About Le Grand Mistère

Le Grand Mistère is a theatre festival organized every summer in Pont-de-Montvert – Sud Mont Lozère by the company Espère un peu. Inspired by the medieval genre of the mystery play, this popular open-air performance offers in-situ theatrical creations, artistic initiation workshops, and cultural encounters. The performances unfold in several Cévenol villages, from Pont-de-Montvert to Florac, Génolhac, Sainte-Enimie, and Vialas, transforming squares and streets into living stages.

The Mystery Play, a Revisited Popular Theatrical Art

A very popular theatrical genre in the Middle Ages, the mystery play was initially dedicated to religious subjects and performed in churches. Over the centuries, it evolved to become a huge street performance, interpreted by hundreds of actors and dedicated to secular stories where realism mingled with the supernatural. It is in this spirit that the company Espère un peu created the Le Grand Mistère festival, to bring to life generous, accessible theatre rooted in the Cévennes region.

A Traveling Festival in the Cévennes and Mont Lozère

Each year, the festival unfolds in the municipality of Pont-de-Montvert – Sud Mont Lozère and in several villages of the Cévennes: Florac, Génolhac, Sainte-Enimie, Saint-Privat-de-Vallongue, and Vialas. The performances take over squares, streets, and public spaces, creating a unique proximity between artists and spectators. The exceptional natural setting of the Cévennes National Park and Mont Lozère adds a magical dimension to the open-air performances.

Original Theatrical Creations

The heart of the festival consists of at least one original theatrical creation conceived in-situ, meaning specially written and staged for the locations that host it. Previous editions have presented ambitious adaptations such as Flaubert's Madame Bovary, Marcel Pagnol's Marius et Fanny, Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes, and Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People, always in a popular and festive spirit.

Workshops and Encounters for All Audiences

Beyond the theatrical performances, Le Grand Mistère offers artistic initiation workshops open to everyone: acting, costume design, body expression. Cultural encounters with artists and creators allow the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of the creation process and discuss the works presented. The festival also hosts youth performances, making the event accessible to families.

The Company Espère un peu

Founded in May 2019 in Nîmes, the company Espère un peu is dedicated to popular, generous, and accessible theatre. It explores dramatic text in its fictional, dreamlike, conflictual, and historical dimensions to shed light on the contemporary world. Le Grand Mistère is the company's flagship project, working each year with professional actors and local residents to create unique performances rooted in the Cévennes landscape.

Le Grand Mistère — edition 2026

The 7th edition of the Le Grand Mistère festival will take place from July 27 to August 9, 2026, in Pont-de-Montvert and the Cévennes villages. The program revolves around a triptych titled 'À tombeau ouvert' (Wide Open Grave), exploring three stages of life through three plays: 'A Book of Paradise' by Isaac Bashevis Singer, 'The Winter Funeral', and 'The Mourners' by Hanokh Levin.

7th Edition – 'À tombeau ouvert'

Le Grand Mistère returns for its 7th edition from July 27 to August 9, 2026, with an ambitious theatrical triptych titled 'À tombeau ouvert' (Wide Open Grave), which follows the chronology of three stages of life through three plays:

A Book of Paradise – a tale by Isaac Bashevis Singer

The Winter Funeral – by Hanokh Levin

The Mourners – by Hanokh Levin

Performances will take place in Pont-de-Montvert and alternate between Florac, Génolhac, Sainte-Enimie, Saint-Privat-de-Vallongue, and Vialas.

Practical information — Le Grand Mistère

Access

Pont-de-Montvert – Sud Mont Lozère is located in northern Lozère, in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, on the Mont Lozère route.

By car: From Florac (20 km, approx. 30 min), follow the D998 then the D20. From Mende (45 km, approx. 50 min), take the N88 then the D901.
Parking: Free parking on the outskirts of the village.

Practical Information

Performances take place outdoors, mainly at the Espace Multi Sports in Pont-de-Montvert and in various public spaces in the participating villages. Shows usually start at 7 PM. Bring warm clothing for evenings at altitude.

Contact

Website: espereunpeu.fr