Monticule Festival

A dream born on a Quercy hillside

The story of Monticule Festival begins in 2014, when a group of seven friends based in Munich discovered photographs of a mysterious and enchanting place: the Domaine de Gayfié, perched atop a hill in southwestern France, in Saint-Jean-de-Laur. Ancient oak trees, a deep blue water spring, ruins of an old monastery, and a starry sky as far as the eye could see: this landscape inspired a collective vision, that of a festival that would be much more than a long rave—a welcoming space for sensitive souls, an experience in the heart of nature capable of regenerating energies.

In January 2015, these seven associates founded the company Monticule GmbH and, five months later, around 300 people gathered for the first time on the hill of Domaine de Gayfié. Monticule Festival was born.

A refined and international musical program

From its inception, Monticule Festival distinguished itself by the quality and diversity of its electronic programming. Techno, house, ambient, experimental: the festival's five stages hosted artists from around the world, offering a complete panorama of contemporary electronic music. Over the editions, the festival attracted prestigious names from the international scene.

Among the artists who graced the Monticule stages were Young Marco, Nicola Cruz, Modeselektor, Fjaak, Chancha Via Circuito, Red Axes, Shlomo, DJ Gigola, John Talabot, Siriusmo, Roman Flügel, Optimo, Cinthie, Thomas Von Party, and Etienne Jaumet. The programming skillfully blended confirmed headliners with emerging talents, creating an atmosphere of constant discovery.

Much more than a music festival

Monticule Festival aimed to be a holistic experience, far beyond the musical scope. For five days, festival-goers could participate in yoga sessions, astronomy classes, creative workshops, meditation sessions, and massages. The catering highlighted local products and artisanal beverages from the Lot region.

Camping was at the heart of the Monticule experience, with several options ranging from classic camping to pre-pitched tents and glamping. This complete immersion in the nature of the Causse du Quercy, far from the urban hustle and bustle, constituted the very essence of the festival.

A pioneering ecological commitment

From its creation, Monticule Festival placed environmental sustainability at the core of its project. The festival actively encouraged recycling, minimized waste production, and used renewable energy sources. This eco-responsible approach, pioneering in the world of electronic festivals, echoed the preserved beauty of the natural site of Domaine de Gayfié.

The end of an adventure

After five successful editions from 2015 to 2019, Monticule Festival was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2020 edition, initially postponed to September and then finally canceled, resulted in considerable financial costs. Each postponement generated new expenses, and although the 2019 edition was the first not to lose money, the loan taken out could not be repaid. In February 2022, the organizers emotionally announced the bankruptcy of Monticule GmbH and the definitive cancellation of the 2022 edition. Monticule Festival leaves behind the memory of a unique, deeply human, and environmentally respectful event.