Le Pot au Noir

A unique mountain creation venue

Le Pot au Noir is much more than a festival: it is an artistic creation venue nestled at 800 meters altitude in the hamlet of Rivoiranche, in the commune of Saint-Paul-lès-Monestier, in the heart of Trièves. Since 1998, this former rehabilitated farm has hosted theater, dance, circus, and music companies in creative residencies. The site includes a 127-seat theater set up in a bicentennial barn, a rehearsal room in the former hayloft, and a stage for shows under a tent.

A "pleins champs" festival

Each spring, Le Pot au Noir organizes its festival, an event lasting several weeks that spreads throughout the Trièves territory. Performances take place both in the Rivoiranche theater and in the surrounding villages, notably at the Poulailler in Monestier-du-Percy and in other communes of the Trièves. This itinerant approach brings art closer to the inhabitants and promotes culture in rural areas.

Theater, circus, clown, and contemporary creation

The festival's program mixes contemporary theater, circus, dance, clown, and music. Le Pot au Noir favors original creations and unique artistic forms, hosting renowned artists such as Patrick Pineau, Michel Cerda, François Cervantes, the clown Bonaventure Gacon from Cirque Trottola, and the documentarian Nicolas Philibert. The festival is a meeting space between artists and the public, in an exceptional natural setting.

25 years of culture in Trièves

In 2023, Le Pot au Noir celebrated its 25th anniversary with an exceptional two-week edition. Recognized as a resource stage by the Department of Isère, the venue has supported hundreds of artistic projects since its creation. Led by Valère Bertrand, a passionate artistic director, Le Pot au Noir embodies a vision of culture as a social link in rural territory, proving that artistic excellence can flourish far from big cities.

An exceptional natural setting

The Rivoiranche site offers a remarkable natural setting, between meadows, forests, and views of the Vercors and Dévoluy massifs. This immersion in nature is an integral part of the festival experience, where spectators are invited to take their time, stroll between shows, and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Moments of conviviality around shared meals and refreshments complete each festival day.