Festival International de Trompes de France

The Festival International de Trompes de France: A Unique Event Worldwide

Each year, the village of Saint-Martin-Valmeroux, in the heart of Cantal, resonates with the sound of the hunting horn for the Festival International de Trompes de France. Organized by the Fédération Internationale des Trompes de France (FITF), in partnership with the Cantal departmental delegation and the Saint-Martin-Valmeroux town hall, this event brings together nearly 500 horn players from all over France and abroad.

A Centuries-Old Tradition Supported by the FITF

The FITF, founded in 1928 as the "Fédération des Trompes de France," became the "Fédération Internationale des Trompes de France" in 1965. It unites thousands of horn players, musical groups, and enthusiasts around the practice, promotion, and preservation of the hunting horn, an emblematic instrument of French cultural heritage. The international festival is the federation's flagship event, bringing together the best horn players in a friendly and rural setting.

A Rich and Varied Program

The festival takes place over a full weekend, with a program centered around several highlights:

• The Opening Concert: On Friday evening, on the esplanade of the Saint-Martin-Valmeroux gymnasium, a grand concert inaugurates the festival, followed by a dinner in the gymnasium.
• The Championships: Saturday is dedicated to the qualifying rounds and finals of the French and international hunting horn championships. The competitions take place under a 500 m² marquee set up for the occasion.
• The Saint-Hubert Mass: On Sunday morning at 11 am, a solemn mass is celebrated in honor of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, accompanied by the horn players.
• The Exhibitor Village: Throughout the weekend, a dedicated area for exhibitors offers stands related to hunting, venery, and rural traditions.

An Exceptional Setting in Cantal

Saint-Martin-Valmeroux, a typical village in Cantal nestled in the Maronne valley, offers a remarkable natural and heritage setting to host this event. The festival's activities take place both at the competition site and in the village streets and squares, creating a festive and warm atmosphere.

A Friendly and Accessible Event

The festival is open to all audiences. Access to the village events and competitions is free. Only the opening concert on Friday evening is ticketed. Food is available all weekend at the gymnasium, provided by a local caterer offering Cantal specialties. The municipal campsite is available for festival-goers wishing to extend their experience.

International Reach

The Festival International de Trompes de France attracts horn players and enthusiasts from all over Europe and beyond, making Saint-Martin-Valmeroux the world capital of the hunting horn for a weekend. The international championships are a major event, with groups coming from Belgium, Germany, Italy, and other European countries. This event contributes to the renown of the hunting horn, inscribed in intangible cultural heritage, and to the vitality of the Cantal region.