Les Sonneurs de Gourin
Championship of Brittany for traditional pipers and dancers
2026
About Les Sonneurs
Les Sonneurs — edition 2026
Les Sonneurs de Gourin celebrate their 70th edition from September 3 to 6, 2026, at the Domaine de Tronjoly. Four days of Brittany Championship finals for couple pipers and traditional dance, featuring the Trio Pêr Vari Kervarec at the church, Black Label Zone and Red Cardell at the village hall, the bagadoù Bleimor, Kejadenn, and Ar Roue Morvan, two festoù-noz, and a reed-maker's salon.
2026 Edition: The 70th Anniversary
From September 3 to 6, 2026, Gourin celebrates the 70th anniversary of its championship, which began in 1956 at the initiative of Abbé Le Poulichet during the Saint-Hervé festivities. The two opening evenings take place in town: at the church on Thursday and the village hall on Friday. The competitions, exhibitions, and festoù-noz will be held at the Domaine de Tronjoly on Saturday and Sunday.
What's changing this year
Championship winners will no longer receive a trophy; instead, a tree will be planted on the Domaine de Tronjoly for each winning couple, and the "Bali ar Sonerion" (Pipers' Alley) will take shape in the park over the years. Three trees will be planted in 2026, the first in memory of Polig Monjarret.
A 52-minute documentary on the pipers is being produced this year by Futur Antérieur Production and directed by piper Youenn Chapalain, for future broadcast on France 3. All Sunday events will be filmed and broadcast live; the link will be announced on the committee's website and social media channels.
The Competitions
The Brittany Couple Pipers Championship is played in two categories—binioù and bombarde—across three events: march, melody, and dance. Additional events include the young pipers competition (under 20), the "Family" competition for couples from the same family with at least one generation gap, the open duo competition for other instruments, the Brittany Traditional Dance Championship final, and the young dancers competition for ages 6 to 14. Competitor registration is free and available online until Friday, September 4, at 6:00 PM.
Highlights Les Sonneurs 2026
- 70th edition: three trees are planted at Tronjoly for the winning couples, the first in memory of Polig Monjarret, who created the competition in 1956
- Red Cardell and guests, with Black Label Zone as the opening act, Friday, September 4 at the village hall
- Bagad Bleimor reunites for a single concert on Saturday, September 5, before Bagad Kejadenn
- Saturday night fest-noz at 9:00 PM: Fleuves and the snare drummers of Bagad Cap Caval, Loened Fall, Les Frères Mahévas, Irvoas/Moign, Duo Nicolas/Denis
- Brittany Binioù and Bombarde Championship Final on Sunday, filmed and broadcast live
- "Gourin, Land of Pipers for 70 Years" exhibition inside the château
Programme Les Sonneurs 2026
Thursday, September 3, 2026 — Gourin Church
- 8:30 PM — Concert by the Trio Pêr Vari Kervarec: Brieuc Colleter (Scottish bagpipes), David Bodenes (organ), and Pêr Vari Kervarec (bombarde). Admission €10
Friday, September 4, 2026 — Gourin Village Hall
- 8:30 PM — Opening act: Black Label Zone, featuring Breton and Celtic music born from a collaboration with Bagad Brieg, blending bagpipes and bombardes with rock rhythms
- 8:30 PM — Red Cardell and guests. Admission €15 for the evening
Saturday, September 5, 2026 — Domaine de Tronjoly, starting at 10:00 AM
Day pass + fest-noz €10, free for children under 15.
- 10:00 AM — Young couple pipers competition (under 20), march and melody categories. The Fanch Bodivit trophy is presented by Rose Goardet
- 10:00 AM — Dance workshops led by Kenleur, focusing on the four dances selected for the final: Laridé de Baud, Gavotte mode de Braspart/St Rivoal, Gavotte/Jabadao Rouzig, and Suite de l'Oust et du Lié
- 2:00 PM — Young pipers competition, dance category
- 2:00 PM — Young dancers competition (ages 6 to 14), open to all without prior selection, accompanied by participants from the young pipers competition
- 2:00 PM — Brittany Traditional Dance Championship Final, organized by the Confédération Kenleur and the Fédération Kenleur Morbihan
- 2:00 PM — Open duo competition, the final qualifier for Sunday's grand final
- 5:00 PM — "Family" couple pipers competition: binioù and bombarde players from the same family with at least one generation gap, consisting of two rounds: a march or melody followed by a dance
- After the competitions, before the results — Bagad Bleimor, reunited for this one-off performance, followed by Bagad Kejadenn (young Sonerion 29)
- 9:00 PM — Fest-noz under a marquee with a wooden dance floor, admission €10: Fleuves and the snare drummers of Bagad Cap Caval, Loened Fall, Les Frères Mahévas, Irvoas/Moign, Duo Nicolas/Denis, and the 2026 young champion pipers
Sunday, September 6, 2026 — Domaine de Tronjoly, starting at 10:00 AM
Day pass €12, free for children under 15. All Sunday events will be filmed and broadcast live.
