Chantar l'Uvèrn – Events in Chiomonte
The major festival celebrating the minority languages of the Cottian Alps comes to Chiomonte, from Candlemas to May 1st
About Chantar l'Uvèrn
Chantar l'Uvèrn, the winter that sings the Occitan valleys
Chantar l'Uvèrn – which in the Occitan language means «singing the winter» – is one of the most deeply rooted cultural festivals in the Turin Alps. Born in 2006 with the «Occitan Olympic Language» project, following the Turin Winter Olympics, it enlivens the cold months every year with a program spread across the Susa, Chisone, Sangone, and Germanasca valleys. The common thread is the promotion of the three historical minority languages of these border territories: Occitan, Franco-Provençal, and French.
A festival spread across thirty municipalities
Now in its 17th edition, the event involves over thirty municipalities in the Alpine valleys, along with natural parks and eco-museums, featuring more than seventy events: performances, folk concerts, lectures, book presentations, films, language courses, and workshops. It is promoted by the Management Body of the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps in collaboration with the Chambra d'Oc association, the Documentation Center for Oral Memory of Giaglione, and the Metropolitan City of Turin. The historical subtitle, «From Candlemas to May 1st», perfectly captures the long-lasting spirit of a festival that accompanies the entire winter until spring.
Events in Chiomonte
In Chiomonte, a town in the upper Susa Valley in the Province of Turin, the festival takes place in two iconic village locations: the G.A. Levis Art Gallery, on Via Vittorio Emanuele II, and the former Church of Santa Caterina, on Via Vescovado. The Chiomonte program weaves together thematic visits to the exhibition hosted in the gallery, theater in Franco-Provençal, and presentations dedicated to the border history of the Cottian Alps, from the Exilles Fort to the works of Vauban. A journey that brings contemporary art, Alpine material culture, and linguistic memory into dialogue.
Why it's worth it
- An authentic journey into Occitan and Franco-Provençal culture, far from mass tourism circuits.
- The opportunity to discover a unique linguistic heritage in Italy, protected as a minority language.
- Events integrated into a wider program that touches all the Alpine valleys of the Turin area.
- The intimate and convivial atmosphere typical of the mountains, between the art gallery and the village's ancient churches.
The events in Chiomonte are an integral part of the most authentic Alpine Piedmont: an invitation to experience winter not just on the slopes, but also within the ancient culture of its valleys.
Chantar l'Uvèrn — edition 2026
The 17th edition of Chantar l'Uvèrn took place from February 1st to May 2nd, 2026, with the subtitle «From Candlemas to May 1st». The festival, spread across over thirty municipalities in the Turin valleys, offered more than seventy events dedicated to the Occitan, Franco-Provençal, and French languages. In Chiomonte, in the upper Susa Valley (Province of Turin), the program combined contemporary art, Alpine material culture, and border history.
The Chiomonte events were concentrated at the G.A. Levis Art Gallery and the former Church of Santa Caterina, in dialogue with the exhibition «Cime di alberi e gambe di tavolo» by artist Jacopo Rinaldi and the research of the Colombano Romean Eco-museum.
Programme Chantar l'Uvèrn 2026
Sunday, February 1, 2026 — 11:00 AM
- Thematic visit to the G.A. Levis Art Gallery, in dialogue with Jacopo Rinaldi's exhibition dedicated to the material culture of the valleys.
Friday, April 3, 2026
- Franco-Provençal theatrical and musical performance «L'om qu'ou znavet ël pieuntes» by the group Li Magnoutoun, former Church of Santa Caterina.
Sunday, April 12, 2026 — 11:00 AM
- «Times of the sacred and times of man» — thematic visit to the G.A. Levis Art Gallery (Via Vittorio Emanuele II 75), accompanying the exhibition «Cime di alberi e gambe di tavolo» by Jacopo Rinaldi, on the theme of material culture and the «Pouento of Chiomonte».
Saturday, April 18, 2026 — 9:00 PM
- «Vauban at the Exilles Fort» — presentation of Cahier no. 34 of the Colombano Romean Eco-museum, by Eugenio Garoglio and Massimo Garavelli, on Vauban's projects for the Exilles Fort and the defense of the French border of the upper Valley before the Treaty of Utrecht. Former Church of Santa Caterina, Via Vescovado.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 — 11:00 AM
- Thematic visit to the G.A. Levis Art Gallery.
The general program of the festival also included the opening in Bussoleno (February 1) and the closing events in Moncenisio and Exilles (May 2). Full calendar and updates on the official channels of the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps.
Highlights Chantar l'Uvèrn 2026
- Franco-Provençal theater «L'om qu'ou znavet ël pieuntes» by the group Li Magnoutoun (April 3).
- Thematic visits to the G.A. Levis Art Gallery with Jacopo Rinaldi's exhibition.
- Presentation of Cahier no. 34 of the Colombano Romean Eco-museum on Vauban and the Exilles Fort (April 18).
Prices Chantar l'Uvèrn 2026
Practical information — Chantar l'Uvèrn
Where
The main venues in Chiomonte (TO) are the G.A. Levis Art Gallery, at Via Vittorio Emanuele II 75, and the former Church of Santa Caterina, on Via Vescovado, in the historic center of the village, upper Susa Valley.
How to get there
By car: A32 Turin–Bardonecchia motorway, exit at Chiomonte. By train: Chiomonte station on the Turin–Bardonecchia line, followed by a short walk to the historic center.
Admission
Chantar l'Uvèrn events are generally free of charge. It is recommended to check times and details on the official channels of the Management Body of the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps and the Chambra d'Oc, as well as on the festival's official WhatsApp channel.
Tip
Warm clothing: you are in the high mountains and many events take place in the middle of winter or on spring evenings.
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Where does it take place — Chantar l'Uvèrn
Pinacoteca G.A. Levis
Via Vittorio Emanuele II 75, 10050 Chiomonte