Le Puy-en-Velay officially launches its 41st edition of Le Roi de l’Oiseau this Wednesday, September 16, kicking off five days of festivities, pageantry, and archery competitions, according to event schedules.
Opening Ceremonies and the Bird Target Procession
The celebrations begin at 19:30 local time at the base of the Cathedral steps in Le Puy-en-Velay. Representatives from all actors of the Fêtes will gather before marching toward the Place du Martouret. Leading the procession is “l’Oiseau,” the historical target of the archery competition, which gathers the city for five days of revelry.
The Bird Masked Ball Recreates Royal Festivities
Following the opening procession on Wednesday, September 16, King Francis I will host a masked ball dedicated to avian themes. Participants are encouraged to wear feathers, their finest attire, and masks. Inspired by a Native American legend regarding the creation of birds by the Great Spirit, the evening features musical accompaniment from the groups Nid’Oc and Caminaïre.
Exploring New World Music at Church Concerts
On Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, at 20:00 local time, the Saint-Laurent Church will host a special musical program titled “Mission: La musique du Nouveau Monde.” Conducted by Jean-Baptiste Nicolas, the Cathedral Choir (Maîtrise de la cathédrale) joins forces with the Consort Musica Vera to perform three works from the South American Renaissance. Tickets for the performance are priced at 10 euros and are available at the venue, highlighting the cultural exchanges that followed Spanish conquest in the Americas.
Torchlight Procession of the Bird-King and Archers
On Thursday, September 17, the festival features a torchlight procession escorting the ceremonial “Oiseau-Roi”—the cloth bird that competitors of the archery competition dream of hitting. The procession will move toward the Place du Breuil, where the target will take its place of honor on the shooting line.
Amplified Folk-Rock with Brick à Drac
Also on Thursday, September 17, at 21:00 local time, the Jardin Henri Vinay will host an outdoor performance by the Aveyron-based group Brick à Drac. The concert combines period instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, nyckelharpa, and bouzouki with rock machinery including guitar, bass, and drums. Tickets for the performance are priced at 9 euros.
Renaissance Dance Nights and Historical Balls
Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, at 22:00 local time, the Jardin Henri Vinay will host traditional historical dance events. Friday features the Verveine du Velay ball, while Saturday hosts the Lentille ball. Dance master Sieur Sauret will guide participants, accompanied by musical performances from L’Archanteur, Les Goliards, and Nid’Oc, alongside dance interludes by the group Pavanes et Capriols. Admission is 8 euros at the door.
The Crowning of the New Sovereign on Saturday
The archery tournament reaches its climax on Saturday, September 19, at 19:30 local time at the Grande Lice on the Place du Breuil. Organizers will crown the successor to the previous year’s winners, King Nicolas Hunter and Princess Evelyne Orton, concluding the primary competitive milestone of the 2026 festival.
Festival Schedule and Visitor Information
Le Roi de l’Oiseau runs continuously across multiple public squares and historical venues in Le Puy-en-Velay through the weekend.
Worth a look
