Festa des Escartons

A walk through the history of the Escartons

The Festa des Escartons is a day of historical re-enactment and Occitan celebration held every May 29th in the municipalities of Sauze di Cesana and Cesana Torinese, in the upper Susa Valley, Province of Turin (Piedmont). The initiative celebrates the anniversary of the Grande Charte, the Charter of Liberties signed on May 29, 1343, through which alpine communities obtained broad autonomy from the Dauphin Humbert II, creating the confederation of the Escartons.

The Escartons: an alpine republic ante litteram

The Escartons were five communities (Briançonnais, Queyras, Oulx, Pragelato, and Casteldelfino) that, straddling the Alps between modern-day France and Italy, enjoyed extraordinary fiscal and administrative freedoms for their time for over four centuries. Dissolved only during the Napoleonic era, they left a profound cultural and linguistic legacy: Alpine Occitan is still spoken in these valleys today. The festival was born to keep this shared memory alive, with the support of the Chambra d'Oc and local cultural associations.

A day among villages, altitudes, and tradition

The heart of the event is an animated walk that starts from San Sicario Borgo and reaches the evocative church of San Restituto in Sauze di Cesana, passing through the villages of Champlas Séguin, Champlas Janvier, and Champlas du Col. Along the way, historical tales, anecdotes, and convivial moments alternate, including a high-mountain picnic. The day concludes with an ecumenical prayer in the Occitan language and a community celebration with snacks, music, and traditional dances.

Why it's worth the trip

• An authentic immersion into the Occitan culture of the Cottian Alps
• High-altitude landscapes among the historic villages of the upper Susa Valley
• A free, participatory event perfect for those who love hiking and discovering lesser-known history
• The "Tournà a menà la bertavelle" meeting at Casa Viva, dedicated to Occitan language and traditions

A young but deeply felt appointment that combines hiking, historical memory, and popular celebration in one of the most fascinating corners of cross-border Piedmont.