Kastell Paol Festival - Artichoke Festival
Celebration of Breton folklore and the Leonard artichoke
About Kastell Paol
The Kastell Paol Festival is the flagship event of Saint-Pol-de-Léon, celebrating since 1955 major folk festivals, crafts, gastronomy, and the artichoke, an emblematic product of the Leonard region. For two days, bagadoù and Celtic circles invade the city to offer a rich program of traditional Breton music and dances, entertainment, demonstrations, discovery workshops, and a craft market.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Kastell Paol at the best price.
Sponsored link
A festival rooted in Breton tradition
Created in 1955, the Kastell Paol Festival has become the unmissable cultural event in Saint-Pol-de-Léon. This event celebrates Breton heritage through its two major components: the richness of local folklore and the artichoke, a true symbol of the Leonard region. The Confrérie de l'Artichaut (Artichoke Brotherhood), founded in 1959, plays a central role in the festivities.
Program and entertainment
The festival takes place over two days packed with entertainment. Saturday hosts the "Village en Fête" (Village Festival) with free activities, demonstrations, and discovery workshops on Breton games, culinary arts, and floral art. The day ends with a musical performance called "Brasture". Sunday is dedicated to the craft market, which runs from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, followed by a grand parade of Celtic circles and bagadoù from all over the region. The afternoon offers a traditional folk day with an artichoke meal and concert.
Breton music and dance
Bagadoù and Celtic circles from the area gather to parade together to the rhythm of traditional Breton music. Among the groups regularly present are Bagad Adarre de Plougastel, Bagad de Saint-Pol Morlaix, Cercle Bleuniadur de Saint-Pol, and other groups celebrating Breton culture. The Bagad Kastell Paol, founded in September 1954 by local youth under the auspices of the local bishop, is intimately linked to the history of the event.
Heritage and gastronomy
The Leonard artichoke holds a privileged place during the festival. Culinary demonstrations showcase different ways to prepare and enjoy this emblematic vegetable. The craft market presents the know-how of local producers and artisans, offering an authentic showcase of the Saint-Pol-de-Léon region.
A city steeped in history
Saint-Pol-de-Léon is also the birthplace of Bleuniour, a Breton ballet of music and dance founded in 1978, whose name means "blooming" in the Breton language. This cultural richness makes the city a major center for the preservation and transmission of Breton traditions.
Practical information — Kastell Paol
Access and parking
The festival takes place mainly on the Place de l'Évêché, in the heart of the historic center of Saint-Pol-de-Léon. The town is easily accessible by car via the D58 from Morlaix or the D769 from Roscoff. Free parking is available near the town center. For those who prefer public transport, regular bus routes serve Saint-Pol-de-Léon from the main towns in Finistère.
Schedule
The festival generally takes place over a weekend in July (Saturday and Sunday). On Saturday, the "Village en Fête" activities begin in the afternoon. On Sunday, the craft market opens from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the parade of bagadoù and Celtic circles at midday, followed by the folk day with meal and concert in the afternoon.
Prices
Access to the Saturday "Village en Fête", the craft market, and the parade is free. Sunday's folk day with artichoke meal and concert is ticketed. For detailed prices, it is recommended to contact the Culture and Animation Service of the town hall directly.
On-site services
Food stalls offer local and Breton specialties throughout the festival. Public restrooms are available near the Place de l'Évêché. The festival is family-friendly with activities for all ages.
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 Kastell Paol at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Kastell Paol
Place de l'Évêché et centre-ville
Place de l'Évêché, 29250 Saint-Pol-de-Léon