Seasonal Events
Numerous seasonal events occur in local towns and villages; however, confirming specific details and timings before your visit is recommended.
La Fête de la Truffe
A day at the races
Floralies Flower Festival
Fête de la Musique
Bastille Day
Comic Strip Festival (January)
Angoulême hosts a massive four-day event, the third largest of its kind globally, attracting nearly 6,000 comic professionals from around the world.
La Fête de la Truffe (January)
The last Sunday of January in Sorges, renowned for its Truffle Museum and the Logis Hotel Restaurant's Black Truffle menu, hosts a festival. This event draws large crowds for its demonstrations, cooking competitions, and a grand banquet.
Arnac Pompadour (February - October)
The National Stud of France hosts monthly events related to horse racing and equine activities.
Saint-Jean-de-Côle Flower Festival (May)
One of the most picturesque villages in France provides an idyllic setting for the Floralies flower festival, traditionally held on the second weekend of May. This medieval village bursts into a kaleidoscope of colours for the occasion.
The festival unites gardening enthusiasts, both amateurs and professionals. Around 60 exhibitors will showcase their local flower, plant, vegetable, perennial, and shrub productions. As you wander through the numerous stalls, you will also have the opportunity to discover, the Château de Marthonie, the Romanesque church, the quaint humpback bridge crossing the Cole, the priory and the charming half-timbered houses.
La Fête des Ponts de Limoges (June)
The Limoges Bridge Festival is a renowned event that blends water and land entertainment, taking place in June. This weekend-long celebration provides enjoyment for everyone, featuring bathtub races, flyboarding demonstrations, street performances, bridge illuminations, and culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale.
Fête de la Musique (June)
This music festival occurs on June 21st, coinciding with the summer solstice, which is the shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a symbolic day that heralds the start of sunny days and sets a rhythm that invites celebration until dawn. Local music festivals abound, enlivening the streets with concerts featuring a diverse array of musical genres, including Oompah bands, hip-hop, rap, rock, pop, and DJs.
Bastille Day (July)
The 14th of July commemorates the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789, a pivotal event celebrated as France's National Day, marking the liberation from monarchical rule. The festive spirit of summer is embraced with all-night festivities, picnics, and spectacular fireworks.
Rocamadour Balloon Festival
Château de Pompadour
Beaujolais Nouveau
Limoges Christmas Market
Vintage Days in Périgueux (September)
A three day festival celebrates all things vintage, from fashion and dance to car parades, with over 100 vintage vehicles lining the streets.
Hot Air Balloon Festival (September)
Rocamadour, hosts this annual event in a breathtaking location (weather permitting). Discover the spectacular town nestled in the cliff side and admire the balloons as they ascend from the valley beneath.
Conker Festival (October)
Every October, the Fédération Française de Conkers hosts the annual "Bonkers for Conkers" festival in Abjat-sur-Bandiat, featuring food, drink, festivities, and the much-anticipated Conker Championship.
Why not aim to be the next champion?
Halloween (October)
This always offers a wonderful opportunity to dress up and engage in spooky activities. Whether you're a bat, pumpkin, or witch, a visit to Château de Pompadour is essential. Enjoy the spectacular laser show projected onto the Château, meander through the haunted corridors where surprises lurk around every corner. Food, drinks, and music are available, and for the younger guests, special children's days are provided.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day (November)
The annual celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau traditionally occurs on the third Thursday of November. It marks the release of the new red wine from the Beaujolais region in Burgundy, France. This event is a festive occasion in numerous bars and restaurants.
Christmas Markets (December)
The arrival of Christmas brings a special charm to French towns, and immersing yourself in a Christmas market is an enchanting way to embrace the season's spirit. Whether it's savouring mulled wine, meeting Santa Claus, or taking a festive walk, these markets are ideal for holiday shopping and experiencing the joyous winter ambiance. The larger towns, such as Angoulême, Limoges, and Périgueux, provide a remarkable Christmas atmosphere.