Festival en Gévaudan

The Celtic Gathering of Gévaudan

Created in 2007, the Festival en Gévaudan is a 100% volunteer association event that celebrates Celtic culture every summer in Saugues, in the heart of Haute-Loire. Born from the desire of about ten festival committees in the canton to fill the lack of strong cultural entertainment in the southwest of the department, the festival chose Celtic culture as its common thread, drawing from the legends and history of Gévaudan a natural ground to welcome traditions from Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany.

A 100% Volunteer Festival

The Festival en Gévaudan association, created in November 2006 under the 1901 law, is co-chaired by Thierry Bonnet and Séverine Laurent. Approximately 170 volunteers, including 14 members of the board of directors, work all year round to prepare the three days of festivities. The annual budget is around 200,000 euros, financed 25% by sponsorship and the rest by ticket sales, bar, and catering managed by the volunteers themselves.

Three Days of Celtic Celebration

The festival spans three days, with a now well-established format:

Opening Village

On Thursday, a village in the canton hosts the opening day. The program includes: hikes through the Haut-Allier landscapes, guided tours, outdoor entertainment, a friendly meal with local flavors, and a free concert under a marquee in the evening. This day highlights the rural heritage and local producers of the area.

Friday and Saturday in Saugues

The following two days take place in Saugues, in a covered market transformed into a concert hall. The program alternates between:

• Free OFF concerts in the late afternoon, accessible to all
• Paid IN concerts in the evening, featuring the headliners
• Artisan market with glassblowing demonstrations and Celtic crafts
• Bagpipe parades in the streets with pipe bands and Continental Caledonia
• Street performances and traveling troupes
• Children's activities: face painting, games, treasure hunts
• Local gastronomy and bar

A Legendary Setting

Saugues, a land of legends in the heart of Gévaudan, offers an exceptional setting for the festival. The village, its medieval streets, and its green landscapes create a unique atmosphere where Celtic culture meets local traditions. As festival-goers summarize: “It’s a truly extraordinary place and it’s magical.”

Accessibility and Friendliness

True to its founding values, the festival prioritizes accessible prices, a quality program blending discoveries and renowned artists, cultural diversity, warm hospitality, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility with priority seating. Free admission for children under 12 accompanied by an adult and free OFF concerts allow all budgets to enjoy the event.