Cultures aux Cœurs Festival, an event that brings together art and humanity in Montignac-Lascaux

An unmissable event in the region, the Cultures aux Cœurs Festival is an incredible folkloric moment like few others. Organized each year at the end of July, it promotes the traditions of the guest countries, bringing the city to life to the rhythm of songs and dances from around the world for a week full of exchanges and meetings. Mark the date in your diary so as not to miss these wonderful moments of life that strengthen the bonds of fraternity between our different countries each year.

Photo report: ©Cultures aux Cœurs Festival

Cultures aux Cœurs Festival, a true adventure between art and friendship since 1981

For over 40 years, Montignac-Lascaux has welcomed artists from all over the world to the heart of this festival, formerly called "International Folklore and Friendship Days" and then "World Dance and Music Festival" before becoming "Cultures aux Cœurs Festival". Committed to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and promoting cultural diversity, it loudly proclaims its message of peace and fraternity and brings together talented artists happy to meet each year. More than a show, the Cultures aux Cœurs Festival is a true feat of unity that does not allow any discrimination, whether racial, ethical, physical, philosophical or religious. Meeting, sharing, exchange, culture and tradition, the week will be full of emotions.

Cultures aux Cœurs Festival, a varied and folkloric program that changes every year

The event is enriched over time with an extensive program of new guest groups, organization of the world market, aperitif concerts or even animations that energize the streets of Montignac-Lascaux. It is impossible to be bored during this cultural week punctuated by dialogues and dance and musical discoveries offered by passionate artists. Dressed in their traditional outfit, they immerse you in their musical and artistic universe, amazing young and old. Dance, song and music, this program of shows is completed by exhibitions of arts and crafts as well as many animations, festivities that enchant the inhabitants of Montignac-Lascaux but also the visitors happy to share this unique folkloric moment in Périgord.

Cultures aux Cœurs Festival, an event that transforms Montignac-Lascaux in summer

This magnificent cultural meeting organized by the Amicale Laïque du Montignacois is also possible thanks to the 300 volunteers, the teenagers of Festi'Jeunes as well as the merchants of the city and the ever-increasing number of partners who play the game and offer their time so that this moment is each year one of the most memorable. There are 7 places of animation scattered throughout the city:

• The Nelson Mandela space, a real living space which also houses the ticket office
• The Guinguette which comes alive at dinner time, a meal show with a band on stage. Stay after coffee, it transforms into a bodega for the end of the evening.
• Les Terrasses de l'amitié, an incredible open-air performance hall where groups put on evening shows, amazing young and old alike with their talent and the artistic quality of their performances.
• The Town Hall Square where the groups meet on Wednesday mornings to be welcomed by the mayor.
• The Salle des Fêtes where hundreds of children gather to create a beautiful show of exchange, and admire the one taking place on stage.
• The Marché du Monde on Place Tourny, a feast of crafts and delicacies hosted by groups of artists all day long.
• Lascaux 4 at the foot of the hill allows the representation of groups on the forecourt in front of this magnificent space with modern architecture.

And of course, the streets of Montignac-Lascaux which come alive all week to the rhythm of foreign songs and dances with the Sunday morning parade and the grand finale on Friday evening: “town in celebration”.

Cultures aux Cœurs Festival, some information so you don’t miss anything

Do you want to take part in this wonderful moment of exchange and friendship? Come to Montignac-Lascaux every year at the end of July in summer! There are several ways to reach the city:

• By car: From Paris - from Toulouse by A20 / From Paris - from Toulouse by A20 / Bordeaux: 2h / Toulouse: 2h30 / Lyon: 4h / Paris: 5h
• By train: Condat le Lardin station: 10 min / Brive la Gaillarde station: 50 min / Périgueux station: 50 min
• By plane: Bergerac Airport: 1h20 / Brive Airport: 50 min

Once you have found your route, you can book your ticket online on the festivaldemontignac website, by post or email with the booking form, or by phone with a secure payment. Of course, once on site, a ticket office installed in the Nelson Mandela space allows you to buy your ticket to participate in the festival.

Our little secret to perfectly integrate into the heart of this timeless week? Buying an item of clothing from the festivaldemontignac online store where limited series are offered for each edition. Jacket, sweatshirt, sandals, hat, t-shirt, polo shirt or even cap, they will be most effective at the end of July and perfect to be used all year round.

A little tip: remember to book your accommodation before summer!

Did you like our article? Find more in our experiences to live. Join us on the Facebook page of the Guide du Périgord, we also have an Instagram account @guideduperigord