La Fête de l'Étinbulle
Family, rural and eco-responsible festival at the foot of Mont des Avaloirs
About Fête de l'Étinbulle
La Fête de l'Étinbulle is a family and rural festival held every summer in the hamlet of La Mellerie, in Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson, Mayenne. At the foot of Mont des Avaloirs, in the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park, this event offers a weekend combining concerts, shows, storytelling, participatory workshops, and nature activities around the archaeo-farm. Eco-responsible, organic, and local, the festival operates on a pay-what-you-want basis, driven by about sixty volunteers.
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La Fête de l'Étinbulle: A Human-Scale Festival in the Heart of the Mayenne Countryside
Since 2018, La Fête de l'Étinbulle has transformed the hamlet of La Mellerie, in Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson, into a space for celebration, discovery, and sharing every summer. Organized by the association L'Étinbulle, this family and rural festival takes place in an exceptional natural setting, at the foot of Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point in the Grand Ouest, in the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park.
A Project Rooted in Popular Education and the Environment
L'Étinbulle is a non-profit association founded by Clotilde Béjuge, an archaeologist by training. On four hectares in the hamlet of La Mellerie, the association has developed an archaeo-farm co-built by visitors, inspired by open-air museums. This living space offers participatory workshops that explore humanity's relationship with its environment through time: spinning, pottery, foraging, ancient agriculture, woodworking. La Fête de l'Étinbulle extends this approach by offering a great festive weekend open to all.
An Eco-Responsible, Organic, and Local Festival
The festival is designed with a strong eco-responsible approach, from setup to execution: no mechanization, organic and local sourcing, responsible resource management. About sixty volunteers of all ages mobilize each year to bring this local event to life, respecting the environment and people. Admission is pay-what-you-want to make the festival accessible to as many people as possible.
A Multidisciplinary and Festive Program
Each edition features two evenings of concerts and shows, with about ten artists and companies blending contemporary music, folk, world music, street performances, and original creations. During the day, numerous free activities are offered: storytelling, theater, nature forum, prehistoric camp, medieval camp, workshops on clay, flax, and ancient crafts. A well-being Sunday complements the program, inviting festival-goers to relax and reconnect with nature.
A Place to Dance Without the Crowds
La Fête de l'Étinbulle cultivates a unique atmosphere: you can dance without being jostled, the program is carefully curated, children have fun safely, and laughter echoes through the Mayenne countryside. It's a human-scale festival where encounters are genuine, where social bonds are naturally woven between neighbors, families, and curious visitors from further afield. It has become an unmissable event for lovers of a certain simple and warm way of life.
Fête de l'Étinbulle — edition 2026
The 8th edition of La Fête de l'Étinbulle will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, in the hamlet of La Mellerie, Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson, Mayenne. The festival will once again offer a festive weekend combining concerts, live performances, nature activities, participatory workshops, and a well-being Sunday, in its family, rural, and eco-responsible spirit. Free admission (pay-what-you-want).
8th Edition — July 17 to 19, 2026
La Fête de l'Étinbulle returns for its 8th edition from July 17 to 19, 2026, in the hamlet of La Mellerie in Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson. The festival continues its adventure at the foot of Mont des Avaloirs, true to its values of eco-responsibility, sharing, and accessibility.
The program will offer, as every year:
- Friday evening: opening night with concerts and shows
- Saturday: daytime activities (nature forum, storytelling, theater, participatory workshops at the archaeo-farm) and evening concerts
- Sunday: well-being Sunday and nature reconnection activities
The full artistic program will be announced in Spring 2026 on the official website etinbulle.com and the association's social media.
Admission remains pay-what-you-want. Organic and local food and drink on-site. The festival is driven by the L'Étinbulle association and its committed volunteers.
Programme Fête de l'Étinbulle 2026
2026 Program
The detailed program for the 8th edition will be announced in Spring 2026. The festival will feature:
- Friday, July 17: Opening evening — concerts and shows
- Saturday, July 18: Daytime activities and evening concerts
- Sunday, July 19: Well-being Sunday
Check etinbulle.com for program announcements.
Highlights Fête de l'Étinbulle 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Dates: Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19, 2026
- 8th edition of the festival
- Concerts, shows, nature activities, participatory workshops
- Well-being Sunday
- Pay-what-you-want admission
- Eco-responsible, organic, and local festival
Prices Fête de l'Étinbulle 2026
Practical information — Fête de l'Étinbulle
Practical Information
Location
La Fête de l'Étinbulle takes place in the hamlet of La Mellerie, in Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson (53140), Mayenne, in the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park, at the foot of Mont des Avaloirs.
Access
By car: From Laval, take the N162 towards Alençon then follow the D144 towards Pré-en-Pail (approx. 50 minutes). From Alençon, take the N12 then the D144 towards Pré-en-Pail (approx. 35 minutes). From Le Mans, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes via the A28 then the N12. Signage is in place from the center of Pré-en-Pail to guide festival-goers to the La Mellerie site.
By train: The nearest station is Pré-en-Pail, served by the TER Le Mans – Alençon – Pré-en-Pail line. The site is accessible on foot or by carpooling from the station.
Prices
Admission to the festival is pay-what-you-want. Everyone contributes according to their means. This approach reflects the association's desire to make culture accessible to all, without financial barriers.
Hours
The festival runs over a full weekend:
- Friday: opening in the late afternoon (6 PM), concerts and shows in the evening until midnight
- Saturday: daytime activities and shows from 10 AM, evening concerts
- Sunday: well-being Sunday and activities from 10 AM to 6 PM
Food and Drink
Organic and local food and drink are available on-site, with products from the Mayenne region and local producers. Bar with organic and artisanal drinks.
Accommodation
Wild camping is not permitted on the site. Accommodation is available nearby: gîtes, bed and breakfasts, and campsites in the community of communes of Mont des Avaloirs. Remember to book in advance.
Accessibility and Families
The festival is designed to welcome families in the best conditions. Children are welcome and many activities are dedicated to them. The site is in the heart of nature: bring suitable footwear, sun protection, and rain gear.
Eco-Responsibility
The festival follows an eco-responsible approach: waste sorting, deposit or compostable tableware, dry toilets, local and organic sourcing. Festival-goers are invited to bring their reusable cup and to favor carpooling.
Contact
Association L'Étinbulle
La Mellerie, 53140 Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson
Tel: 09 78 80 98 20
Email: [email protected]
Website: etinbulle.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fête de l'Étinbulle at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Fête de l'Étinbulle
L'Étinbulle — Archéo-ferme de La Mellerie
La Mellerie, 53140 Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson