Festival International Guitares à Pleaux
International guitar festival in the Cantal
About Guitares à Pleaux
The guitar in all its forms in the heart of the Cantal
Born in July 2022 under the impetus of the Delamarre family, the Festival International Guitares à Pleaux is a unique summer event dedicated to the guitar in all its diversity. Founded by two passionate brothers, Adrien Delamarre, a classical guitarist, and François Delamarre, a sound engineer, the festival was born from their desire to share their passion with the inhabitants and summer visitors of the Cantal village of Pleaux, where their parents had settled after returning from their studies at the University of Leeds in England.
An eclectic and convivial festival
What sets Guitares à Pleaux apart from other guitar festivals is its unapologetic eclecticism. Gypsy jazz, blues, rock, classical music, folk, fingerstyle, Portuguese fado, tango, African music, and French song are featured in a rich and varied program. The festival hosts artists of several nationalities—French, Swiss, Austrian, English, Indian, and of course from Cantal—creating a true international musical melting pot in the heart of the Auvergne countryside.
Much more than just concerts
The festival unfolds around three complementary axes. Concerts form the core of the program, with eight performances spread over four days, from Thursday to Sunday. Masterclasses open to the public allow everyone to discover or deepen their knowledge of a particular style: gypsy jazz, guitar recording techniques, classical guitar, fingerpicking, or fado. Intensive workshops on songwriting and guitar accompaniment complete the educational offerings for musicians of all levels.
A village that vibrates to the sound of the guitar
The festival is not confined to the Salle du Temps Libre, the main venue for concerts and masterclasses. It takes over the entire village of Pleaux with an Off Festival open to all guitarists on the village square every morning, luthier exhibitions in the hall, and concerts for young audiences. The invited musicians are hosted by local families, a feature that strengthens the bonds between artists and the local population and contributes to the warm and family-friendly atmosphere of the event.
Strong territorial roots
In January 2023, after the human and musical success of the first edition, the team created the Festival Guitares à Pleaux association, chaired by Sabrina Delamarre, to ensure the event's longevity and anchor it firmly in the region. The festival benefits from the support of the municipality of Pleaux and the tourist offices of Pays de Salers and Pays d'Aurillac. Each edition confirms the growing influence of this young festival, which attracts a loyal audience of local residents, passionate guitarists, and curious summer visitors eager to discover the rich musicality of the guitar in an exceptional natural setting.
Guitares à Pleaux — edition 2026
5th edition: July 16th to 19th, 2026
The Festival International Guitares à Pleaux returns for its 5th edition from Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026, at the Salle du Temps Libre, rue des Moulergues. True to its eclectic and friendly spirit, the festival offers a new program combining concerts, masterclasses, and workshops centered around the guitar in all its forms: from world music to jazz, including blues, soul, rock, fingerstyle, and funk.
This year, the association welcomes Amandine Bourgeois, a singer-songwriter with an exceptional and atypical personality, as its guest of honor. The program opens with a show for young audiences, Musical Journey to Brazil. Two original masterclasses (Brazilian rhythms and contemporary guitar) as well as two workshops (songwriting and improvisation techniques) are also offered.
As every year, the invited musicians are hosted by local residents, strengthening the ties between artists and the local population. The Festival Off enlivens the village square, and luthier exhibitions are offered. As a preview, the Ciné-club des Montagnes organizes the screening of Milos Forman's film Hair on Wednesday, July 15th.
The complete and detailed program for this 5th edition (list of artists, concert schedules, details of masterclasses and workshops) will be unveiled in spring 2026 on the official festival website and on the association's social media channels.
Highlights Guitares à Pleaux 2026
- Amandine Bourgeois, singer-songwriter, guest of honor for this 5th edition
- Opening show for young audiences: Musical Journey to Brazil
- An eclectic program: world music, jazz, blues, soul, rock, fingerstyle, and funk
- Two masterclasses (Brazilian rhythms and contemporary guitar) and two workshops (songwriting and improvisation techniques)
- Preview on Wednesday, July 15: screening of Milos Forman's film Hair by the Ciné-club des Montagnes
- Festival Off in the village square and luthier exhibitions
Prices Guitares à Pleaux 2026
Practical information — Guitares à Pleaux
Practical Information
Access
Pleaux is located in the Cantal department (15), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The village is about 40 km northwest of Aurillac.
- By car: From Aurillac, take the D120 towards Laroquebrou then the D13 towards Pleaux (approx. 45 minutes). From Brive-la-Gaillarde, follow the A89 then the D120 and D13.
- By train: Nearest station in Aurillac (Paris-Aurillac line via Brive). Car rental or carpooling to reach Pleaux.
Main Venue
- Salle du Temps Libre, Rue des Moulergues, 15700 Pleaux (capacity: 244 seats).
- Off Festival on the village square every morning.
Concert Ticket Prices
- Free for under 12s.
- 5 euros for under 25s and association members.
- 10 euros full price.
Masterclass Prices
- 10 euros full price (open to the public).
- 5 euros for association members.
Workshops
- 120 euros for 15 hours of classes + a concert (association membership included for insurance).
Ticketing
Tickets and memberships are available online on HelloAsso and on-site on the day of the concerts.
Accommodation
Several accommodation options are available nearby: Pleaux municipal campsite, gîtes, and bed and breakfasts. Consult the Tourist Office of Pays de Salers for the full list.
Contact
- Phone: 06 71 78 91 92 (Sabrina Delamarre)
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.guitares-a-pleaux.fr
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Where does it take place — Guitares à Pleaux
Salle du Temps Libre
Salle du Temps Libre, Rue des Moulergues, 15700 Pleaux