Fête Votive de Laudun-l'Ardoise

Fête Votive de Laudun-l'Ardoise in Laudun-l'Ardoise

The Fête Votive de Laudun-l'Ardoise is a highlight of the cultural calendar in Laudun-l'Ardoise and the Gard department, in Occitanie. Recorded in municipal archives as early as 1881, this traditional festival continues to draw a loyal and enthusiastic crowd every year.

A tradition dating back to 1881

The municipal records of Laudun provide evidence of the votive festival as far back as the 19th century. On August 11, 1881, the town council voted to impose a tax of one franc per table, per day, on local café owners during the three-day festival to help the village youth cover the costs of the celebrations. Here is a transcription of that deliberation, provided by a local resident:

In the year eighteen hundred and eighty-one, on the eleventh of August. The municipal council of the commune of Laudun, gathered in ordinary session for the month of August, in the number required by law, in the usual place of its meetings, under the chairmanship of the Mayor.

The Mayor proposes to the municipal council to impose a tax of one franc per day for the duration of the votive festival on the tables that local café owners are accustomed to placing on the sidewalks in front of their establishments.

This tax would be temporary, applying only during the festival, and the proceeds would be used to help cover the various costs of the festival, which are too expensive for the youth. This tax would be collected by municipal agents who would issue reports against offenders. He invites the council to deliberate.

The council, considering that the tax proposed by the Mayor is indeed not excessive, and that it is appropriate to assist the young people of the locality in paying for the festival expenses, which are very burdensome for them.

That it is fair that the café owners, who stand to gain the most during the festival period, should be required to assist the youth of the festival.

The council deliberates that a tax of one franc per table of one meter or less, per day, for the three days of the festival, will be imposed on local café owners who place tables on the sidewalks in front of their cafés.

That this tax will be collected by the administration's agents who will verify the fact and the number of tables placed in front of their cafés. That the proceeds must be used for the festival expenses.

That the present deliberation will be submitted for the approval of the Prefect. Done and deliberated in Laudun, on the day, month, and year mentioned above. Sarrobert, Berlhe, Laurent, Pellaton, André, Borrelly, Abrieu, B.Malarte, Ribière, U.Malarte, Astier, Tacussel, Choisy.

This record confirms that the festival was already well-established in village life by 1881, proving the tradition is much older than the 20th century.

Rooted in the local landscape

Set in the heart of Laudun-l'Ardoise, the Fête Votive de Laudun-l'Ardoise makes the most of the town's exceptional setting and heritage. The event plays a vital role in the tourism of the Gard department and celebrates the cultural, natural, and human richness of the Occitanie region.

Program and activities

Every edition of the Fête Votive de Laudun-l'Ardoise offers a varied program blending traditional festivities with a friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, discoveries, and shared moments that make this event so special. The full program is released each year through the event's official channels.

A friendly gathering

Above all, the Fête Votive de Laudun-l'Ardoise is a time for sharing and conviviality. Whether you are a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Laudun-l'Ardoise. The warm welcome from organizers and volunteers ensures that every edition becomes a cherished memory.