Rural Gospel Festival

The Rural Gospel Festival, a gospel immersion in Ardèche

Created in 2014, the Rural Gospel Festival is a unique musical event that makes the voices of gospel resonate in the Eyrieux Valley, in Ardèche. Every year in March, the festival takes over several towns including Saint-Sauveur-de-Montagut, Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux, and Saint-Fortunat-sur-Eyrieux to offer a rich and varied program.

International Musical Encounters

The festival organizes gatherings between amateur and professional musicians from around the world to share their passion for gospel. Local choirs mingle with international artists in concerts where emotion and sharing are paramount. Singing workshops allow participants to discover or perfect their gospel singing skills.

Beyond Gospel: Cinema and Swing

The Rural Gospel Festival is not limited to singing. The program includes film screenings related to the African-American musical universe, swing evenings with lindy hop initiation, and conferences on the history of gospel and soul music. The 2025 edition notably featured a swing evening with the group Smokin' Jive and a dance demonstration by the association L'Autre Nous.

A Festival Rooted in the Rural Territory

True to its name, the Rural Gospel Festival claims its roots in rural areas. The festival contributes to the cultural animation of the Eyrieux Valley, offering residents and visitors a unique moment of musical sharing. The 10th anniversary edition is planned for March 2026, with an even more ambitious and festive program.

A March Event in Ardèche

The festival traditionally takes place over two weeks in March, with events spread across several locations in the Eyrieux Valley. Concerts in churches, dance evenings, film screenings, and singing workshops punctuate this festive period in the heart of the Ardèche winter.