Les Soirées du Bessat

Les Soirées du Bessat: Live Art in the Heart of Le Puy-en-Velay

Nestled in the inner courtyard of the Théâtre du Mayapo, at 19 rue du Bessat, Les Soirées du Bessat offers a unique moment of culture and conviviality every summer in the historic center of Le Puy-en-Velay. This multidisciplinary festival was born from the desire of storyteller Jean-Pierre Armand, an emblematic figure of storytelling in Haute-Loire, and his association L'Arc à Trois Cordes, to create a meeting space between live arts and the local audience.

A Multilingual and Intimate Program

For three weeks, from July to early August, Les Soirées du Bessat presents a rich and varied program: theater, storytelling, world music (klezmer, gypsy jazz, Georgian songs, Latin American music, Andean music, fado), puppetry, clown, and musical readings. Performances take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening, creating a true artistic buzz within this small paved courtyard.

The deliberately limited capacity—around fifty seats—makes each performance a special moment where the proximity between artists and spectators is total. You can arrive early to have a glass of fruit juice, chat with the artists after the show, and enjoy the mild summer evenings in this peaceful corner of the old town.

The Théâtre du Mayapo: A Gem for Live Performance

The Théâtre de Poche du Mayapo is an intimate performance venue nestled in a alleyway in Le Puy-en-Velay. With its 90-seat hall and inner courtyard, it offers a program focused on live performance throughout the year: puppets, storytelling, theater, dance, music, and café-theater. Directed with passion, the Mayapo also hosts theater workshops for all ages, from children to adults. Les Soirées du Bessat naturally extends this mission by taking over the outer courtyard during the warmer months.

A Collective of Committed Artists

The festival is driven by a collective of artists and companies united around Jean-Pierre Armand. The company L'Arc à Trois Cordes, specializing in storytelling and narrative forms, is at the heart of the programming with shows like Contes à la tombée de la nuit, Mémoire légendaire, or Les contes sauvages de la Loire. Guest companies enrich the lineup, such as Le Petit Atelier company with its show Fractures, or musicians offering jazz, fado, or traditional music concerts.

A Popular and Accessible Festival

True to the spirit of sharing and proximity, Les Soirées du Bessat offers affordable prices, with many performances at a 'pay-what-you-want' rate. The festival is for all audiences, from toddlers to adults, and contributes to keeping culture alive in the heart of the summer in the region, in a festive, warm, and popular spirit.