Festival Cultures Aux Coeurs A celebration of world dances and music in Montignac-Lascaux

CULTURES AT HEART FESTIVAL IN MONTIGNAC-LASCAUX: A CELEBRATION OF WORLD DANCES AND MUSIC (July 27 to August 2, 2026)

A cultural event rooted in its territory

Each year, Montignac-Lascaux becomes the meeting point for artistic groups from all over the world for the Festival Cultures aux Cœurs.

Founded in 1981, this event showcases traditional dances and music from diverse cultures, promoting exchange and dialogue between peoples.

Since joining CIOFF in 1983, a partner organization of UNESCO, the festival has been committed to promoting intangible cultural heritage.

Over the years, it has hosted more than 400 groups from 105 countries, highlighting the richness and diversity of artistic expression.

A week filled with activities and shows

The festival spans a week (from July 27 to August 2, 2026) and offers a varied program with daily shows, entertainment in the city and moments of conviviality.

The Terrasse de l'Amitié, located on the banks of the Vézère, hosts dance and music ensembles every evening, presenting highly accomplished concerts and choreographic performances.

Alongside the performances, several spaces allow visitors to explore different aspects of the festival:

• The Nelson Mandela Space : a place for meetings, exhibitions and activities, where events and aperitif concerts take place.
• The Guinguette and the Bodega : festive spaces where music accompanies meals and evenings.
• The World Market, on Place Tourny, offering crafts and international gastronomy.
• The entertainment in town includes spontaneous performances by groups during the Wednesday morning market, the Sunday parade, and the big "Town in Celebration" on Friday evening.

A history marked by themed editions

Since its creation, the festival has experienced several highlights:

• In 1990, it hosted a stage on the Vézère for the first time.
• In 1999, an edition dedicated to China highlighted the Beijing Opera.
• In 2010, the 30th anniversary was celebrated under the theme "Men Like Us", with a tribute to Nelson Mandela.
• In 2021, after a postponement due to the health crisis, the festival celebrates its ^40th anniversary and confirms its commitment to cultural diversity and peace between peoples.

Must-see attractions around Montignac-Lascaux

The Périgord Noir region is full of historical and natural sites accessible within 30 km of Montignac-Lascaux. Among the places to visit:

• Lascaux IV, international center for cave art, presenting a faithful replica of the Lascaux cave.
• Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval town with a remarkable architectural heritage.
• Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, cradle of prehistory with its decorated caves and its National Museum of Prehistory.
• La Roque Saint-Christophe, a troglodytic site overlooking the Vézère.
• The Proumeyssac Abyss, a spectacular cavity adorned with mineral concretions.
• The villages of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".
• Local markets, particularly that of Montignac, offer a discovery of local produce: truffles, foie gras, walnuts and wines from Domme.
• Outdoor activities, such as canoeing on the Vézère, hiking on the GR36, or cycling between valleys and forests.

Every summer, the Cultures aux Cœurs Festival transforms Montignac-Lascaux into a stage open to the world, while integrating into a territory rich in its heritage and landscapes.