Local Events 2012

There’s so much going on around La Treille gites and within the Dordogne region that you will surely be spoilt for choice for entertainment – day or night.  Just check-out some of the local events and festivals that we’ve listed below…

March

• Sun 11th March – Le Carnaval du Périgueux

A glorious day for périgourdins, celebrations and parades.

click here for more details!

• 

  Stunt Rider

  Sun 18th March – Fête de la Moto – Le Bugue

This is the 12th Fête de la Moto at Le Bugue after a gap in 2011 and there will be more than ever to see.  Exhibitions, stunts, stands, autojumble, ladies-only bike run, food, drink and much more.  All this and it’s a FREE entry!

See this link for more information (in French)!

April

• Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April – Art & Craft Fair at Le Marquisat

A SPRING ART & CRAFT weekend held by local talented people.  Each day from 10 am till 5pm. Fresh snacks and drinks will be available all day.  Come and view and of course find unusual gifts.  Le Marquisat is situated on the D16 3 KLMS from Villebois Lavellete direction Rougnac. (Organised by ‘Le Marquisat Dining Association Club’).

May

• 1st Monday in May – Bertric Burée – snail festival

Every year, thousands of people apparently descend on this small village, which happens to be just up the road from La Treille Gites, to take part in this ancient ritual.  Allegedly this has been going on for thousands of years but I’ve only just found out about it (2012).  Have noted it in my diary to find-out what all the fuss is about, will report back later!

• Tue 1st to Sat 5th May – Périgueux – Fête de Saint Georges

This celebration is being held in the Quartier Saint Georges in Perigueux Centre Ville.  Awaiting full programme of festival events!

click here for offical website!

• Sat 12th & Sun 13th May – Saint Jean de Côle – Les Floralies

This is one of the prettiest villages in our region on any normal day but during this ‘féte weekend’ the whole village is transformed with an exhibition by artisans and the regions florists for the annual flower festival.

click here for official website!

• Sat 12th to Mon 21st May – Bordeaux – Internationale Foire

A huge home and leisure exhibition held over 10 days.

click here for official website!

• Last Sunday in May – Vergt – Fête de la fraise

A giant 3 mtr  diameter strawberry tart is the main feature of this village festival which also includes an excellent street market and brocante.

June

• June through Sept – Grand-Brassac – Concerts and soirées
  

Every Saturday evening a live and free ‘open-air’ concert is held.  A mixed genre catering for all musical tastes from reggae to rock.  See their website for all the latest info!

click here for official website!

• Wed 20th June – Périgueux – La Féte du slip
  

Not really sure what this local festival is all about but the publicity picture looks intriguing.  It’s being held during the evening and hopefully all will be revealed closer to the event!!!

click here for official website!

• Thu 21st June – Perigueux (& All Europe) – Fête de la musique
  

Free music events all over France including open air concerts and street music. Perigueux pulls out all the stops to put on an absolutely brilliant festival of live music from punk to classical – something for all ages and a must see if you’re here during this fantastic celebration of music!

Awaiting launch of official publicity website!

• Fri 22nd June – Bourdeilles – Feu de la Saint-Jean

The village celebrates the patron saint & summer solstice with a costumed extravaganza and ‘Bal Traditionelle occitan’ with music & fireworks.

• Thu 28th June to Sun 1st July – Bordeaux – Fête le Fleuve
  

The Annual Wine and River Festival.  A major tourist attraction for wine lovers!  Over 300,000 visitors are expected from all over the world to flock to the quayside’s and follow the 2km trail of festivities day and night. Includes free concerts, a different themed fireworks display is held on each of the 4 evenings and traditional barrel races.

click here for official website!

July

• Tuesday evenings during July and August – Riberac – Live music & bands
  

Free live entertainment whilst dining or just having a drink alfresco on the streets of Riberac.

• Tuesday and Sundays during July – Riberac – Guided Tours of ‘Open Farms’
  

See The Tourist Information Centre in Riberac for more details!

• Each Wednesday Evening during July – Bourdeilles -
  

Marché  producteurs de Pays

From 6pm local producers evening markets with alternating walks with torches and music – possibility to dine.

• Every Wednesday evening throughout July & August –

Perigueux Night Markets (Marché nocturne)

What a lovely way to spend a balmy summer evening, strolling around the colourful market stalls and great place to browse for those unique holiday gifts for friends and family back home! (Weather permitting)!

• Sun 1st to Tue 3rd July – All The Perigord Region – La Félibrée
  

This year’s host is Piégut Pluviers.  Every major town and city in the Perigord region celebrates the ‘Langue dOc’ (the occitan language and customs of SW France), promoting it’s traditional activities and uniqueness.  Each year a different  town is chosen to host the celebration with a procession where a queen is elected and  the streets and houses are decorated and traditional costumes worn by the townsfolk.  You will find most villages are decorated during this time whilst holding their own fêtes.

• Sat 14th July – All France – Bastille Day

The biggest party in France, a national French holiday to commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération.  Nearly every town and village hosts large firework displays etc.  In the centre of Perigueux the fireworks are over the river and start at 10.30pm.

• Montagrier – Foire au goût et l’artisanat
  

Date to be confirmed.

• Fri 13th & Sat 14th July – Mensignac – Fête du pain
  

Since 1989 this weekend of festivities was originally organised by the towns baker.  Every year it gets bigger with fair ground stalls, a circus, car boot sale and lots more.  I’m just not sure how much of a part the ‘bread’ actually plays in this fète anymore though!

• Week commencing Sun 15 July – Tocane St Apre -
  

Festival des ‘Rencontres Musicales Irlandaises

Irish musical festival that lasts all week. 2012 is the 22nd Anniversary for the festival and promises to be a great one!

see here

• 19th July to 4th August – Sarlat – Open Air Theatre

A rich, eclectic and diverse programme of more than twenty performances.  Established artists and new talent, actors, writers and directors.

See oficial website for full details!

• Fri 27th to Sun 29th July – St Astier –
  

Festival des bandas

• Each Wednesday Evening during July – Bourdeilles - Marché  producteurs de Pays
  

From 6pm local producers evening markets with alternating walks with torches and music – possibility to dine.

see here

• Bergerac – Music Festival -
  

The 22nd Bergerac Music Festival with exceptional performances and prestigious venues, makes this one of the most unique festivals in the South West of France.

see here!

• Thu 19th to 21st July – Riberac – ‘Le Grand Souk’
  

Live music in the streets of Riberac from 6pm both nights.  This music festival is getting more and more popular.

See here for full list of artists etc!

• Fri 21st July – Verteillac – Marché Nocturne

Night Market

• Sat 22nd July – Tocane St Apre – Marché Nocturne

Night Market

• Sun 29th July – Douchapt – Raid Val de Dronne

Multi-sports adventure trail with 2 man teams. 55km track along the Dronne Valley in a competitive but friendly atmosphere!
see here

August

• Wednesday evenings throughout July & August –

Perigueux Night Markets (Marché nocturne)

What a lovely way to spend a balmy summer evening, strolling around the colourful market stalls and great place to browse for those unique holiday gifts for friends and family back home! (Weather permitting)!

• June through Sept – Grand-Brassac – Concerts and soirées
  

Every Saturday evening a live and free ‘open-air’ concert is held.  A mixed genre catering for all musical tastes from reggae to rock.  See their website for all the latest info!

click here for official website!

• Sat evenings during August – Brantome – River Jousting
  

Great fun for all the family!

• Tue evenings during August – Riberac – Live music & bands

Free live entertainment whilst dining or just having a drink alfresco on the streets of Riberac

• Tue & sunday during August – Riberac – Guided Tours of ‘Open Farms’
  

See The Tourist Information Centre in Riberac for more details!

• Wed 1st to Mon 6th August- Perigueux – Mimos

Performances at Périgueux’s International Contemporary Mime Festival (MIMOS) range from free shows in the Renaissance streets to elaborate productions at larger venues like Le Theatre, Le Palace and La Cour de la Visitation. There are plenty of workshops for enthusiasts.

Official website link!

• Mid Aug – Riberac – Open-Air Cinema

See The Tourist Information Centre in Riberac for more details!

• Fri 3rd to Mon 6th August – Lisle – Féte du la St Roch
  

Date and event to be confirmed!

• Mon 6th to Sat 12 August – Perigueux –

Festival de Musique de la Nouvelle-Orléans (MNOP)

Jazz lovers and enthusiasts can indulge their passion in this annual cultural event with musicians coming straight from New Orleans.  Various events will take place in the city squares culminating in an open air concert starting at 7pm at parc Gamenson (next to the Prefecture).

See official website for full info!

• Fri 10th to Tue 14th August -  Bergerac – Music Festival
  

The 23rd Bergerac Music Festival  (dates to be confirmed) with exceptional performances and prestigious venues, makes this one of the most unique festivals in the South West of France.

see here!

September

• June through to Sept – Grand-Brassac – Concerts and soirées

Every Saturday evening at Guinguette de Renamont

• Sat 8th September – Bordeaux – Marathon des Châteaux du Medoc

The winner is awarded with their own body weight in claret!  Takes in 59 vineyards.  2000 places reserved for non-French competitors.

click here for official website!

• 3rd Weekend in September – Angoulême – Circuit des Ramparts
  

Every year Angoulême plays host to this very special motoring event.  The streets in the medieval town are closed to normal traffic and echo to the sound of historic racing cars. see

Click here for official website!

October

November

Click this link for all the latest and up-to-date events in the Dronne Valley and near our gites!

Also, throughout the summer months you will find many open-air ‘Brocantes’ (antiques fairs) and ‘VideGreniers’ (car boot sales) around the Dordogne region – see here for dates and venues.!  Great for picking up a genuine French antique or bargain!