring warm clothing (evenings can be cool in the crater), walking shoes to access the site, and possibly a cushion for seating. A flashlight is recommended for the return journey.
Contact
Culture Department - Communauté de communes Ambert Livradois Forez
Phone: 04 73 82 61 90
Email: [email protected]
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Volcan du Montpeloux at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Volcan du Montpeloux
Volcan du Montpeloux
Montpeloux, 63840 Saillant