Interfolk - International Folklore Festival of Puy-en-Velay
The world of folklore in Haute-Loire
About Interfolk
Created in 1964 on the initiative of Pierre Perrin and Raymond Longo, Interfolk is the International Folklore Festival of Puy-en-Velay, an unmissable gathering of world cultures in Haute-Loire. Every year in July, nearly 300 artists from five continents take over Le Puy-en-Velay and about thirty towns in the department to present their popular traditions through folk dance and music performances. A member of CIOFF (International Council of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals), an official partner of UNESCO, the festival attracts around 40,000 spectators thanks to a rich program combining opening galas, parades, street entertainment, and free open-air shows. Accredited as a Youth and Popular Education Association since 2012, Interfolk works to disseminate world cultures and foster understanding between peoples through folklore.
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Interfolk: Over 60 Years of International Folklore in Le Puy-en-Velay
The story of Interfolk began in the winter of 1962, when two friends, Pierre Perrin and Raymond Longo, soon joined by Dr. Olivier, envisioned an international folklore festival in the heart of Velay. Their dream took shape in 1964 with the first edition of the International Folklore Festival of Puy-en-Velay, which became one of the oldest folklore festivals in France.
A Festival Recognized on the International Stage
In 1984, the festival joined CIOFF (International Council of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals), an NGO and official partner of UNESCO. This membership granted Interfolk international recognition and allowed it to host quality folk ensembles from around the world. In 2001, the festival adopted the name InterFolk, and in 2003, it hosted the 33rd CIOFF World Congress in Le Puy-en-Velay, confirming its international reach.
In 2012, InterFolk obtained accreditation as a Youth and Popular Education Association from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, demonstrating its educational and social commitment.
A Week of Festivities Across Haute-Loire
Every summer, for a full week at the end of July, Interfolk transforms Le Puy-en-Velay and its department into a vibrant cultural mosaic. The festival hosts approximately 250 to 400 artists — musicians and dancers — representing about ten different nationalities. Performances take place in thirty towns in Haute-Loire, offering the public open-air shows, most of them free.
Festival Highlights
- Opening Gala: Inaugural show at the Palais des Congrès in Vals-près-le-Puy, bringing together all invited groups in a grand performance of world dances and music.
- Performances in the Towns: Throughout the week, folk ensembles perform in the towns and villages of the department, bringing world cultures closer to the residents.
- The Interfolk Fair (Féria): A festive evening celebrating popular Southern cultures, with music and dance in a friendly atmosphere.
- Le Puy in Celebration (Le Puy en Fête): Closing day with a parade of all groups through the streets of Le Puy-en-Velay, street entertainment, and a grand evening parade.
A Popular and Engaged Festival
True to its founding values, Interfolk is a deeply popular festival. The vast majority of performances in the towns are free and in the open air, accessible to everyone. Each year, the festival mobilizes about a hundred passionate volunteers who handle group reception, logistics, and show organization. Interfolk embodies a vision of folklore as a vehicle for peace, intercultural dialogue, and sharing among peoples.
Interfolk — edition 2026
The 62nd edition of the Interfolk Festival will take place from July 20 to 26, 2026, in Le Puy-en-Velay and the towns of Haute-Loire. Nine folk companies from South Africa, Hungary, New Zealand, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Camargue, Tahiti, and France will animate a festive and vibrant week of world dances and music.
62nd Edition - July 20 to 26, 2026
The Interfolk Festival returns for its 62nd edition, from July 20 to 26, 2026. A full week of international folklore will take over Le Puy-en-Velay and the towns of Haute-Loire with 9 companies from around the world.
The opening gala will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 PM at the Palais des Congrès in Vals-près-le-Puy, featuring all the invited groups. The Interfolk Fair (Féria) is scheduled for Friday, July 24th at 9 PM at the Espace Saint-Pierre in Le Puy-en-Velay, celebrating popular Southern festivals. The week will conclude with the traditional Le Puy en Fête on Saturday, July 25th, with a parade of all groups and an evening parade through the streets of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Throughout the week, the folk ensembles will perform in thirty towns in the department, offering free open-air shows.
Programme Interfolk 2026
Program for the 62nd Edition
- Monday, July 20: Arrival of groups and initial activities
- Wednesday, July 22: Opening Gala at the Palais des Congrès in Vals-près-le-Puy at 9 PM
- Thursday, July 23 to Friday, July 24: Performances in the towns of Haute-Loire
- Friday, July 24: Interfolk Fair (Féria) at Espace Saint-Pierre at 9 PM
- Saturday, July 25: Le Puy en Fête — parade and evening parade
- Sunday, July 26: Festival closing
Guest Companies
- Ama Zebra Organisation (South Africa)
- Szeged Folk Ensemble (Hungary)
- Cie Abrac'Echass (France)
- Taumata Whitireia (New Zealand)
- Ida El-Bahra Ensemble (Célèbes Islands - Indonesia)
- Les Batuc'Ados de Colombes (France)
- La Malacrianza Foundation (Costa Rica)
- La Peña Camargua (Camargue)
- Le Ballet Manahau (Tahiti)
Highlights Interfolk 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Dates: Monday, July 20 to Sunday, July 26, 2026
- 9 companies from South Africa, Hungary, New Zealand, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Camargue, Tahiti, and France
- Opening Gala: Wednesday, July 22nd at the Palais des Congrès in Vals-près-le-Puy
- Interfolk Fair (Féria): Friday, July 24th at Espace Saint-Pierre
- Le Puy en Fête: Saturday, July 25th, parade and evening parade
- Approximately 70 performances in thirty towns, mostly free
Prices Interfolk 2026
Practical information — Interfolk
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By Car: Le Puy-en-Velay is accessible via the A75 motorway (from Clermont-Ferrand, approx. 1h30) then the N102, or via the RN88 from Saint-Étienne (approx. 1h15). From Lyon, allow about 2 hours via the A47 then the RN88.
By Train: Le Puy-en-Velay station is served by TER trains from Saint-Étienne (1h15) and Lyon (2h30 with a connection). Regional bus lines complement the rail network.
Performance Venues
Performances take place in several locations:
- Palais des Congrès de Vals-près-le-Puy: Opening gala (ticketed)
- Le Puy-en-Velay City Center: Parades, street entertainment, Le Puy en Fête
- Espace Saint-Pierre: Interfolk Fair (Féria)
- Towns in the Department: Free open-air performances in about thirty villages in Haute-Loire
Ticketing
The vast majority of performances in the towns and street entertainment are free. The opening gala at the Palais des Congrès de Vals-près-le-Puy is ticketed. Reservations can be made through Spectacles en Velay, at the Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay, by phone at 04 71 09 03 45, or online at www.spectacles-envelay.com.
Accommodation
Le Puy-en-Velay and its surroundings offer a variety of accommodation options: hotels, B&Bs, gîtes, campsites. During the festival period, it is recommended to book in advance. The Le Puy-en-Velay Tourist Office can assist you with your search.
Contact
Association Interfolk
Ancienne école Jules Ferry
29 rue Raphaël
43000 Le Puy-en-Velay
Tel: 04 71 02 02 84
Email: [email protected]
Website: festival-interfolk.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Interfolk
Le Puy-en-Velay et communes de Haute-Loire
29 rue Raphaël, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay