MadCow Festival
Music, nature and adrenaline in the heart of the Cantal mountains
About MadCow
The MadCow Festival is a unique festival combining 100% French music (pop, electro, French chanson), board sports and outdoor activities at the Lac des Cascades in Cheylade, Cantal. For 3 days in August, festival-goers and mountain lovers gather to share concerts, slacklining, climbing, water jumping, yoga and creative workshops in an exceptional natural setting at the foot of Puy Mary.
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A festival unlike any other in the heart of Cantal
Born in 2019 from the imagination of a group of enthusiasts, the MadCow Festival has established itself in a few editions as an atypical and unifying event in the heart of the Cantal massif. Located at the Lac des Cascades, a remarkable natural site nestled in the glacial valley of the Petite Rhue at over 1,200 meters above sea level, the festival offers a grandiose setting dominated by the emblematic peaks of Puy Mary (1,783 m), Peyre Arse (1,806 m) and Puy de la Tourte (1,704 m).
A 100% French musical program
The particularity of the MadCow Festival lies in its exclusively French programming. Pop, electro, French chanson: the French music scene is represented in all its diversity. Over the editions, the festival has hosted renowned artists such as Breakbot, Etienne de Crécy, Arnaud Rebotini, Isaac Delusion, Bagarre, Darius, Miel de Montagne, and Teho. The concerts take place in the evening, offering a unique atmosphere between mountains and stars.
Sports, adrenaline, and nature activities
What truly distinguishes the MadCow Festival from other music festivals is the central role given to sports and outdoor activities. The days are punctuated by a multitude of experiences: giant slide with a view of Puy Mary, slacklining, climbing, water jumping, skate contest, swimming in the lake, hikes to discover the surrounding waterfalls, mountain biking, and the MadCow Olympics.
For wellness and creativity enthusiasts, morning yoga sessions facing the mountains and DIY workshops (watercolor, pottery, embroidery, making pocket ashtrays) complete the program. A giant Cluedo game through the village of Cheylade allows participants to discover the mysteries of this preserved territory.
A community and committed spirit
Organized by the association SPLASH with the logistical and financial support of the municipality of Cheylade, the MadCow Festival cultivates a spirit of sharing and conviviality. Camping is included in the ticket price, encouraging encounters and collective life. The festival also pays particular attention to its environmental impact, in line with its roots in the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne.
After five successful editions between 2019 and 2024, the organizers announced a break to recharge. They remain active through other event projects in Cantal, demonstrating their desire to revitalize this rural mountain region.
Practical information — MadCow
Practical Information
Access
The MadCow Festival takes place at the Lac des Cascades, located at Pont de la Roche, 15400 Cheylade, in the Cantal department of Auvergne.
- By car: From Clermont-Ferrand (93 km), take the direction of Bort-les-Orgues then Cheylade. From Aurillac (55 km), follow the direction of Puy Mary via the D680 then D62. The site is about 3.5 km from the center of Cheylade, towards Lac des Cascades.
- By train: Nearest station in Aurillac. Carpooling is possible via the festival's Facebook group.
Camping
Camping is included free of charge with the ticket price. The site has camping areas in a natural setting near the lake.
Food and Drink
Food stalls and bars are available on the festival site throughout the event.
Ticketing
Tickets are available online on the Billetweb platform. Early bird rates are offered when ticketing opens. The 3-day pass includes access to concerts and all activities, as well as camping.
Good to know
- Sunday is traditionally open to accompanied minors.
- The site is at altitude (1,200 m): bring warm clothing for the evenings.
- Sports activities are supervised and accessible to all levels.
- Contact: [email protected]
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach MadCow at the best price.
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Where does it take place — MadCow
Lac des Cascades
Lieu-dit Pont de la Roche, 15400 Cheylade