Kiss Balade

Kiss Balade: A Citizen Eco-Festival in the Heart of Haute-Loire

Created in 2007 by the association Kiss'Balade, founded in November 2006 in Villeurbanne, the Kiss Balade festival was established in Saint-Étienne-Lardeyrol, a village perched on the high plateaus of Velay, in Haute-Loire. The event carries a strong ambition: to raise public awareness of eco-citizenship through culture, music, and social connection, in an authentic rural setting at an altitude of 800 meters.

An Eclectic and Family-Friendly Program

The festival spans two to three days around August 15th. The evening tent concerts offer a rich and eclectic musical program, mixing rock, reggae, French chanson, world music, folk, and emerging artists. Among the artists who have graced the Kiss Balade stage are Fat Bastard Gang Band, Deadwood, Naouack, Paté Crou, F.I.O.N, Lily Luca, and Bastien.

During the day, the focus is on shows for all audiences: clowns, circus, puppets, and acrobatics enchant both young and old. The company Mine de Rien - Cie Poil à Gratter has notably animated several editions with its quirky and poetic shows. An open stage also allows amateur artists to perform in a supportive atmosphere.

An Eco-Citizen Village

Beyond music and live performance, Kiss Balade stands out for its ecological and participatory commitment. The festival hosts:

• A market of local producers and artisans
• An association forum bringing together local players in the social and solidarity economy
• Peasant conferences on the environment, agriculture, and eco-citizenship
• A children's area with games, workshops, and dedicated activities
• A relaxation area with massages and wellness

Catering is entirely designed with an eco-responsible approach: organic, local, and vegetarian products, offered at a 'prix libre' (pay-what-you-want). The artisanal bar offers local beers and fair-trade beverages. Camping is available on-site, under the August full moon, in a friendly and nature-respecting spirit.

A Traveling and Engaged Festival

Born in Saint-Étienne-Lardeyrol, the festival had several editions between 2007 and 2010 before expanding to other locations in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, notably in Valaurie in Drôme and Néronde in Loire, under the name CHaM Festival. Driven by a team of passionate volunteers, Kiss Balade has created a unique event combining culture, ecology, and rural conviviality, becoming a benchmark among the region's eco-festivals.

With its 5th and last known edition in Saint-Étienne-Lardeyrol, the festival brought together several hundred festival-goers in this small village of Haute-Loire, proving that an ambitious cultural event can be born and thrive in a rural setting, driven by values of solidarity, environmental respect, and sharing.