Les Oreilles en Pointe

Les Oreilles en Pointe: Short-run song since 1991

Founded in 1991, the Les Oreilles en Pointe festival is the oldest event dedicated to song in the Loire department and the Saint-Étienne region. Supported by the association of the same name, this independent festival has established itself over more than thirty editions as a must-attend event for lovers of song and musical discoveries in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

A Discovery Festival Rooted in the Ondaine Valley

Les Oreilles en Pointe distinguishes itself by its role as a talent scout. The festival favors artists with original repertoires, little-known or under-recognized creators, whether they are French-speaking or not. The programming highlights French song, folk, indie, and emerging music, in a spirit of openness and curiosity. Each edition offers a discerning selection of artists to discover, with a constant focus on presenting quality performances in a friendly atmosphere.

A Traveling Festival in the Saint-Étienne Metropolis

Concerts take place in several venues spread across Saint-Étienne, Firminy, Le Chambon-Feugerolles, Fraisses, and Monistrol-sur-Loire. Among the festival's iconic venues: La Forge (a 750-seat concert hall in Le Chambon-Feugerolles), the Espace culturel Albert Camus, the Maison de la culture de Firminy, Le Firmament in Firminy, Le Pax in Saint-Étienne, and the Salle Dorian in Fraisses. This traveling nature across different towns allows the festival to build a strong connection with audiences in the Ondaine valley and beyond.

Le Tour des Oreilles: A Launchpad for Regional Artists

Each edition begins with Le Tour des Oreilles, a special evening dedicated to emerging artists from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This competition provides musicians with the opportunity to present their original compositions, in regional languages or French, during 30-minute performances. It is one of the festival's highlights, fully embodying its commitment to discovering and promoting local talent.

An Ecological and Solidarity Commitment

Les Oreilles en Pointe is committed to an eco-responsible approach with a zero-waste objective. The festival favors local and organic catering, the use of compostable and washable tableware, and encourages carpooling among festival-goers. Off-site events are also organized, with concerts in hospitals and care facilities, as well as music practice workshops for young people.