Les Improbables de Mauriac
Cantal's theatrical improvisation festival
About Les Improbables
Les Improbables de Mauriac is the theatrical improvisation festival of Cantal. For three days, about ten troupes from all over France take over unusual venues in Mauriac — courthouse, cattle market, media library, dojo — to offer more than twenty entirely improvised shows in various formats: improv matches, cabarets, children's workshops, and interactive performances.
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Theatrical improvisation takes over unusual venues in Mauriac
Every spring, the small town of Mauriac, in the heart of Cantal, comes alive with theatrical improvisation for a weekend. The Les Improbables de Mauriac festival, created in 2022 by the association Y'a l'Feu Aux Planches (Yalfap), transforms the emblematic and atypical places of the town into ephemeral stages where anything is possible.
Unusual venues for unique shows
What makes Les Improbables unique is the bold choice of performance venues. Forget traditional theaters: here, improvisation comes to life in the courthouse, the old cattle market, the media library, the dojo, the former prisons, the municipal swimming pool, and many other surprise spaces that transform into theaters for the duration of the festival. Each location imposes its constraints and poetry, offering actors and the audience a truly unique theatrical experience.
A rich and varied program
For three days, about ten improvisation troupes from all over France take turns offering more than twenty entirely improvised shows. The program explores all formats of the genre: the essential Saturday evening improv matches, true moments of jubilant competition between teams, improv cabarets featuring short scenes, themed shows by professional companies, as well as guided theatrical walks through the town.
A festival for all audiences
Les Improbables places great importance on the young audience with introductory improvisation workshops for children. The festival also offers intergenerational and participatory activities that allow spectators to become performers. A central hub is set up in the heart of Mauriac with free programming, refreshments, and a friendly atmosphere.
An essential Cantal event
Since its first edition in 2022, which attracted nearly 1,000 spectators, the festival has continued to grow. The event has become a must-attend for improvisation theater lovers in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The closing evening, with its traditional show followed by a traditional dance (bal trad'), brings together festival-goers and locals in a festive moment of sharing.
Driven by the energy of the Yalfap association and the support of volunteers, Les Improbables de Mauriac proves that live performance can emerge anywhere, as long as one dares to imagine.
Les Improbables — edition 2026
5th edition of the Les Improbables de Mauriac festival. Three days of theatrical improvisation with about ten troupes and over 20 improvised shows in Mauriac's unusual venues: courthouse, cattle market, media library, dojo.
5th Edition: Mark Your Calendars for April 3-5, 2026
The Les Improbables de Mauriac festival returns for its 5th edition from April 3 to 5, 2026. True to its unique concept, the Cantal improvisation theater festival will once again take over the unusual venues of Mauriac for a weekend of creativity and laughter.
About ten improvisation troupes from all over France will gather to offer over 20 entirely improvised shows in various formats. The courthouse, cattle market, media library, dojo, and other surprise spaces will transform into ephemeral stages for the duration of the festival.
On the program: interactive improv matches, improv cabarets, themed shows, guided theatrical walks, introductory workshops for children, interactive theater, and surprise scenes. The detailed program and ticketing information will be available soon on the official festival website.
Highlights Les Improbables 2026
- 5th edition of the festival
- April 3-5, 2026
- About ten troupes from all over France
- Over 20 improv shows
- Unusual venues: courthouse, cattle market, media library, dojo
- Improv matches, cabarets, children's workshops
- Intergenerational and participatory activities
Prices Les Improbables 2026
Practical information — Les Improbables
Practical Information
Access
Mauriac is located in the Cantal department (15), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The town is 50 km north of Aurillac and 80 km from Bort-les-Orgues.
- By car: From Aurillac, take the D922 towards Mauriac (approx. 50 minutes). From Clermont-Ferrand, follow the A75 then the D922 via Riom-ès-Montagnes.
- By train: Nearest station in Aurillac (Paris-Aurillac line). TER bus connection possible to Mauriac.
Performance Venues
Shows take place in various locations in the town: courthouse, cattle market, media library, dojo, former prisons, municipal swimming pool, and other surprise spaces. A central welcome point is set up in the heart of Mauriac.
Ticketing
Tickets are available online on HelloAsso and on the official festival website. It is recommended to book in advance as some venues have limited capacity.
- 1 Afternoon Pass: 10 euros (adult), 6 euros (12-18 years), free (under 12 years)
- 2 Afternoon Pass: 15 euros (adult), 10 euros (12-18 years), free (under 12 years)
- Evening Shows: 10 euros (adult), 8 euros (12-18 years), free (under 12 years)
- Daytime Shows: 5 euros (adult), 3 euros (12-18 years), free (under 12 years)
Accommodation
Several accommodation options are available in and around Mauriac: hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rural gites. Contact the Tourist Office of the Pays de Mauriac at 04 71 68 19 87 for more information and reservations.
Contact
- Y'a l'Feu Aux Planches Association: 06 82 07 91 07
- Tourist Office of the Pays de Mauriac: 04 71 68 19 87
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Where does it take place — Les Improbables
Lieux insolites de Mauriac
21 rue François de Murat, 15200 Mauriac