Events calendar Midi-Pyrénées

Come and dance and sing along to this festival of street and field arts! Three days of shows, concerts, exhibitions and entertainment brighten up Prendeignes, in the Lot department. You can enjoy the Guinguette Magique, a cosy guinguette featuring magic shows, free plays, traditional storytelling for young and old, concerts, food stalls with local produce, and even a musical siesta. These are moments of discovery and conviviality to be enjoyed with family and friends!

Organized under the impulse of the Aubrac breeders' association of the Pays d'Olt, this festival aims to highlight the values of the quality of the meat of the Aubrac breed. Consumers are informed about local gastronomic products, including the famous aligot. In the morning, 90 animals are presented on the old beef farm. You can admire them and discover this beautiful breed. In the evening, a traditional meal prepared by the breeders on the Cours Haut is organized and the accordion invites you to a convivial moment!

New festival, it is the largest literary gathering in the department. If the book fair brings together publishers, authors and readers, the festival goes beyond that and addresses itself to all audiences: conferences and round tables, film screenings, literary shows and exhibitions. A day with the Cévennes steam train, transformed into a bookstore, brings it all together for a few privileged people (paying). Essays, comics, novels: all genres are present.

For two days, Gourdon is transformed into a medieval village. The companions of the Chêne Ardent set up the tents of the medieval camp, complete with wooden games, weapons room and candy catapult, while nearby, knights' fights, a chivalry tournament and an equestrian acrobatics show take place. As you stroll along, you'll come across artisan stalls, poetic and comic performances, and end your journey back in time with a festive hard folk concert!

Since 1979, the Centre Culturel Occitan d'Albi has been organizing La Janada, the traditional St. John's Day festival celebrating the end of the harvest. The festive gathering takes place on Place Sainte-Cécile, and includes a farandole in the streets, a children's ball, a market, a concert... Then finally arrives the procession of Occitan schoolchildren with their torches to light the fire, around which the crowd dances to end the evening!

This traditional festival celebrates cows returning to their beautiful plateau. Over the years, this custom has become a real festival, to which the general public is invited to attend the parade of cows decorated by their breeders. The spectacle of the passing herds is accompanied by a host of events, including a local market, folk dances and gigantic meals featuring Aubrac specialities such as aligot, beef and Laguiole cheese... Pure passion and tradition!

How to combine greed, tradition and sportsmanship? By participating in the Davalda! Over a weekend, it's a great hike, both sportive and greedy, which is organized in Argences en Aubrac. Over twenty kilometers, from burons to burons, the participants cross the pastures and the striking landscapes of Aubrac. After the effort, the comfort: in each of the burons present on the way, you will discover the products of the local soil. Friendly moments that continue until the finish line where a producers' market awaits you!

Breeders and professionals of the Aubrac cattle breed have chosen Laguiole to meet and present the quality labels and channels "Boeufs Fermier Race Aubrac Label Rouge", "Fleur d'Aubrac IGP" and "Animaux Bio de race Aubrac". Under a big top, the new "foirail" will host 220 animals on display. On Sunday, a parade of animals in the streets of the village, decorated with the colors of the festival, attracts the attention of visitors. The oxen will also be blessed!

What is Total Festum? Total Festum is Occitanie's festival of Catalan and Occitan languages and cultures. Around the summer solstice and Sant Joan, music rubs shoulders with traditional dances, totemic animals mingle with shows, literature takes center stage and fire shows light up hearts. Between conviviality, sharing and discoveries, this event is an ode to tradition and memory, a resolutely forward-looking look and an anchoring in the present. A festival where the richness comes from the world and its diversity.

Pézenas' patron saint, Saint Blaise, is widely celebrated in this corner of Occitanie when spring arrives! For almost a month, the streets are alive with music, traditional dances and fancy-dress parades, not forgetting the traditional escoubille stew and its world championship. An event that brings together all generations and bears witness to the fervour of the Occitan people for their traditions!

Every year, Trèves comes alive with the traditional Pétassou festival. The Pétassou is a character dressed in countless bits of colorful fabric ( petas), wearing a mask, gloves and carrying a broom of broom. Accompanied by his musicians, he parades, dances and chases children through the village streets, where farandoles and shows are organized. He also invites himself into the homes of the locals to distribute "paume" (a local cake). And if you still have a piece of petas in your hand, keep it for good luck all year round!

