The traditional end of summer festival
The Saint-Aygulf votive festival takes place every year on Place de la Poste in Saint-Aygulf.
Traditional procession in memory of Aygulphe, pilgrim monk of the Abbey of Lérins, it brings together many faithful and curious people. Organized jointly by the Tourist Office and the church, with the participation of local associations, this ceremony recalls the origins of the holy man and bears witness to an old tradition.
Saint-Aygulphe is said to have restored sight to a servant of God, but was also responsible for making rain for farmers, preventing water damage and calming the waves to feed fishermen.
The gathering takes place early in the morning before leading the faithful and tourists to the Louvans cove.
This is where the pointu Le Saint-Aygulf docks to unload the statue of the saint, then carried by two sturdy fellows. Greeted by the crowd, the colorful and noisy procession thanks to the tunes played by the folk group Lou Cepoun Frejuren and the salvos of the bravadeurs of Saint-François-de-Paule heads back towards the village church by the Douaniers path.
Gunshots mark each stop, including a double salvo in front of the residence of Raphaël Autiero, ship's carpenter and designer of the pointu.
At the end of the mass, Lou Cépoun takes up the fifes and tambourines to highlight the traditional dance of the stump.
Let’s meet up together afterwards for an aioli*!
Is there an entrance fee?
The Votive Festival is a free event. Only the meal is chargeable and upon reservation (see the program)
How to park?
On-street parking near Place de Saint-Aygulf
What does “votive” mean?
The word “votive” comes from the Latin “votum,” meaning “vow” or “promise.” Originally, it referred to offerings made in gratitude for the fulfillment of a religious vow. In French, it evolved to describe festivals or celebrations in honor of a devotion or a saint, such as votive festivals.
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