Les Nuits de Marcolès

Thirty years of storytelling in the heart of a medieval village

Since 1994, Les Nuits de Marcolès have illuminated the alleys of this medieval gem in Cantal every summer. Created on the initiative of Jean-Paul Marcenac, then president of the Cultural Animation Committee, this nocturnal walking show was born from a simple but bold idea: to revive the traditions of oral storytelling in a setting of ancient stones, by the light of the stars and flames.

Marcolès, an exceptional heritage setting

Marcolès is not just any village. Labeled Petite Cité de Caractère since 2014 and classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France since 2024, this former fortified town from the 12th century has preserved its medieval character intact. Its two historic gates, connected by the famous Rue Longue lined with Renaissance facades, its vaulted cellars that once housed the goods of prosperous merchants, and its Saint-Martin church founded in the 10th century around a Benedictine priory form a natural setting of incomparable richness for a nocturnal performance.

A unique immersive experience

The principle of Les Nuits is as original as it is enchanting. At dusk, spectators gather in the Place de la Fontaine, where small groups form around local volunteer guides. Then begins a nocturnal walk through the narrow alleys of the village, where every corner, every vaulted passage, every small square becomes an open-air stage. Professional storytellers, invited each year by the animation committee, work for several months on a theme chosen for the edition, blending tales inspired by oral tradition—sometimes in Occitan—and original creations.

The art of storytelling magnified by light and music

What distinguishes Les Nuits de Marcolès from other storytelling festivals is the extraordinary work of lighting the medieval village. Lighting designers transform the stone facades, alleys, and gardens into living paintings that accompany and enhance the narratives. The music, played live, weaves a link between the different scenes and accompanies the spectators on their journey through the village. The ensemble creates a magical atmosphere where the ancient architecture, the words of the storytellers, the play of light, and the melodies blend into a total sensory experience.

A festival driven by volunteer passion

Les Nuits de Marcolès are above all a human adventure. The Comité d'Animation Culturelle de Marcolès, a non-profit association (law 1901), mobilizes dozens of village volunteers each year who actively participate in the show: amateur storytellers, extras, technicians, guides. This collective involvement makes Les Nuits an event deeply rooted in local life, a gathering where the entire village puts on a show to welcome and amaze visitors.

Four enchanted evenings in July

The festival takes place every year over four evenings, from Wednesday to Saturday of the last week of July, starting at 9:30 PM. Each edition explores a different theme: Breton tales, Tibetan legends, Occitan stories, fantastic journeys. The show, designed for a family audience aged 7 and up, lasts about two and a half hours and ends around midnight, leaving spectators with their heads full of stories and magical images. With over 900 spectators in its best editions, Les Nuits de Marcolès has become a must-see event in the cultural life of Cantal and a unique model of walking performance in a heritage setting.