By the brittanytravel.com team · Updated 11 October 2026 · Culture
Brittany's Celtic identity comes alive at its festivals, from huge open-air concerts to village dances that go on past midnight.
Festival Interceltique de Lorient
Every August, Lorient hosts the world's largest gathering of Celtic cultures, with musicians and dancers from Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Galicia, Asturias and beyond. The grand parade of pipe bands (bagadoù) and costumed dancers is unforgettable.
Les Vieilles Charrues
Held in mid-July near Carhaix in central Brittany, this is one of the biggest music festivals in France, with international headliners.
Festival de Cornouaille
Quimper's July festival of Breton music, dance and costume, including the famous lace coiffes.
Fest-noz
A fest-noz (night party) is a traditional dance evening where everyone joins in, linking arms in circles and lines. The fest-noz is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Look for posters in villages, especially in summer.
More
- La Route du Rock, Saint-Malo, August.
- Les Transmusicales, Rennes, December.
- Fêtes maritimes de Brest, a giant gathering of traditional ships held every few years.
- Pardons: religious processions held in many villages from spring to autumn.
Festival dates sell out accommodation, so book early. See also Breton culture and language.
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Header photo: Photo: William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland, CC BY-SA 2.0
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