Thomas’ Ranch Festival: western and country music festival in France
Every June, the ranch opens its fields, its outdoor arena and its indoor arena to three days of country music, horses and American culture. The festival is open to everyone, western fans and the simply curious alike.
When is the 2027 festival?
The 16th festival takes place on 25, 26 and 27 June 2027 in Contigné (49330), France.
To follow the programme and the opening of ticket sales, follow the festival on social media.
- 15 editions
- the sixteenth from 25 to 27 June 2027
- 3 days
- from Friday to Sunday
- 2 stages
- the arena stage and the guinguette stage, in 2026
- 10 dance clubs
- running the country dance floor, in 2026
Country dancing and concerts: what’s on at the festival?
The 2026 programme, stage by stage, to give you an idea of the next edition.
The big country dance floor
Since the early editions, dancers have had their own place on the big dance floor, laid in the indoor arena. It hosts country, line dancing, rock’n’roll and rockabilly.
From Friday to Sunday, ten dance clubs from the region take turns running it with their own playlists. In 2026: Country Noyant, Madison Country Briollay, Ligérienne Country, Deep Country West, GM Country, Longuenée Country, Country Sway, Rock Step Country, Share to Dance, New West 85 Line Dance.
- Friday afternoon, a country dance to CDs, with music on request
- Saturday and Sunday, a country dance from 9.30am to 7.30pm
- A beginners’ floor, with an introduction to country dancing on Saturday and Sunday
Concerts on two stages
In 2026, the arena stage hosted Bill Boschung Show for the rock’n’roll concert on Friday night, then Texas Sidestep, the country band founded by André Kohler, for the dinner, concert and country dance on Saturday night and for the Sunday concerts.
Out on the open-air guinguette stage, among the American cars, the horses and the cows, the line-up was EDAÏS, Chicken Fried (country and Irish songs), The Struttin’ Walkers (1950s rock’n’roll) and Ben Armessen (folk).
Over the years, the festival has also welcomed The Ranchers, Jacky and Stéphanie Thomas’s band (two guitars and a fiddle), Crazy Pug, Pete Byrd and The Mariotti Brothers.
Ranch sorting and horse shows at the festival
The festival is organised by a ranch, so riding plays a big part in it.
- Ranch sorting: on Saturday and Sunday, three rounds in the ranch’s outdoor arena, through to the final. Two riders, a herd of numbered cattle and a time limit: the aim is to sort the right numbers, in order, as fast as possible.
- Western riding demonstrations on Friday, and horse shows over the weekend.
- The trail course: an outdoor course of natural obstacles, open to all riders who come with their own horse, free on registration.
- Carriage rides with the team of Mickaël, a Normandy Cob breeder, all weekend.
Want to have a go after the festival? All year round, the ranch runs ranch sorting clinics and competitions and western riding lessons.
American vehicles, motorcycles and the exhibitors’ village
American cars, motorcycles and group rides
All weekend, the West US Motor’s club displays American vehicles, both recent and classic: cars, motorcycles and trucks. It offers passenger rides in the cars, and the Moto Évasion 53 club offers passenger rides on motorcycles, throughout the three days.
Two motorcycle rides of around two hours set off from the ranch: late on Saturday afternoon (leaving at 5.30pm in 2026) and on Sunday morning (leaving at 10am). In 2026, riders signed up with the ranch team.
The exhibitors’ village and activities
More than twenty exhibitors set up on site: country hats, engraved belts, American decor, vintage clothing, rope gear for horses, book signings and sorbets. Activities on the 2026 programme:
- The Safari des Grands Prés: a tractor ride through the pastures to meet the ranch’s horses
- Archery and rifle shooting
- Mechanical bull
- Free games and activities for children, including a bouncy castle
- Cheerleader shows on Saturday
- A 6 or 12 km walk on Sunday morning with the Randonneurs du Haut Anjou walking club
Festival evenings in the indoor arena
The indoor arena becomes the festival’s main hall, home to the long tables, the bar, the dance floor and the stage.
In the evening, people have dinner there before the concert, then dance. In 2026, Friday evening opened with dinner at 9pm and the rock’n’roll concert by Bill Boschung Show; on Saturday, Texas Sidestep played for the dinner, the concert and the country dance from 8.30pm. The shows, on horseback or with fire, also take place on the dance floor.
The bar and its team of volunteers serve cold drinks, hot drinks and snacks; at mealtimes, the catering team serves grilled meats, sandwiches and sides. Meals, the bar and carriage rides are paid for in TR dollars ($TR), from the exchange desk open all weekend in the arena, near the bar and in front of the dance floor (cash and card).
Festival photos and videos
A few pictures from past editions at the ranch, and the festival films.
Festival films
2027 trailer
2026 festival trailer
Thomas’ Ranch Festival 2025
2024 aftermovie
2023 aftermovie
Who organises the Thomas’ Ranch Festival?
The festival was founded by Jacky and Stéphanie Thomas, the owners of the ranch and keen fans of American culture. It is organised with the Thomas Ranchers association, which runs the online ticketing, and it relies on its volunteers.
Partner associations take part: Moto Évasion 53 and West US Motor’s for the motorcycles and cars, the region’s country dance clubs for the dance floor, and the Randonneurs du Haut Anjou for the walk.
Would you like to exhibit, become a sponsor or support the festival? Email thomas.ranch.festival@gmail.com.
Frequently asked questions
When will the 2027 Thomas’ Ranch Festival take place?
On 25, 26 and 27 June 2027, from Friday to Sunday, for the 16th edition, in Contigné. Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for the programme and the opening of ticket sales.
Where is the festival held?
At Thomas’ Ranch, La Grand’Maison, 49330 Contigné (Les Hauts-d’Anjou), 30 km north of Angers, a 39-minute drive from Angers town hall.
How much is admission?
The 2027 prices will be published when ticket sales open. Admission is free for under-16s and for people with reduced mobility and their companion.
Can I camp on site?
Yes. In 2026, a field was open free of charge to tents, motorhomes, caravans and vans, with no booking needed. It had a toilet and a shower, but no electric hook-ups.
Can I bring my horse?
Yes. A paddock costs €10 per day, water and hay included, and the trail course is free on registration. Contact us to register your horse before you come.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, if they are kept on a lead and are sociable.
A question about the festival?
Visitor, group, rider, exhibitor or sponsor: write to us and we will get back to you.
