Confolens Festival
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Confolens Festival is a not-to-be-missed event celebrating traditional music and dance from all over the world.
Festival de Confolens : A Cultural and Musical Journey to the Heart of Charente
Created in 1957, this festival takes place every year in August in the town of Confolens, located in the south of France.
Charenteand attracts artists and spectators from the four corners of the globe. Let's delve into the world of this festival that combines culture, tradition and conviviality.
Festival history
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Confolens Festival was created at the instigation of
Roger Morisseaua passionate fan of folk music and dance. From its very first edition, the festival's aim was to promote the richness of
musical traditions from different countries and to promote cultural exchange. Over the past six decades, this cultural event has become one of the most important in the world.
one of the oldest festivals from
international folk music in France.
From its modest beginnings, it has developed into a veritable
crossroads of culturesEvery year, thousands of artists, volunteers and festival-goers come together at the Festival. The colorful dances, songs and costumes of the participants make for a unique and rewarding spectacle.
Festival stages
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Confolens Festival offers several stages throughout the city, providing a variety of atmospheres and musical discoveries:
- The Main Stage The stage: Located in the heart of the city, this stage hosts the most spectacular performances. It's here that international troupes put on colorful shows.
- Itinerant Scenes They take over the streets of Confolens, allowing festival-goers to discover more intimate, sometimes improvised performances.
- Les Bords de la Vienne This riverside open-air stage offers more relaxed concerts, perfect for enjoying music in an idyllic setting.
These multiple spaces create a
festive atmosphere throughout the city, allowing festival-goers to discover the richness and diversity of traditions from all over the world.
Famous Groups and Artists at the Confolens Festival
Over the years, the
Confolens Festival has welcomed hundreds of artistic troupes from the four corners of the globe. Among the groups and artists who have left their mark on the festival's history are :
- La Kumpania Algazarra (Portugal), famous for its lively, festive music;
- Los Gauchos de Argentina who delighted the audience with their folk dances;
- Groups of traditional African dances who transported spectators into another dimension with hypnotic, vibrant performances.
Each year, the festival's varied program allows us to discover new talents from popular traditions, whether singers, dancers or musicians.
Practical Information to Attend the Confolens Festival
Dates of the next editions
Date Festival Confolens 2025
The festival will take place from August 11 to 17, 2025.
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Confolens Festival takes place every year during the second week of August. For the next edition, the festivities will take place from 11
to August 17, 2025. During this period, the city comes alive and vibrates to the rhythm of the
dances and music from around the world.
Access and Housing
Confolens, a small town in the Charente region, is easily accessible by car via the N141 or by train to Angoulême, then by bus. For festival-goers coming from further afield, Limoges airport is about an hour's drive away. Several
housing solutions are available for festival-goers, from campsites to hotels and bed and breakfasts, not to mention
homestay that offer authentic encounters with the locals.
Festival rates
Prices vary according to show and day. The festival offers a
week pass which gives access to all shows, as well as day tickets for those wishing to experience the event on a more occasional basis. Prices generally range from
20 and 50 euroswith discounts for children and groups.
What to do around Confolens?
During your stay at
Confolens Festivaltake the opportunity to explore the
tourist attractions and activities in the area :
- The Vienne Valley offers magnificent natural landscapes ideal for walks and picnics.
- Château de Rochebrunelocated a few kilometers from Confolens, is a must-see historic site.
- Charroux AbbeyAn architectural treasure trove for history and heritage lovers.
Many communes around Confolens, such as
Ansac-sur-Vienne and
Saint-Germain-de-Confolens also offer opportunities for cultural and historical discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kinds of shows are on offer at the Confolens Festival?
The festival mainly features shows by
traditional music and dance from all over the world, with troupes from all five continents.
How to get to the Confolens Festival?
Confolens is accessible by car, by train via Angoulême station, and by plane via Limoges airport, around 1 hour's drive away.
When is the best time to book your accommodation?
It is advisable to reserve your
hosting several months in advance, especially if you want to stay in the heart of the city, as accommodation fills up quickly.
Are there any discounts on tickets?
Yes, discounts are available for children, families and groups. A
week pass also offers reduced admission to the entire festival.
What kind of artists can we see at the festival?
The festival welcomes
folklore groupsThe team includes singers, musicians and dancers from different cultures around the world.
Are there any activities for children?
Yes, the festival offers
workshops for childrenand adapted shows, as well as fun activities.
How can I buy tickets for the festival?
Tickets can be purchased online on the official
Confolens Festivalas well as in selected local outlets.
What are the on-site catering options?
Numerous
international food and local restaurants are available during the festival, offering varied cuisine to suit all tastes.
Is the festival accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the
Confolens Festival is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with specially adapted facilities.
What are the points of interest around Confolens?
Around Confolens, you can discover sites such as the
Rochebrune Castlethe
Vienne Valley and picturesque villages such as
Ansac-sur-Vienne.
Conclusion
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Confolens Festival is much more than just a musical event: it's a true celebration of the world's cultural diversity. Every year, it attracts thousands of festival-goers curious to discover the
traditional music and dance from many countries. If you're passionate about the arts and cultures of the world, this festival is a unique experience.
For more information on the history of the festival, please see
this complementary source.