Festival
Lorient Interceltic Festival
Lorient · Morbihan
Festival Interceltique de Lorient: music, dance and cultures of the Celtic nations. The 2026 edition ran from 31 July to 9 August; 2027 dates to come.
- Suggested time
- Half a day to 10 days
- Type of place
- Festival of Celtic cultures · 10 days
- Atmosphere
- Festive, cultural and immersive, with an identity strongly linked to the place and the programme
- Getting there
- Central Lorient; train station, buses, water buses and walking; car traffic is very restricted during the big events.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 7/10
- As a couple
- 8/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 9/10
- With a dog
- 2/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is one of the largest gatherings in the world dedicated to Celtic cultures. Since 1971, it has brought together music, dance, language, creation and encounters between Celtic nations. Ten days of concerts, festoù-noz, shows, parades, bagad competitions and activities transform the whole town; the Grande Parade and Horizons Celtiques are among the highlights. Check dates, prices, programme, access and rules every year. The 2026 edition is over: the 55th edition took place from 31 July to 9 August 2026, with Cornwall as guest of honour.
What you will see
- Ten days of festival
- 55th edition in 2026, with Cornwall as guest of honour
- The Grande Parade of the Celtic Nations
- Many free events
- An identity strongly linked to Lorient.
- A programme centred on the Celtic cultures of Brittany, Cornwall, Scotland, Ireland, Galicia, Asturias, the Isle of Man and the Celtic diaspora.
Show 1 more pointHide
- Huge crowds: plan transport, accommodation and bookings ahead.
Practical information
- Address
- Central Lorient, stadium, harbours, halls and public spaces
- Public transport
- Central Lorient; train station, buses, water buses and walking; car traffic is very restricted during the big events
- Pets
- Possible on a lead in some public spaces, but not allowed in many venues; avoid the Grande Parade with an animal
- Accessibility
- Accessibility arrangements depending on the shows and venues; platforms and assistance at several big events
- Best time
- Arrive early for the big moments and leave time for security checks, shuttles and moving between stages
Tips on the spot
- 2027 dates had not yet been announced by the festival on 30 October 2026: keep an eye on its official website.
- 2026 dates: 31 July to 9 August 2026.
- Tickets: a mixed festival, with many free events and some paid shows and concerts.
- Check the official website just before you travel: times, bag checks, banned items and traffic plans can change.
- Book accommodation and transport well in advance.
Show 2 more tipsHide
- Bring comfortable shoes, clothes for the weather, ear protection for loud concerts and a power bank.
- With children or teenagers, check the age and supervision rules and the recommended ear protection.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Festival Interceltique de Lorient?
The 2026 edition ran from 31 July to 9 August 2026; the 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
Where does it take place?
In central Lorient: the stadium, harbours, halls and public spaces.
Is the festival free?
Partly: many events are free, while the big shows and some concerts are paid.
What is the festival about?
The Celtic cultures of Brittany, Cornwall, Scotland, Ireland, Galicia, Asturias, the Isle of Man and the Celtic diaspora.
How much time should I allow?
Half a day to 10 days, depending on your plans.
How do I get there?
Central Lorient; train station, buses, water buses and walking; car traffic is very restricted during the big events.
See also all the festivals in Morbihan.
Stay in Lorient
Places to stay that are still available, with current prices, compared across the main booking platforms.
Partner link: a booking made from this map may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Read in the journal
- SeasonWhat to do in Lorient during the All Saints’ holidaysLes Animaux de Lumière in Pont-Scorff, the Festival Insolent, the Hennebont stud farm, the Cité de la Voile and Port-Louis: our ideas for All Saints’ 2026 in Lorient.
- City guideWhat to do in Lorient: the complete guideThe submarine base, the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly, the Flore submarine, the fishing port, Port-Louis, Larmor-Plage and the Île de Groix: what to do in and around Lorient.
- ChristmasWhat to do in Lorient during the Christmas holidaysThe Christmas funfair, the Cité de la Voile and the Flore submarine, the citadel of Port-Louis and coastal walks: our ideas for the 2026 Christmas holidays in Lorient.
Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.
Photographs: Fab5669 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Édouard Hue (User:EdouardHue) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Tilly antoine · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Kergourlay · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Jérémy Kergourlay · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons