Les Volcaniques

Les Volcaniques: Immersion in the Music and Dances of the Massif Central

Since its creation, the Les Volcaniques festival has established itself as the essential meeting place for traditional music and dance in the Puy-de-Dôme. Organized by the association Les Brayauds-CDMDT63 (Departmental Center for Traditional Music and Dance of Puy-de-Dôme), the festival takes place every year in July at Gamounet, a former post relay and wine estate located in Saint-Bonnet-près-Riom.

Five Days of Workshops and Festivities

The Les Volcaniques festival offers a five-day immersive experience in the heart of the musical and dance traditions of the Massif Central:

• Music Workshops: accordion, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, violin, cello, traditional singing
• Dance Workshops: traditional forms and improvisation, bourrée and dances of the Massif Central
• Traditional Balls: large balls animated by participants and guest musicians
• Concerts: traditional music ensembles and contemporary creations
• Shows: artistic creations combining music, dance, and theater
• Aperitif-Concerts: convivial musical moments in the late afternoon

Gamounet: A Place Steeped in History

Gamounet, located at 40 rue de la République in Saint-Bonnet-près-Riom, is the headquarters of the Les Brayauds association and the festival's living space. This former post relay and wine estate has been restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural venue, hosting activities around traditional music and dance throughout the year.

Les Brayauds: Guardians of Musical Heritage

The Les Brayauds association, founded in 1980, has been recognized since 1997 as the Departmental Center for Traditional Music and Dance of Puy-de-Dôme. Its three areas of activity—research, training, and artistic expression—make it a major player in the preservation and transmission of the musical and dance heritage of the Massif Central. The Les Volcaniques festival is the annual highlight of this mission, bringing together musicians, dancers, participants, and festival-goers in a spirit of sharing and discovery.