- 10:00 AM — Brittany Binioù and Bombarde Championship Final, march and melody categories
- 1:00 PM — Bagad Jeunes Sonerion, following the official speeches: 49 musicians under 20 from 15 different bagadoù
- 2:00 PM — Binioù and Bombarde Championship Final, dance category
- 2:00 PM — Open duo competition final and Kenleur dance competition, the first qualifier for the 2027 traditional dance championship
- 4:00 PM — "Par le Bout du Noz," a dance show by Ronan Le Gouriérec for children and their parents, based on the story of Fanch Moussara, a slightly narcoleptic badger, illustrated with drawings revealed throughout the narration
- After the competitions — Bagad Ar Roue Morvan
- Closing Fest-deiz ha noz — Enneade, winners of the 2025 inter-high school competition (nine singers, five violins), and the day's three winners in the Binioù, Bombarde, and open duo categories
All Weekend
- Inside the château, exhibition "Gourin, Land of Pipers for 70 Years": photographs, archives, instruments, objects, and testimonials, a journey through the regions of Brittany featuring traditional costumes, and a space dedicated to Polig Monjarret
- Exhibition by Rose Goardet, a painter inspired by Bigouden costumes, embroidery, and popular Breton symbols
- Exhibition of fest-noz posters by Alain Goutal, cartoonist and illustrator
- Traveling exhibition by Nono (Joël Le Gall) on Breton music and dance
- "Open Air" events and author meet-and-greets
- In the longère, reed-maker and luthier salon: a market for bombarde, binioù, and bagpipe reeds featuring Thierry Goudebranche, Michel Le Pimpec and his electronic Keltelec practice chanters, luthier Frédéric Samzun, Fanchig (François Maillet), Christian Kervadec (bodhrans), Jean Vincent Carré, and the Atelier Loffet
Prices Les Sonneurs 2026
Friday, September 4, concerts at the village hall: €15.
Saturday, September 5, day pass + fest-noz: €10, free for children under 15.
Sunday, September 6, day pass: €12, free for children under 15.
Online ticketing via HelloAsso, and available on the Pass Culture for those aged 15-21.
Free registration for competition participants, to be completed before Friday, September 4, at 6:00 PM.
Practical information — Les Sonneurs
Access
The Domaine de Tronjoly is located in Gourin, in the heart of central Brittany.
- By car: From Lorient, take the N165 then D769 towards Gourin (50 minutes). From Pontivy, D782 then D1 (40 minutes). Free parking on site.
- By train: Nearest station: Lorient or Quimperlé, then bus connection.
Location
Domaine de Tronjoly, 56110 Gourin.
Ticketing
Tickets on sale on the official website www.championnatdessonneurs.fr. Prices vary depending on the days and events.
Food and Drink
Breton catering on site. Bars and crêperies.
Contact
Les Sonneurs de Gourin
Website: www.championnatdessonneurs.fr
Accommodation
Gourin and its surroundings offer a wide choice of accommodation: hotels, bed and breakfasts, gîtes, campsites, and seasonal rentals. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the summer season. The local tourist office can assist you with your accommodation search.
Accessibility
Contact the organizers for access conditions for people with reduced mobility. The main festival venues are generally accessible.
Practical Tips
Remember to consult the detailed program before your visit to plan your shows and activities. For outdoor performances, bring clothing suitable for Breton weather (windbreaker and rain gear recommended). Carpooling is encouraged to limit the environmental impact. Follow the festival's social media for the latest news and any program changes.
Nearby
Take advantage of your visit to Les Sonneurs de Gourin to discover the tourist attractions of Morbihan: the Gulf of Morbihan, the Carnac megaliths, the islands of Ponant, the wild coast of Quiberon, and the character towns of the department. The local tourist office will provide information on nearby visits and activities.
The Grand Finale of Breton Music
Every first weekend of September, Gourin hosts the final of the Championship of Brittany for Pipers, one of the most prestigious events in traditional Breton music. In the heart of the Domaine de Tronjoly, couples of pipers (bombardes and binioù) compete for the coveted title of Champion of Brittany.
A High-Level Competition
The championship brings together the best couples of pipers qualified from 13 regional events across Brittany. Several competition categories are offered:
- Championship of Brittany for Couples of Pipers: the main competition, reserved for adults
- Under-20s Competition: for the next generation of Breton music
- Family Competition: open to musical families
- Duo Libre: instrumental formation of choice
- Championship of Brittany for Traditional Dance: since 2013
Beyond the Competition
The festival is not limited to competitions. A rich program accompanies the finals:
- Fest-noz and fest-deiz throughout the weekend
- Young Audience Shows and family entertainment
- Reed Exhibition and instrument makers
- Artistic and cultural exhibitions
- Market for Breton products and crafts
70 Years of Tradition
With 70 editions in 2026, Les Sonneurs de Gourin is one of the oldest gatherings of Breton culture. Created in the 1950s, the championship has accompanied the revival of traditional Breton music and contributed to its recognition as living heritage.
The Domaine de Tronjoly
The Domaine de Tronjoly, with its castle and 25-hectare park, offers a majestic setting for this musical event. The open-air stages, catering areas, and relaxation zones allow for a fully immersive weekend in Breton culture.
A Breeding Ground for Talent
Over the decades, the championship has discovered many talents in Breton music, who have become essential figures on the music scene. It serves as a launchpad for young musicians and a moment of celebration for the more experienced.
Where does it take place — Les Sonneurs
Les Sonneurs in brief
History of Les Sonneurs
Edition 2025 Sep 2025Other festivals near Gourin
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