Festival Les Marteaux de Gellone
Medieval music in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Hérault
About Festival Les Marteaux de
Festival Les Marteaux de Gellone in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Festival Les Marteaux de Gellone is an unmissable event in the cultural life of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and the Hérault department, in Occitanie. Since its creation in 2011, this event has established itself as a benchmark for medieval music, attracting a loyal and curious audience each year.
Presentation
Medieval music factory with concerts, study days, and conferences in the UNESCO-listed village in May.
An event rooted in its territory
Located in the heart of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Festival Les Marteaux de Gellone takes advantage of the exceptional setting of the commune and its heritage. The event fully participates in the tourist attractiveness of the Hérault department and enhances the cultural, natural, and human riches of the Occitanie region. The Hérault department, bathed by the Mediterranean and crossed by varied landscapes from the coast to the Larzac, offers an ideal setting for hosting quality cultural events.
Program and activities
Each edition of Festival Les Marteaux de Gellone offers a varied program combining medieval music and conviviality. Visitors can enjoy multiple activities, discoveries, and moments of sharing that make this event so rich. The complete program is announced each year on the official channels of the event.
A convivial event
Festival Les Marteaux de Gellone is above all a moment of sharing and conviviality. Whether you are an informed amateur or simply curious, everyone will find something to satisfy their curiosity and have a pleasant time in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. The warm welcome from the organizers and volunteers makes each edition a memorable experience.
Festival Les Marteaux de — edition 2026
The 9th edition of the Les Marteaux de Gellone Festival, a medieval music factory by the Centre International de Musiques Médiévales (CIMM), takes place from May 22nd to 31st, 2026, between Montpellier and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault). Ten days of concerts, workshops, meetings, street music, a symposium, and a lutherie exhibition, centered around medieval and modal music.
Les Marteaux de Gellone Festival — 9th Edition (2026)
From May 22nd to 31st, 2026, the Les Marteaux de Gellone Festival unfolds its 9th edition in two parts: in Montpellier from May 22nd to 25th (Église romane de Sainte-Croix, Maison Pour Tous Marie Curie in Celleneuve), then in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert from May 28th to 31st (Abbatiale de Gellone, Chapelle Saint-Laurent, Place de la Liberté).
Organized by the Centre International de Musiques Médiévales (CIMM), this festival brings medieval music to life as a living art form. The theme of the 2026 edition explores modal music in connection with bodies and environments. The program includes: concerts, study days, an international symposium, workshops open to all, ancient instrument lutherie workshops, and street music, all within the exceptional setting of the village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Programme Festival Les Marteaux de 2026
Montpellier — May 22nd to 25th, 2026 (Église Sainte-Croix, Maison Pour Tous Marie Curie / Celleneuve)
Evenings at 7 PM, free admission.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert — May 28th to 31st, 2026 (Abbatiale de Gellone, Chapelle Saint-Laurent, Place de la Liberté)
Evening concerts at 8 PM.
- Thu. May 28th — “Night of Modal Voices, Jewish and Gregorian Chants” by Alexandre Cerveux and Damien Poisblaud (Abbatiale)
- Fri. May 29th — “MiRoiR” by Nolwenn Le Guern and Julien Pellegrini (vocals, bowed vielles, percussion, and electronics)
- Sat. May 30th — “Barlaam et Josaphat” (polyglot narrative)
- Sun. May 31st — “Madalena” by Manu Théron and the Compagnie du Lamparo, Occitan oratorio for a choir of twenty-three performers (Abbatiale de Gellone)
The festival also offers workshops, an archaeo-lutherie exhibition, and an international symposium throughout the period.
Highlights Festival Les Marteaux de 2026
- 9th edition, May 22nd to 31st, 2026
- Medieval and modal music festival (CIMM)
- Two parts: Montpellier (May 22nd-25th) then Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (May 28th-31st)
- Concerts at Abbatiale de Gellone, a UNESCO World Heritage village
- Concerts, symposium, workshops, lutherie exhibition, and street music
Prices Festival Les Marteaux de 2026
Practical information — Festival Les Marteaux de
Practical Information
Location
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (34150), Hérault.
Access
Travel to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert by road. Parking available on the outskirts of the event site. Consult official information for access details.
Prices
Price: from €28 to €79.
Contact
For more information, visit the official website of the event or contact the town hall of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
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Where does it take place — Festival Les Marteaux de
Abbatiale de Gellone
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert