Events in Languedoc - the top 25 'Must See' events and festivals

Looking for Languedoc events? You've come to the right place. On this page, we list the top 25 annual events and festivals held in all sorts of villages and towns across Languedoc - from sophisticated dance and music festivals to fireworks, puppets and wine fêtes.

The great thing about Languedoc-Roussillon is that there is so much going on: the region hosts a huge variety of events and fêtes, year-round, some of which are regular fixtures in the calendar. The challenge is making sure you don’t miss the must-sees, so to make life easier, we’ve whittled down the choice for you. We’ve tried to include something for everyone, old and young alike. Enjoy!

LA FETE DE L’ORANGE

What is it?

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, close to the Spanish border, the ancient fishing village of Banyuls-sur-Mer has quaint, narrow streets, some lovely beaches and plenty of sunshine. In fact, the climate is so clement that this is one of the very few places in France where oranges grow outdoors, year-round (mimosa, olives and vines also thrive here). La Fête de l’Orange honours this local crop, which is sold on street stalls along with other “produits de terroir” (local produce), including of course Banyuls fortified wine (known as vin doux naturel). Also on the menu are balades gourmandes (a kind of gentle hike with stopping off points to sample local food and wine), and a marmalade-making competition.

When and where does it happen?

The second or third weekend of January (call the tourist office to confirm dates, which can change from one year to the next), with a dinner-dance on the Saturday night.

Where can I get more info?

CDT Pyrénées-Orientales - 04 68 51 52 53
www.cdt-66.com

Banyuls-sur-Mer tourist office – 04 68 88 31 58
www.banyuls-sur-mer.com

LA JOURNEE DE LA TRUFFE

What is it?

A special day for fungus fans: la journée de la truffe is the day when homage is paid to that most sought-after of gastronomic delights, the truffle. The town of Uzès goes truffle-crazy: every restaurant serves a truffle menu, and every bar, shop and market stall offers truffle-based snacks or drinks. There are truffle-rooting demonstrations with pigs, truffle wine tastings, and naturally, you can buy the things too (if you have the cash to splash – they don’t come cheap). The Maison de la Truffe, situated on a corner of Place aux Herbes, is an obvious focus for the events of the day: it stocks everything you could ever wish for, and more besides, truffle-wise (knives and brushes for winkling them out, umpteen specialty food items made with the fabulous fungus – olive oil, vinegar, biscuits, pasta... and special dog-training pellets).

When and where does it happen?

In the charming town of Uzès (Gard), on the main square - la Place aux Herbes - in the pedestrian-only centre, on the third Sunday in January. Local and tourists throng the narrow backstreets of this pretty place; if you want to eat at one of the better restaurants in the medieval centre, you’d do well to book in advance.

Where can I get more info?

Uzès tourist office - 04 66 22 68 88
www.uzes-tourisme.com

FETE DE LA SAINT BLAISE

What is it?

The annual celebration of Saint Blaise is a traditional festival that originally had a religious aspect (Blaise was a fourth century Armenian bishop who came to a nasty end). Celebrations are focused on traditional music played on hautbois et tambours (oboe and drums), with musicians coming from far and wide (particularly Italy, Brittany, Catalonia and Central Europe) to take part in this noisy but friendly party with a medieval vibe. The fête is held over a weekend, and Saturday evening’s activity is focused on consuming copious amounts of chestnut liqueur, cartagène (a local brew made from grape must and alcohol) and white wine. Canny locals open up their front rooms and cellars and set up impromptu “bars” where, for a euro or two, you can drink your fill and dance to the sound of medieval music.

Sunday is a more mild-mannered affair. It starts with the traditional parade of a giant fougasse around the streets of the village, accompanied by the musicians. Later, smaller ensembles play in the church, while larger groups make a joyful noise within the huge marquee erected in the village centre. Food and drink can be bought at the bar within the tent, where visitors can dine at the trestle tables, rubbing shoulders with the locals and soaking up the highly unusual ambiance.

When and where does it happen?

This annual event is held on over the first weekend of February, in the tiny village of Saint Martial (Gard), about 90 minutes’ drive north of Montpellier. Picturesque Saint Martial is perched on a rocky outcrop, within the Rieutord valley. It has a population of 150, and a 12th century church; look carefully and you’ll see the faded, painted crosses on the facades of the red-roofed houses - a throwback to religious persecution of the early 1900s and a sign of the village’s strong Catholic identity.

Where can I get more info?

Mairie of Saint Martial - 04 67 81 30 82

TOQUES ET CLOCHERS

What is it?

A massive street party and wine auction, celebrating some of Languedoc’s finest Chardonnays, this event has been held every year since 1990. It is a key date for local wine producers and international wine buyers, who attend an auction of barrels filled with Toques & Clochers AOC Limoux wines: over 80 barrels are sold off, representing the 41 villages of the Limoux appellation.

The name of the festival derives from “toque” - a chef's hat, which refers to the Michelin-starred guest chef (a different one each year) who hosts a gala diner for special guests from the wine industry. The term “clochers” refers to a church’s bell tower (the proceeds from the auction fund the renovation one a church tower in the Limoux area).

For the general public, there is a well-organised street party, held in a different village each year. Thousands of revelers attend, ferried by bus from Limoux HQ to the scene of the party; you buy a book of tickets and are given a free wine glass, and then you’re your way around the stalls set out through the village, each promoting a different Chardonnay. With food vendors and itinerant bands to hand, the result is a very good-natured knees-up.

When and where does it happen?

In Limoux (Aude) and the surrounding area, in mid-March (the weekend of Palm Sunday). If you can’t make Toques et Clochers, try to catch Limoux’s Mardi Gras carnival (street parades are held over consecutive weekends from mid-January to late March); it’s one of France’s liveliest and most traditional.

Where can I get more info?

Limoux tourist office – 04 68 31 11 82
http://www.limoux.fr/

FETE MEDIEVALE DE SOMMIERES

What is it?

An excuse for the inhabitants of Sommières to dress up in costume and hark back to the Middle Ages. The festivities kick off with a Grand Opening parade, with the be-cloaked locals carrying a giant fougasse (a kind of bread made with olive oil and herbs) into the market square. Medieval mass is sung in the church, but for younger visitors who might struggle to sit through the service, there’s a heraldry workshop and plenty of stalls selling all manner of medieval dressing-up kit – tabards, wooden swords, shields and helmets. Another parade happens at the beginning of the afternoon (starting from Place des Aires), and the day culminates in a “Combat of the Knights” showdown in the Arena, on the main esplanade facing the river. Hike up the hill and you can visit the chateau and enjoy the views – or watch more men dressed up in battle gear, clashing swords. Little boys and history buffs will love it.

When and where does it happen?

At the end of April, usually over a weekend (although some years it is just on the Sunday), in the attractive medieval town of Sommières (Gard), on the Vidourle river. The festival takes place in the streets of the centre and leading up to the chateau on the hillside, from where there are great views out across the area known as the Vaunage.

Where can I get more info?

OT Sommières 04 66 80 99 30
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/sommieresmedievales/
www.ot-sommieres.fr

LA FERIA DE NIMES

What is it?

Bull fighting is a big deal in Nîmes, and one of the town’s annual highlights is the Whitsun Féria (la féria de Pentecôte), which lasts five days and draws visitors in their thousands. The crowds don’t just come for the bull fighting, though: they’re here for the partying, the pastis, and the music. Bodegas (street bars) are set up to host some very lively drinking and dancing, and if you can’t stand the heat, you’d better get out of the kitchen…

Where and when is it?

There are two féria held each year in Nîmes; the Whitsun event is the oldest (it dates back to 1952) and by far the largest. It runs from Thursday to Whit Monday, in the huge Roman amphitheatre (les arènes) and along the main boulevards and in the squares of the town centre (you can hardly miss it).

The other event – the Féria des Vendanges, or wine harvest féria - is staged on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September each year. A smaller gathering, it is perhaps more suitable for families than the no-holds-barred knees-up of Whitsun.

Where can I get more info?

Nîmes tourist office – 04 66 58 38 00
www.ot-nimes.fr

SAPERLIPOPETTE

What is it?

Hérault’s annual festival of performing arts, for children. The quality of the shows is very high and adults tend to enjoy them as much as their off-spring. It’s very popular, and tickets tend to get snapped up fast.

When and where does it happen?

Run by Montpellier’s Theatre des 13 Vents, this kiddie-fest takes place over two consecutive weekends in the spacious grounds of the Chateau d’O, on the northern outskirts of the town. Selected shows are also taken out on the road to some of the department’s larger towns, during the month of May.

Where can I get more info?

04 67 99 25 00
http://www.herault.fr/accueil/pdf/saperlipopette.pdf

LE PRINTEMPS DANS LES VIGNES

What is it?

A celebration of the wines of Languedoc, organised by the CIVL trade body. An annual series of events (walks and cycles rides through the vineyards, wine tastings, wine and food matching in unusual spots, concerts and the like) give visitors the chance to meet winemakers and get to know Languedoc’s AOC wines a little better.

When and where does it happen?

In May, over several weekends, in a variety of Languedoc appellations including Corbières, la Clape, Côteaux du Languedoc, Faugères, Minervois and Malpère

Where can I get more info?

http://www.languedoc-wines.com/printempsdanslesvignes/

MONTPELLIER DANSE

What is it?

Like the name suggests, it’s a Dance Festival – contemporary dance, that is. And it’s all staged in the Languedoc capital of Montpellier.

When and where does it happen?

Over 70 different shows (of which around 30 are free) are presented in some 20 venues across Montpellier and 12 satellite towns in the surrounding area (the Agglomération), for a period of two weeks (late June-early July). Anything staged in the Cour des Ursulines (the courtyard of Montpellier’s National Choreographic Centre, housed within a former convent) is worth a ticket for the venue alone; seated under the stars of a summer night’s sky, you can’t fail to be charmed.

The festival showcases the work of over 25 choreographers from around the world (Japan, USA, Spain, Germany, Israel, Burkino-Faso, Mali, Switzerland, the UK) and each year features up-and-coming talent alongside established “greats” from the world of contemporary dance like Merce Cunningham. Choreographer Mathilde Monnier is the Director of the National Choreographic Centre of Montpellier and the leading light of this festival; her collaborations with odd-ball French pop singer Philippe Katerine and a piece based on the music of PJ Harvey have shown that while she has her finger on the pulse, her tongue can also be planted firmly in her cheek.

Where can I get more info?

www.montpellierdanse.com or call 0800 600 740 (from France)

LUX POPULI

What is it?

Pyrotechnics at the Pont du Gard, one of Languedoc’s most famous landmarks. The three-tiered Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon river serves as the stage for a fabulous show featuring fire, lights, music, sound and theatre by Groupe F, a world-renowned and highly unusual performance group.

When and where does it happen?

The Pont du Gard is in Remoulins, near Uzès (Gard). Lux Populi is staged over six nights in June, and spectators’ access is from the Rive Droite (right bank). Shows start at 10.30 pm and last for an hour.

Where can I get more info?

www.pontdugard.fr and www.groupef.com

LA FETE DE LA TRANSHUMANCE

What is it?

A folky celebration that coincides with the annual migration of flocks of sheep and cattle up to cooler, greener summer grazing in the Cévenol peaks. Some 5,000 animals are gently herded through the streets, wearing colourful woolen pom-poms, special hand-painted wooden collars and bells, their wool daubed with red and blue dye. Locals and visitors turn out to witness this annual ritual, and the usually sedate villages en route come to life with stalls selling food, drink and wholesome local produce (think honey, gingerbread, bread, cheese).

When and where does it happen?

Mid-June, the flocks gather in the small village of Valleraugue (Gard) and then make their way up the mountain, crossing through L’Espérou, on their way to their summer pastures on Mont Aigoual (they come back down the mountain in mid-September)

Where can I get more info?

Valleraugue tourist office - 04 67 82 25 10

LES FEUX DE LA SAINT JEAN

What is it?

Catalan merrymaking, in the heart of Canigou country. One of the high points of the year in French Catalonia is Les Feux de la Saint Jean, when the region celebrates the summer solstice with parades, parties, bonfires and fireworks displays.

When and where does it happen?

Feted across Roussillon, on June 23rd, this thousand year-old tradition is a sight not to be missed, and the city of Perpignan is one of the best places to witness the merry-making. The action centres around a parade during which the flame of Saint-Jean (a symbol of peace and fraternity) is brought down from the Pic du Canigou, and is then used to set the sky ablaze with a thousand fireworks. The inhabitants of Perpignan put on their finery for several days and nights of intense partying. Eating, drinking and dancing are high on the agenda: be sure to take part in the traditional Sardane dance (symbolic of Catalan identity and resistance, it is performed holding hands in a circle and gently hopping from foot to foot).

Where can I get more info?

Perpignan Tourist Office - 04 68 66 30 30
www.perpignantourisme.com

FIREWORKS AND A FAIRYTALE CASTLE

What is it?

Practically every Languedoc village, town and city marks the French national holiday of July 14 – Bastille Day - with some kind of celebration, and many have a firework display; Carcassonne’s annual pyrotechnics show is a spectacular, not-to-be-missed event.

When and where does it happen?

On Bastille Day (July 14), at 10.30 pm, in and around the ramparts of La Cité (the fairytale-style castle set up on a hill just outside the old town – it’s a huge, slightly surreal structure, you can’t miss it). The grand finale gives the impression of the whole citadel being ablaze: memories are made of this.

Where can I get more info?

Carcassonne tourist office - 04 68 10 24 30
www.carcassonne-tourisme.com

THE TOUR DE FRANCE

What is it?

Well - we all know what it is - a rather long bike ride through France that passes through Languedoc. It follows a different route each year - passing through different cities along the way.

When and where does it happen?

The 2008 Tour de France will enter Languedoc in the Aude department (July 17th) and head through Narbonne. The next day, it continues along the coast all the way to Nîmes. The 14th stage will then commence the following day (July 19th) and head across provence towards the Alps.

Obviously, the race draws heavy crowds - but it you find a spot at the top of a building or on a hill - you'll get a better view and see more of the race.

Where can I get more info?

http://www.letour.fr/indexus.html

JAZZ A SETE

What is it?

A festival of jazz music, held in a wonderful coastal setting overlooking the Med, in the Languedoc port of Sète (Hérault).

When and where does it happen?

Four jazz-filled nights in July, in the Théâtre de la Mer – an open air amphitheatre just outside the town centre, set up on the cliffs with stunning sea views. On a fine evening, the sunset is stunning. Music styles tend to be mainstream accessible rather than challenging, so if blues and swing are your thing, get down, daddy-o.

Where can I get more info?

Sète tourist office – 04 67 74 71 71
www.ot-sete.fr http://www.jazzasete.com/

FESTIVAL DE RADIO FRANCE

What is it?

The Festival de Radio France is a summer music festival held in Montpellier (Hérault). It concentrates on classical music and jazz but also includes cutting-edge electronic music, comprising around 100 events, including opera, concerts, films and talks, most of which are free.

When and where does it happen?

Events are staged in the city centre, in courtyards and other venues in the historic Ecusson quarter, down in the post-modern Antigone quartier, in the modern concert hall of Le Corum, and at the atmospheric Chateau d’O, on the northern outskirts. It all happens over two weeks, from mid-July onwards.

Where can I get more info?

Montpellier tourist office – 04 67 60 60 60

http://www.festivalradiofrancemontpellier.com/

WATER JOUSTING IN THE VENICE OF THE SOUTH

When? August 20th - 26th, 2008

What is it?

Les Joutes Nautiques de Sète is a series of events held annually in the centre of France’s second-largest sea port. Water jousters armed with a lance and a wooden shield sail in 8 metre long, round-bottomed boats equipped with a platform on which they perch, high above the water. The aim of the exercise is to push your opponent into the water without touching the platform with hands, knees or elbows. Each vessel has 10 rowers and a captain; crowds pack the canal side and roar encouragement, yelling with delight whenever someone takes a tumble into the canal.

Where does it happen?

There are several jousting events held in Sète, but the main one takes place over three days in August (around the third week) and marks the start of the festival of Saint Louis, the town’s patron saint. During la Fete de Saint Louis, besides the water sports, there are fireworks, free entertainment and street parties to be enjoyed.

Where can I get more info?

Sète tourist office – 04 67 74 71 71
www.ot-sete.fr

LA FERIA DE BEZIERS

When? August 13th - 17th

What is it?

A great big knees-up, based on bull fighting. Love it or hate it, either way it’s a biggie in the Languedoc calendar and you should see it once to make up your mind. The festival comprises a number of bull-related events (the distinction between corrida, novillada piquée and novillada sans picadors is all to do with who’s doing the bull fighting and how, and to what extent the bull gets baited), and you have to be quick off the mark to get tickets as the stadium is often sold out. A live orchestra provides the music, and when the show is over, the streets and public squares of the town are filled with people drinking, dancing and having a good time. Food, wine and music help the party go with a swing, and a holiday atmosphere reigns for four days. You can just stroll around and mingle, but some of the more up-market bars on place Jean-Jaurès host private féria parties – try and blag your way in to experience a more chi-chi vibe.

Where does it happen?

Béziers’s annual féria takes place over four days in mid-August, and the bull-based events happen in the Arènes (the bull ring) on avenue Emile Claparède in the centre of town.

Where can I get more info?

Béziers Arena
http://www.arenes-de-beziers.com/
Tel. 04 67 76 13 45

Béziers tourist office
Tel. 04 67 76 84 00

LA FETE DU CASSOULET

What is it?

A celebration of south-west France’s most famous dish, cassoulet, bringing together some 50,000 meat-and-bean fans. The ingredients of this hearty specialty are debated endlessly by chefs and gourmets in the three main areas of production (Carcassonne, Castelnaudary and Toulouse), but it is based on haricot beans, sausage, and confit of duck or goose. The crowds come to eat, drink, dance and be merry: music is provided by bandas (local brass bands), and the dancing goes on until the small hours. Also on offer are street markets, water jousting on the Canal du Midi, childrens’ sideshows and a parade. Visitors are encouraged to wear blue and white, the traditional colours of the Fête du Cassoulet.

When and where does it happen?

Four days at the end of August, in the streets of Castelnaudary (Aude), between Toulouse and Carcassonne.

Where can I get more info?

Castelnaudary tourist office - 04 68 23 05 73
www.ville-castelnaudary.fr
www.couleur-lauragais.fr/fete-du-cassoulet/ (the official website of the Fête du Cassoulet de Castelnaudary)

LE VISA POUR L’IMAGE

What is it?

A major international photo-journalism festival held every year in the centre of Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales). Officially named Visa Pour l’Image, the event was founded in 1988.

When and where does it happen?

From the very end of August to mid-September. Exhibitions are housed in different venues dotted around the city and are open from 10am – 8pm every day; entrance is free. Evening screenings at the Campo Santo (near the Cathédrale Saint Jean) show some 10,000 different images and offer a chronological review of news stories from the previous year, with reports and features on social issues, war, and stories that either hit the headlines or are hushed up. A fascinating programme for anyone interested in current affairs and how they are portrayed in the world’s press.

Where can I get more info?

http://www.visapourlimage.com

LES VENDANGES DE L’HISTOIRE

What is it?

One of Languedoc’s most colourful wine festivals, les Vendanges de l’Histoire (the Historical Harvest) celebrates Languedoc wine-making traditions from many years ago.

Visitors can witness and even take part in wine-making as it was at the turn of the century. The village of Chusclan is transformed for the weekend, with straw strewn across the streets and stalls selling home-made soup, hot chocolate and traditionally brewed coffee, set to the music of accordions and barrel-organs. There’s a classic car rally, a performance by the Chusclan winemakers’ choir, a petting zoo, and stands where children can try their hand at games of skill from a bygone age.

The high point of the weekend is the pilgrimage - in costume - to a nearby vineyard, where the grapes are symbolically harvested and then taken by horse-drawn carriage back to the winery to be trampled by foot in the time-honoured way. A great day out for young and old alike.

When and where does it happen?

Held every year in mid-October in Chusclan (Gard), near, Bagnols sur Cèze, 45 minutes from Nîmes or Alès.

Where can I get more info?

Syndicat des vignerons de Chusclan
06 63 23 28 69
www.fetevigneronnechusclan.com

LA FETE DE LA SOUPE

What is it?

Founded in 2001, the highlight of Florac’s three-day soup festival is Saturday night’s soup-making contest and the informal street partying that inevitably goes with it. There’s ample opportunity to eat (soup), drink (whatever you like) and make merry. A huge communal “vegetable peeling and soup-making” event is organised on the Friday morning in the main square in front of the church, followed the same evening by soup-tasting and guided tours of the town. Sunday morning is a good time to come en famille: bowls of broth are stirred, sniffed and savoured, and bonhomie reigns supreme. You can buy hand-made “soup sippers” (shallow ceramic bowls that resemble wine-tasting cups); worn round your neck on a length of string, you use the cup to “beg” for free samples of delicious broth from the entrants gathered on the main square. Live music and street performers add to the air of festivity, and it’s a very family-friendly affair, with story-telling and treasure hunts planned for younger visitors.

When and where does it happen?

Held over three days (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) in late October/early November, in the town of Florac (Lozère), tucked away in the Cévennes national park.

Where can I get more info?

Florac tourist office 04 66 45 01 14
http://www.mescevennes.com/sortir/festival-soupe/

LA FETE DE LA CHATAIGNE

What is it?

Up in north east Languedoc, everyone goes nuts in November. The area boasts hundreds of acres of chestnut trees and is the scene of feverish activity in autumn, when the chestnut picking season is in full swing. Once the harvest is gathered in, then it’s time to relax and celebrate, hence la Fete de la Chataigne. Visitors can sample chestnuts in all their different guises - roasted, creamed, candied, puréed, preserved, peeled, or pulverised into flour and made into pancakes. Marching bands, market stalls and childrens’ entertainers add to the ambiance. Workers at the town’s chestnut cooperative (coopérative castaneicole) give free guided tours, showing visitors round the charmingly old-fashioned machinery and explaining how nuts are sorted, graded and shucked.

When and where does it happen?

The village of Lasalle (Gard), in mid-November.

Where can I get more info?

Lasalle tourist office - 04 66 85 27 27
Lasalle Chestnut Cooperative 04 66 85 20 45

LA FOIRE AUX GRAS

What is it?

Translated literally as the Fat Fair, La Foire aux Gras is a celebration of meat and every manner of food that can be made from it. A major event for carnivores, this moment marks the start of winter, with temperatures dropping and thoughts turning to hearty, warming dishes of the meaty kind.

When and where does it happen?

Many of Languedoc’s villages host a “fat-fair” at the end of the year, and one of the best happens in the third week of December, when Carcassonne (Aude) hosts its world-famous Marché aux Gras. Local specialities feature heavily, including cassoulet (a meat and bean casserole), confit de canard (duck preserved in fat), foie gras (duck or goose liver paté - extremely cruel!) and saucisson sec (wind-dried sausages).

If you can’t make it to Carcassonne, there are usually Foire aux Gras held in other Aude towns in November/December, including Belpech, Rieux Minervois, Castelnaudary, Coursan, Caunes Minervois and Limoux.

Where can I get more info?

Carcassonne tourist office - 04 68 10 24 30
www.carcassonne-tourisme.com

CDT Aude (Aude tourist board) – 04 68 11 66 00
www.audetourisme.com