Musiques et Danses du Monde

Musiques et Danses du Monde: Over Thirty Years of Cultural Discovery in Airvault

Since 1993, the Musiques et Danses du Monde festival has cultivated the values of discovery, exchange, and sharing in the enchanting setting of Airvault, a medieval town in northern Deux-Sèvres. What began as a modest gathering around folk dances has gradually transformed into a true world music festival, attracting several thousand spectators each summer to the Domaine de Soulièvres meadow.

The festival is distinguished by its unique "apéro-concerts" format: every evening at 7 PM, the public gathers in the meadow by the Thouet river to share a friendly moment with music from all corners of the globe. The deliberately eclectic program features roots reggae, Celtic music, gypsy jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Oriental sounds, and French chanson, offering the audience a true musical world tour without leaving the Deux-Sèvres.

A Free, Popular, and Committed Festival

True to its founding values, the Musiques et Danses du Monde festival remains entirely free, making cultural accessibility its key mission. This free access, made possible by the support of the Centre SocioCulturel Airvaudais et Val du Thouet and local authorities, allows all audiences—families, young people, seniors, residents of the rural area—to enjoy quality concerts in an exceptional natural setting.

The Domaine de Soulièvres: A Green Oasis

The Domaine de Soulièvres meadow, a vast green space on the banks of the Thouet, offers an idyllic setting for open-air concerts. In case of rain, concerts are moved indoors, ensuring the festival takes place regardless of weather conditions. Throughout the week, a catering area offers fries, grilled meats, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, appetizer platters, and cold drinks.

Strong Territorial Roots

Supported by the Centre SocioCulturel Airvaudais et Val du Thouet, the festival is part of a broader cultural dynamic that animates the region throughout the year. It contributes to the influence of Airvault, a small town of character known for its Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and its medieval bridge over the Thouet, and enhances the tourist appeal of northern Deux-Sèvres.