Fête de la Myrtille du Col du Béal

The Wild Blueberry: A Treasure of the Monts du Forez

The wild blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a small emblematic fruit of the Monts du Forez, where it grows naturally on the moors and high-altitude slopes, between 1,000 and 1,600 meters. Smaller and more fragrant than its cultivated cousin, the wild Forez blueberry is distinguished by its intensely colored purple flesh and its complex flavor, both sweet and slightly tart. Its harvest, practiced from late July to early September, is an ancestral tradition in the Forez mountains.

However, the wild blueberry is today threatened by climate change, the proliferation of the spotted-wing drosophila (vinegar fly), and changes in pastoral practices. It is to alert the public to these issues and celebrate this natural heritage that the Collectif Myrtille Sauvage du Forez, an association founded on December 4, 2023, has taken over the organization of the historic festival at Col du Béal.

Over 40 Years of Tradition at Col du Béal

Since 1984, the Col du Béal has hosted the Fête de la Myrtille every August 15th, which has become over the decades an unmissable event of the Forez summer. Perched at an altitude of 1,390 meters on the ridge line of the Monts du Forez, the pass offers an exceptional panorama of both slopes: the Forez plain on the Loire side and the Livradois-Forez mountains on the Puy-de-Dôme side. This magnificent natural setting contributes to the unique atmosphere of the festival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024.

The event is now led by the Collectif Myrtille Sauvage du Forez, composed mainly of pickers committed to preserving local biodiversity. Their mission goes beyond organizing the festival: they carry out awareness campaigns, experimental plots, and studies on wild blueberries throughout the year.

A Producers' Market at the Summit

The heart of the festival is a large market of producers and artisans bringing together about 60 exhibitors, open from 10 am to 6 pm. You can find freshly picked wild blueberries (limited quantities depending on harvests), as well as many derivative products: jams, syrups, blueberry beers, pastries. Local producers also offer bread, cheese, cured meats, and artisanal creations from the Forez region.

Shows, Walks, and Workshops for Everyone

The cultural program emphasizes poetry and nature. The Jurajali show, combining juggling and poetry, is presented twice a day with free access. Guided botanical walks explore the remarkable flora of the Forez pastures, with several departures throughout the day.

Children are not forgotten with a wild blueberry tartlet workshop led by chef Jean-François Fafournoux, a free family treasure hunt, wooden games, a pedal-powered carousel, and an educational farm with goats, llamas, rabbits, and pigs. The culinary competition invites participants to create a sweet or savory dish, or a drink, based on blueberries, with prize-giving in the late afternoon.

Craft Demonstrations and Living Heritage

Throughout the day, artisans showcase their traditional skills: wool spinner, luthier, papermaker. Demonstrations of ancient trades — blacksmithing, carpentry — complete this overview of the Forez artisanal heritage. An exhibition of local breeds allows visitors to discover the mountain's animal heritage, while the Collective's educational stand provides information on the preservation challenges of the wild blueberry.

Musical entertainment is provided by a brass band that roams the festival, creating a festive and warm atmosphere. Four food trucks and a central bar provide catering, supplemented by the restaurant of the Auberge du Col du Béal.