France Guide
Brittany
Lorient
The overriding reason people come to Lorient is for the Inter-Celtic Festival, held for ten days from the first Friday to the second Sunday in August. This is the biggest Celtic event in Brittany, or anywhere else for that matter, with representation from all the Celtic nations of Europe – Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Asturias and Galicia. In a genuine celebration of cultural solidarity, well over a quarter of a million people come to more than a hundred different shows, five languages mingle, and Scotch and Guinness flow with French and Spanish wines and ciders. There is a certain competitive element, with championships in various categories, but the feeling of mutual enthusiasm and conviviality is paramount. Most of the activities – embracing music, dance and literature – take place around the central place Jules-Ferry, where most people end up sleeping, too.
For schedules of the festival, and further details of temporary accommodation, contact the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, 8 rue Nayal in Lorient ( 
02.97.21.24.29, 
www.festival-interceltique.com ), bearing in mind that the festival programme is not finalized until June each year. For certain events you need to reserve tickets well in advance.