Hear ye, hear ye! The famous Gouel Breizh (also known as the Breton Festival) is back on the streets of Paris. And it’s in the 14th, home to the largest Breton population outside the region, that the festivities take place. It's a chance to dive into the Breton culture for 9 days, which, much to the chagrin of the naysayers, is as rich as a good pat of butter (farmhouse salted, otherwise it’s a sin). Here’s a little debrief of the amazing program.
A Week in True Breton Style
At the heart of this wonderful celebration is the collective Mission bretonne - Ti ar Vretoned, which tirelessly works to shine a light on the made-in-Breizh culture across the country, thanks to its many volunteers, whom we salute. And between the crepes, the butter, the dances, the songs, the...
butter, the cookies, the compulsive use of the flag, and the butter, God knows they have one heck of a job sharing all the secrets and traditions.Fête de la Bretagne à Paris 15 !!!#BretagnePower pic.twitter.com/ggRiqzGdYb
— Laura Manach 👩👧👦 (@CMconseils) May 18, 2019
To do their job at its best, the association offers us this year 9 days of joy in May, during which Parisians will have the chance, no, the honor, to slip into the skin of real Bigoudens and Bigoudènnes for a few hours. But then, with fest-noz, dance, storytelling, tasting, or even cinema and music, what exactly are we going to do there?
Brittany at 100%
Throughout the festivities, you can take part in various activities suitable for all ages and all profiles. Don’t worry, though; the cider and chouchen will only flow freely for the informed public, of course. On Saturday the 17th, for example, we’ll enjoy a walk in Breton through the streets of the 14th.
Monday the 19th, we will take part in the traditional Saint-Yves pardon. And on Saturday the 24th, we're joining a real fest-noz at the community hall in the 14th.But the true highlight of the week, the one that captures all the spirit of friendliness and sharing of Brittany, is the traditional Crep'Noz. For one evening, Montparnasse Street becomes pedestrian, allowing its thousand creperies (of which we've voted for the best, just so you know) to set up tables, chairs, and barrels of mead, turning the street into a giant terrace.
Les Parisiens qui preparent leurs valises pour venir en Bretagne en cas de Confinement totale de Paris pendant 3 semaines....#ConfinementParis pic.twitter.com/RBk0n7iQ1y
— RT Pierre (@RouatP) February 26, 2021
On the same evening, we tap our feet to the beat of a musical demonstration by the Bagad de Paris, and we get a taste of the traditional dance of Penn Bazh on Edgar Quinet Street. Cultural and gourmet stands add to the fun. Because when the Bretons do things, they do them well. Yerc'h mad!
Brittany Festival
Mission Bretonne
22, Delambre Street – 14th
From May 16 to May 14, 2025
More info
