Tango en Velay

Argentine Tango at the Heart of Velay

The Tango en Velay festival was born from the passion of the association Tango Volcanique du Velay, founded in 2009 in Saint-Germain-Laprade by Yves Bernadac, Éric Bourret, Claire Valette, and Josiane Jamon. Since its creation, the association has brought together over 350 dancers around Argentine tango, offering weekly classes, monthly practices, and workshops with maestros from Argentina and Uruguay. The Tango en Velay festival embodies the culmination of this associative dynamic, offering an annual major event in Brives-Charensac, near Le Puy-en-Velay.

Three Days of Dance and Live Music

Each edition of Tango en Velay unfolds over a September weekend, transforming Brives-Charensac into the true capital of Argentine tango in Auvergne. The program revolves around milongas — those emblematic tango dances — spread across festive evenings and afternoon dances. Live music plays a central role, with internationally renowned tango orchestras such as the Ensemble Hyperion, a group founded in 1992 with over 1,200 concerts across four continents and eleven albums to its credit. The young musicians of the Orchestre des Ateliers des Arts from the Puy-en-Velay conservatory bring freshness and virtuosity to tango classics.

A Festival Open to All

One of Tango en Velay's strengths lies in its openness to all levels: whether you are a beginner discovering your first steps or an experienced tanguero, alone or in a couple, everyone is invited to share the unique energy of the milongas. Thematic workshops allow for the exploration of different facets of tango, such as rhythm workshops led by professional percussionists. Invited DJs — specialists in Argentine tango — ensure a carefully curated musical selection throughout the weekend.

Argentine Atmosphere and Velay Conviviality

Beyond dancing, Tango en Velay cultivates a friendly and warm atmosphere that reflects the values of solidarity and sharing championed by the association. A food truck is present on Saturday evening, a brunch is offered on Sunday morning, and stands selling tango shoes and Argentine products (music, yerba mate, crafts) accompany festival-goers throughout the weekend. The event takes place in two emblematic venues in Brives-Charensac: the Smart Cabaret for the opening milonga on Friday, and the Maison Pour Tous for all activities on Saturday and Sunday, offering a spacious and elegant setting in the heart of the town.