Les Nuits Basaltiques
Festival of traditional music and dances from Auvergne and beyond
About Nuits Basaltiques
Twenty years of traditional music in Haute-Loire
Since 2005, Les Nuits Basaltiques — renamed Les Basaltiques — has become a major event in the cultural landscape of Haute-Loire. Organized by the CDMDT 43 (Departmental Center for Traditional Music and Dances), this festival shines a spotlight on the traditional music and dances of Auvergne and elsewhere, reinterpreted by creative and bold artists who bring a breath of modernity to ancestral tunes.
A rich program of concerts, dances, and workshops
The festival unfolds over several days, alternating evening concerts, traditional dances lasting late into the night, and daytime music and dance workshops. The workshops, led by renowned instructors, offer the opportunity to learn emblematic instruments — hurdy-gurdy, diatonic accordion, bagpipes, boha — as well as dances from the Auvergne repertoire: bourrées, fandangos, rigodons, and couple dances. Aperitif concerts, local meals, and conferences complete a program designed to foster exchange and conviviality.
Between local tradition and global openness
While the festival is deeply rooted in the musical heritage of Auvergne, it also cultivates an openness to traditions from around the world. Over the years, Les Nuits Basaltiques has hosted musicians from Brittany, Occitania, Italy, Brazil, and Palestine, creating unique artistic encounters between traditional repertoires and contemporary creations. Groups like Blowzabella, Les Ogres de Barback, and the duo Brotto-Milleret have left their mark on the evenings, alongside local artists and musical discoveries.
A free and festive opening evening
Each edition begins with an opening evening with a free entry (pay-what-you-want), a true invitation to discover the festival's universe. Starting at 5 PM, the public is invited to an aperitif concert followed by a local meal prepared by local producers, an introduction to traditional dances, and a grand opening ball. This evening embodies the spirit of Les Nuits Basaltiques: a moment of sharing accessible to all, where beginners and experienced dancers alike can meet on the dance floor.
A family-friendly and participatory festival
Les Nuits Basaltiques stands out for its participatory dimension. More than just a festival of performances, the event invites the public to become active participants: taking part in workshops, joining the open jam session, dancing at the balls. Specific workshops for teenagers complete the offerings, making the festival a place for intergenerational transmission of traditional music and dances. With over 900 participants in its best editions, Les Nuits Basaltiques confirms year after year that traditional music is a living heritage that speaks to all generations.
Nuits Basaltiques — edition 2026
21st edition of the Les Basaltiques festival, from July 29th to August 1st, 2026 in Puy-en-Velay. Organized by the CDMDT 43, this gathering of traditional music and dances from Auvergne and beyond offers four evenings of balls and aperitif-concerts, three days of immersive workshops, and an enlarged dance floor, in a friendly atmosphere.
Les Basaltiques 2026: Four Evenings of Balls in Puy-en-Velay
For its 21st edition, from July 29th to August 1st, 2026, the Les Basaltiques festival takes over the Centre Pierre Cardinal, in the old town of Puy-en-Velay. True to the spirit that has driven the event since 2005, the CDMDT 43 offers four evenings combining aperitif-concerts, traditional balls, and open singing sessions, as well as three days of music and dance workshops during the day. The 2026 edition benefits from an enlarged dance floor for greater comfort during the balls.
Balls, Aperitif-Concerts, and Open Singing Sessions
Each evening begins with an aperitif-concert at 18:30, followed by an open singing session and then a grand ball. The invited groups create a dialogue between traditional repertoires from Auvergne and beyond, in the participatory tradition that defines the festival's identity.
Music and Dance Workshops
During the day, Les Basaltiques offers immersive three-day workshops, mini-workshops (from three hours to a full day), and a specific workshop for teenagers. Access to the festival evenings is included in certain workshop packages. Registration on the CDMDT 43's HelloAsso ticketing platform.
Programme Nuits Basaltiques 2026
Wednesday, July 29th, 2026
- 17:00 — Film screening
- 18:30 — Aperitif-concert: Nebojsa Marković
- 20:00 — Open singing session
- 20:30 — Dance initiation and opening ball
- 21:30 — Ball: La Rôdeuse & Barrage
Thursday, July 30th, 2026
- 18:30 — Aperitif-concert: Valérie Imbert
- 19:30 — Singing session
- 20:30 — Ball: Duo Etienne, Platane & Ati me care
Friday, July 31st, 2026
- 18:30 — Singing session led by Thomas Restoin
- 19:30 — Singing session
- 20:30 — Ball: Caniar, La Machine & La Malène
Saturday, August 1st, 2026
- 16:30 — Workshop presentation (free access)
- 18:30 — Aperitif-concert: Ensemble Gorc
- 19:30 — Singing session
- 20:30 — Ball: Trio Pinchemaille Roche Duplessis, Tallec-Noguet Quartet & Brèsier
Highlights Nuits Basaltiques 2026
- 21st edition, from July 29th to August 1st, 2026 in Puy-en-Velay
- Four evenings of balls and aperitif-concerts
- Three days of music and dance workshops
- Enlarged dance floor in 2026
- Specific workshop for teenagers
Prices Nuits Basaltiques 2026
Practical information — Nuits Basaltiques
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place in Brives-Charensac, a town bordering Le Puy-en-Velay in Haute-Loire, in the Velay region.
- By car: From Le Puy-en-Velay, Brives-Charensac is accessible in 5 minutes via the N88. From Saint-Étienne (approx. 1h15) or Clermont-Ferrand (approx. 1h30), follow signs for Le Puy-en-Velay.
- By train: Le Puy-en-Velay station (TER line from Saint-Étienne or Lyon). Brives-Charensac is a few minutes by bus or car from the station.
- By bus: Lines from the Haute-Loire intercity network serve Brives-Charensac.
Venue
The evenings and activities are held at the Centre Pierre Cardinal in the old town of Le Puy-en-Velay, as well as at the Maison Pour Tous in Brives-Charensac depending on the edition. Consult the official website for the exact venue of each edition.
Prices
- Opening evening: Pay-what-you-want (free)
- Single evening: €17 (€14 reduced rate)
- 3-day pass: €39 (€32 reduced rate)
Workshops
Music and dance workshops take place during the day. Advance booking recommended on the official website. 3-hour or full-day workshops, led by renowned instructors.
Food
Local meals offered on-site during the evenings, featuring local products from Haute-Loire.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the dances and balls.
- Evenings can run late: consider your accommodation.
- As workshop places are limited, book in advance on the official website.
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Where does it take place — Nuits Basaltiques
Centre Pierre Cardinal
9 rue Jules Vallès, 43700 Brives-Charensac