Franco-Scottish Festival of Aubigny-sur-Nère
The biggest Scottish celebration in France
About Franco-Scottish Festival
The Franco-Scottish Festival of Aubigny-sur-Nère is the town's major cultural event and one of the most important celebrations of Scottish culture in France. It commemorates the exceptional historical ties that have united Aubigny-sur-Nère with Scotland since the 15th century.
A unique historical heritage
In the 15th century, the King of France Charles VII granted the lordship of Aubigny to his Scottish ally John Stuart of Darnley, in gratitude for his military aid. Aubigny then became a "little Scotland" in Berry, a status it held for over 150 years. Even today, the town proudly carries this Scottish heritage, visible in its Renaissance architecture and traditions.
An exceptional weekend
The Franco-Scottish Festival transforms Aubigny-sur-Nère into a true Scottish capital for three days:
The Pipe Bands
Over 1000 bagpipe and drum musicians from Scotland, Ireland, France, and Europe perform in the town's streets. The Grand Tattoo on Saturday afternoon is the highlight, followed by the Massed Bands where all the groups play together in the Grands-Jardins.
The Clans' Village
Scottish clans set up their camps and present their tartans, coats of arms, and traditions. It's a unique opportunity to discover the culture of the Highlands.
The Markets
- Scottish Market: crafts, kilts, whiskies, typical products
- Medieval Market: period artisans, demonstrations
The Concerts
Every evening, renowned artists from the Celtic scene perform in the Grands-Jardins.
Franco-Scottish Festival — edition 2026
The 34th edition of the Franco-Scottish Festivals will be held from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Aubigny-sur-Nère, the "city of the Stuarts". Three days celebrating the Auld Alliance: pipe bands, tattoo, Scottish and medieval markets, clan village, and major concerts in the Grands-Jardins, featuring TEKMAO, Celtica Pipes Rock, and Manau as headliners.
34th Edition — July 10 to 12, 2026
For its 34th edition, Aubigny-sur-Nère, the only French town to have been Scottish territory for 250 years, reconnects with the spirit of the Auld Alliance, the ancient Franco-Scottish alliance. For three days, the city center and the Grands-Jardins will host international pipe bands, pipers, Highland dancers, Scottish and medieval markets, a clan village, and mini-conferences on Scottish culture.
Expected highlights: the opening ceremony at the Auld Alliance monument, the grand Tattoo and Massed Bands, the French Pipe Band Championship on Sunday morning, the grand parade in the city center, and three evenings of concerts in the Grands-Jardins.
Programme Franco-Scottish Festival 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Opening ceremony at the Auld Alliance monument
- 9:00 PM — Concert TEKMAO (Breton techno) · Grands-Jardins · free admission
Saturday, July 11, 2026
- 10:30 AM-11:20 AM — Mini-conferences on Scottish culture (history of clans, women of the Franco-Scottish alliance)
- 3:00 PM — Grand Tattoo in the city center, followed by Massed Bands in the Grands-Jardins
- 9:00 PM — Concert Celtica Pipes Rock & Jane Espie "The Phantom Piper" (bagpipes, electric guitars, and violin) · Grands-Jardins · paid, from 20 €
Sunday, July 12, 2026
- 8:30 AM — French Pipe Band Championship
- 3:00 PM — Grand parade in the city center then Massed Bands in the Grands-Jardins
- 9:00 PM — Manau "hosts its bagpipe night" (rap, Breton music, and Celtic sounds) · Grands-Jardins · paid, from 20 €
Throughout the weekend: Scottish and medieval markets, clan village, food and drink stalls.
Highlights Franco-Scottish Festival 2026
- International pipe bands, Tattoo and Massed Bands
- French Pipe Band Championship (Sunday morning)
- Concerts by TEKMAO (free), Celtica Pipes Rock, and Manau
- Scottish and medieval markets, clan village
Prices Franco-Scottish Festival 2026
Practical information — Franco-Scottish Festival
Practical Information
Location: Aubigny-sur-Nère town center, Grands-Jardins, 18700 Aubigny-sur-Nère
Period: Weekend of July 14th (3 days)
Website: www.fetesfrancoecossaises.fr
Typical Program
Friday:
- 6 PM: Opening ceremony at the Auld Alliance monument
- 9 PM: Free concert in the Grands-Jardins
Saturday:
- From 9 AM: Scottish and medieval markets, encampments
- Pipe Band serenades in the town
- 3 PM: Grand Tattoo and parade, followed by Massed Bands
- 9 PM: Ticketed concert (approx. €20)
Sunday:
- From 9 AM: Markets and encampments
- 10 AM: Pipe Band demonstration
- 3 PM: Grand parade and Massed Bands
Prices
Free access to markets, parades, and street entertainment. Evening concerts are ticketed.
Access
Free parking is available around the town. Shuttles may be provided.
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Where does it take place — Franco-Scottish Festival
Centre-ville et Grands-Jardins
2 place de la Résistance, 18700 Aubigny-sur-Nère, 18700 Aubigny-sur-Nère