Festival National des Humoristes

An iconic comedy festival since 1989

The Festival National des Humoristes was created in 1989 by the association « Cabaret de Septembre », under the honorary presidency of Jacques Bodoin and the sponsorship of Jacques Mailhot and Jean Amadou. The founding idea was to boost the cultural life of the towns of Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain-l'Hermitage at the end of summer, by offering an event entirely dedicated to humor and laughter.

A program between headliners and discoveries

Every year at the end of August, the festival offers a rich and varied program spread over more than a week. The shows feature established comedians from the national scene: one-man shows, stand-up, sketches, improvisations, and musical comedy shows. The festival has seen the biggest names in French comedy grace its stages over its 36 editions.

The Fest'Off: a springboard for the next generation

One of the festival's signatures is the Fest'Off, a program of free open-air shows that gives a voice to young comedians and emerging talents. These performances, accessible to all in the streets and squares of Tournon and Tain, create a festive atmosphere and allow the public to discover the future stars of comedy. The Fest'Off has become a true springboard for the new generation.

Two towns, one festival

The festival unfolds on both sides of the Rhône, between Tournon-sur-Rhône (Ardèche) and Tain-l'Hermitage (Drôme). Paid shows take place in the venues and theaters of both towns, notably the Théâtre municipal de Tournon, while the Fest'Off takes over public squares and spaces. This dual territorial anchoring gives the festival a unique identity, straddling Drôme and Ardèche, in the heart of the Hermitage vineyards.

A vintage of humor in the Rhône valley

True to the spirit of the surrounding wine region, the festival presents itself as a true "vintage of humor". The 2025 edition, the 36th, offered a dense program from August 22nd to 30th. The festival is supported by local authorities and is a flagship event of the cultural season in Drôme-Ardèche, attracting thousands of spectators each year.