Fête de la Gentiane
2025
Edition 2025 — Fête de la Gentiane
28th Fête de la Gentiane - 2025 Edition
The 28th edition of the Fête de la Gentiane was held on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th, 2025 in Riom-ès-Montagnes, in the heart of the Pays Gentiane in Cantal.
The association Autour de la Gentiane offered a rich program combining discovery of the local terroir and festivities. The craft market brought together dozens of local producers and artisans, while the hikes on the plateaus allowed visitors to witness demonstrations of gentian uprooting by the gentian harvesters.
The streets of the town center vibrated to the sound of traditional Auvergne music concerts, with cabrettes and hurdy-gurdies. The Gentiane Express rides offered exceptional views of the Barajol viaduct and the Cézallier plateaus. On Saturday evening, the traditional free concert and dance concluded the first day in a festive atmosphere.
Programme
Saturday, July 19th, 2025
- 9:00 AM: Opening of the craft market and activities
- 9:30 AM: Departure of the discovery hike with gentian uprooting
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Gentiane Express rides with stops on the plateaus
- 10:00 AM: Tastings of gentian products (liqueurs, syrups, candies)
- All day: Traditional music concerts in the streets
- 2:00 PM: Conferences and exhibitions on gentian and its history
- 3:00 PM: Demonstrations of artisanal know-how
- 9:00 PM: Free concert and dance
Sunday, July 20th, 2025
- 9:00 AM: Opening of the craft market
- 9:30 AM: Discovery hike on the plateaus
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Gentiane Express rides
- All day: Musical entertainment, tastings, workshops for children
- 2:00 PM: Presentation of old agricultural equipment
- 6:00 PM: Closing of the festival
Highlights
- Craft market of producers from the Pays Gentiane
- Hikes with demonstrations of gentian uprooting
- Tastings of gentian products and Avèze
- Gentiane Express rides to the Barajol viaduct
- Traditional Auvergne music concerts
- Free concert and dance on Saturday evening
- Exhibitions and conferences on gentian
- Workshops and activities for children