©Cantera - Opening ceremony|David Hushion / Accents du sud

Hestiv'Oc 21 to 24 August 2025

The Festival of Southern Cultures in the heart of Pau

Every summer in Pau, Hestiv’Oc brings together the cultures of the South in a whirlwind of music, languages and flavours. Now in its 20th year, the festival promises to create a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city. With concerts, dances, street performances and large convivial tables, let yourself be carried away by the festivities and the sharing!

Pau Capital of the cultures of the South of France

Every summer in Pau, the great family of the south meets up for a not-to-be-missed event: Hestiv’Oc. For a few days, the city of Béarn vibrates to the rhythm of the accents and rhythms of the Occitan provinces and transforms its centre into an open-air stage. Voices and instruments from Occitania, the Basque Country, Catalonia and Gascony rub shoulders. It’s an event bursting with colour, sound and flavour, an invitation to meet, share and celebrate. And this year, more than ever, there’s plenty to celebrate: Hestiv’Oc is celebrating its 20th edition!”

A happy melting pot and asserted!

Polyphonic songs, street performances, traditional dances, wild brass bands, open-air concerts… Hestiv’Oc is a joyous immersion in the cultures of the South. The artists come from all over the Occitan area and beyond, to give voice to languages and melodies that speak of identity, memory… right up to contemporary creation.

In family, with friends or solo, let yourself be carried away by the festival’s warm and colourful atmosphere. Every street corner holds a surprise, a note of music, a whiff of local cuisine…

©S.torres Dos Hestivoc|Pau Pyrénées Tourisme | ST

©S.torres Tambour Hestivoc 1|Pau Pyrénées Tourisme | ST

©S.torres Tambour Hestivoc|Pau Pyrénées Tourisme | ST

Fun and diversity are everywhere, and it’s easy to go from a Gascon ball to an electro-Occitan concert!

©Hestivoc 2022 04|Accents du Sud - David Hushion

©Foulard Hestivoc Pau Tourisme Bearn Pyreneess.sponem Rotated|Pau Pyrénées Tourisme | SS

The heart of Pau on the boil

The Théâtre de Verdure, the Square Georges V, the Place Royale and even the café terraces become the living stages of this great popular festival.
You can meet a capella singers, bandas, storytellers in the Occitan language, passionate craftsmen… The festival is experienced in the street, in direct contact with the artists and the public.

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Practical info

When and where?So you don't miss a thing!

From 21 to 24 August
Centre-ville de Pau
(Place Royale, Square
Aragon, halles de Pau…)

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Who is it for?For everyone!

Families / Friends
Elders / Young people
Palois / Tourists
And all the festayres!

Pau, as I wish

How do I get there?And get moving!

Leave the car at home or on the outskirts of the historic heart and join us easily in the town centre to make the most of the party!

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ParkingNo problem!

From the Place de Verdun to the Palais Beaumont, numerous underground car parks and overhead car parks are available close to the venues.

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2025 Edition 21 to 24 August

For this 20th edition, Hestiv’Oc looks forward to seeing you from 21 to 24 August 2025 for four days of gentle madness and human warmth.

On the programme: more than 40 free shows, a grand opening parade, evening concerts in Place Royale, a family day on Saturday, Occitan dance and language workshops, a gourmet village and non-stop street entertainment. Occitan headliners and newcomers from all over southern Europe will be bringing this exceptional edition to life.

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Not to be missed summer milestone

In August, Hestiv’Oc becomes the must-attend event for all lovers of the South and its cultures. Much more than just a festival, it’s a vibrant immersion in the Occitan soul, an invitation to savour the southern spirit in all its richness. See you in Pau Adishatz!