La Vache et le Caribou

A musical bridge between Normandy and Quebec

La Vache et le Caribou is a unique Franco-Québécois song festival in France, born in 2009 in Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton. The Association des Amis des Bertrand et Saint-Arnaud en France organizes this event every summer, celebrating the historical and cultural ties between Normandy and Quebec. The festival's name, humorously blending the Norman cow and the Québécois caribou, symbolizes this transatlantic fraternity rooted in history: many Norman families, including the Bertrand and Saint-Arnaud families from Verneuil, emigrated to New France in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Francophone song in an intimate atmosphere

For five days in August, the festival features Francophone song concerts bringing together Norman, French, and Québécois artists. The event takes place in human-scale venues like La Ruche and Le Silo, promoting ultra-proximity between musicians and the audience. Rather than focusing on mainstream headliners, the festival prioritizes the discovery of authentic talents and the pleasure of meeting artists. Each edition hosts singer-songwriters from both sides of the Atlantic in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

A festival rooted in history and territory

La Vache et le Caribou is part of a cultural twinning initiative between Verneuil-sur-Avre and Quebec. The festival also offers theatrical performances, artist meet-and-greets, and activities centered around Franco-Québécois culture. The event is supported by the City of Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton and relies on a network of passionate volunteers. Since its creation, the festival has built a loyal and enthusiastic audience that appreciates this summer musical interlude blending song, history, and Norman and Québécois conviviality.