Fête de la Vielle
Traditional music festival in Anost in the Morvan
About Fête de la Vielle
The Fête de la Vielle is a traditional music festival held every last weekend of August in Anost, in the heart of the Morvan. Organized by the Union des Groupes et Ménétriers du Morvan (UGMM), this event has brought together thousands of festival-goers for nearly 50 years around three days and three nights of concerts, balls, traditional dance workshops, hurdy-gurdy and bagpipe workshops, conferences, open stage, and luthier market.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fête de la Vielle at the best price.
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Nearly 50 years of traditional music
The Fête de la Vielle is one of the oldest and most important traditional music festivals in France. For nearly five decades, the village of Anost, in the heart of the Morvan, has hosted thousands of festival-goers every last weekend of August to celebrate the hurdy-gurdy, the bagpipe, and popular dances.
The UGMM, guardian of traditions
The festival is organized by the Union des Groupes et Ménétriers du Morvan (UGMM), an association founded to preserve and transmit the musical and choreographic heritage of the Morvan. The UGMM brings together traditional musicians and dancers from the region and works year-round to safeguard these traditions.
Three days of non-stop celebration
The festival offers a dense program over three days and three nights:
Concerts and shows
- Traditional music concerts from France and elsewhere on several stages
- Traditional balls led by groups of minstrels
- Open stage for amateur and semi-professional musicians
- Young talent competition highlighting the next generation of musicians
Workshops and classes
- Hurdy-gurdy workshops: initiation and advanced classes with master luthiers
- Bagpipe workshops: discovery of Morvan bagpipes and other types
- Traditional dance workshops: bourrée, Morvan couple dances, chain dances
- Conferences on the history of traditional music and organology
Luthier market
A luthier market allows you to discover and try traditional instruments: hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes, diatonic accordions, dulcimers, and other instruments from the folk repertoire.
The spirit of the Fête de la Vielle
What makes this event unique is its spirit of exchange, sharing, and celebration. Professional and amateur musicians mingle, generations connect, and everyone is invited to dance, sing, and play. The nights in Anost, filled with balls that last until dawn, are legendary in the world of traditional music.
Anost, capital of the hurdy-gurdy
Anost is a commune in the Morvan located in Saône-et-Loire, near Nièvre. This mountain village, surrounded by forests and pastures, offers a preserved natural setting for this festival that celebrates the musical roots of the Morvan and rural France.
Fête de la Vielle — edition 2026
49th Fête de la Vielle in Anost. Three days and nights of traditional music, concerts, balls, workshops, and luthier market in the heart of the Morvan.
Prices Fête de la Vielle 2026
Practical information — Fête de la Vielle
Access
Anost is located in the Morvan, in Saône-et-Loire, 20 km northwest of Autun.
- By car: Take the D980 from Autun, then the D2 towards Anost.
- By train: Autun station, then a 25-minute drive.
Location
The festival takes place in the village of Anost on several stages.
Schedule
From Friday evening to Sunday evening. Continuous concerts, balls, and entertainment.
Prices
Festival passes and evening passes available on HelloAsso. Reduced rates for young people and UGMM members.
Camping
Camping area dedicated to festival-goers near the site.
Contact
UGMM – Union des Groupes et Ménétriers du Morvan
Website: www.ugmm.fr
Accessibility
The event site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. In case of specific needs, it is recommended to contact the organizers in advance to best prepare your visit.
Accommodation nearby
Anost and its surroundings offer a varied choice of accommodation: hotels, bed and breakfasts, rural gîtes, and seasonal rentals. It is strongly advised to book in advance, especially during the event period, as accommodation capacity can be quickly saturated. The local tourist office can guide you to available establishments that meet your needs.
On-site dining
Food stalls and a bar are usually available on the event site. The restaurants, bars, and food shops in Anost are also open and offer local cuisine highlighting products from the Nivernais and Burgundian regions.
Recommended equipment
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as most activities take place outdoors. Depending on the season, consider bringing sunscreen and a hat in summer, or warm and waterproof clothing in autumn and winter. A light backpack can be useful for carrying your purchases and personal belongings.
Pets
Dogs on a leash are generally accepted on the event site, unless otherwise indicated by the organizers. Bring water and waste bags for your pet.
Photography and social media
Photography is allowed throughout the site. Feel free to share your memories on social media and follow the official event pages to stay informed of the latest news and detailed program.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fête de la Vielle at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Fête de la Vielle
Bourg d'Anost
Bourg d'Anost, 71550 Anost