Every year in July, the village of Castex celebrates! In the heart of the Ariège region, join the locals for two days of festivities that will fill the streets with color. The Comité des Fêtes organizes a wide range of events, including an open stage on Friday, where you can present your own show of music, dance, clowning... Saturday features board games and friendly pétanque, a musical aperitif and a convivial meal (reservation required - with croustade for dessert!), ending with a concert by a local band and a DJ set that goes on all night!

Every year, nearly 35 potters from all over France meet for two days in Saint-Céré in the Lot. It is an opportunity for these craftsmen to show their creations, but also their know-how through workshops of turning and demonstrations of sculpture. You will learn more about the different techniques of shaping, enameling and firing. A ceramic café will offer drinks to be enjoyed in the ceramics of the artisans present.

With its flowered floats, its balls and its animations, the Carnival of Amélie-les-Bains is one of the most beautiful and popular carnivals of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Known since the ^19th century under the name of cavalcade, the carnival sees crowds in jubilation. The most astonishing moment remains the parade of the "Grégoire améliens": penitents dressed in white, bury the Grégoire, the Carnival Majesty, by walking him through the city before burning him in the public square.

In the Gers region, Cologne holds its annual festival in August. The main festivities are spread over 4 days, with a gourmet market on Friday, serenades, pétanque competitions and a traditional meal on Saturday, and a large gathering of motorcycles and tractors on Sunday. In the evening, there's a hearty meal under the Halle, accompanied by a traditional hot-air balloon release and a dance with live music. On Monday, you can round off your festive weekend with a pétanque competition!

Organized by the Comité des fêtes de Mirepoix, the bandas festival and its travelling brass bands bring this pretty historic town to life in June. Percussions and bass drums echo through the streets, while young and old dance to the sound of trumpets. Throughout the evening, five bandas will parade around the cafés and the Place du Maréchal Leclerc, bringing joy and good humor to all. For one of the highlights of the summer, get together with family and friends to enjoy these festive musical events!

Transhumance, from the Latin "trans" (beyond) and "humus" (earth, country), is the summer migration of herds to richer, greener lands, such as the Pyrenean estives. Every year, a major pastoral festival is held here, where you too can accompany the herds of sheep, cows and horses through the mountain villages. Your journey will be littered with entertainment, traditional meals and folk shows. An unforgettable experience immersed in the traditions of the Ariège!

Dive back in time and discover Montséret in the Middle Ages for a day! Rent a costume on site and immerse yourself among the villagers to enjoy a wide range of activities that will delight young and old alike: armory stands at the encampment of the medieval troupe La Garde de l'Alaric, combat demonstrations and initiation, storytelling, exhibitions, wooden games, old-time craftsman stands, calligraphy initiation, donkey rides... Total immersion guaranteed!

In October, locals and visitors alike gather for 3 days of religious entertainment to celebrate the feast of Majesty Sainte Foy in Conques. After a conference on Friday, the celebrations continue on Saturday: pilgrimage walk, First Vespers and presentation of the Abbey Tympanum, torchlight procession through the village... The weekend ends with the solemn procession of Sainte Foy, a mass and a concert by the choir.

Sommières has been hosting the Trad'Hivernales festival for 25 years, to the delight of music and dance lovers from near and far. For 5 days, the town comes alive with a program of storytelling workshops, round-table discussions, concerts and jazz cafés, music and singing workshops, initiation to ballroom, Israeli, Catalan and Flemish dances, culminating in a musical evening and a traditional ball... To all lovers of culture and music, don't miss this lovely winter event in the south of the Gard!

La Saint-Louis is a 4-day festival of parades (representing all the districts) through the streets to the rhythm of the peñas, square-ball tournaments, tributes to railway workers and concerts at the Théâtre de la Mer. On the last day of the festivities, Sétois and jousters gather in the Place de la Mairie, nicknamed the "Place du Poufre", to enjoy macaroonade (and build up their strength!), before the Languedoc jousting tournaments that bring the weekend to a close. If you're looking for an authentic, convivial experience, come and see us in August!

This family festival in Saint-Jean-du-Gard brings together lovers of traditional music and dance. In front of the stage, you can join the ball and waltz to your heart's content, accompanied by an orchestra. In the village, there's plenty to do: music and dance workshops, a luthiers' fair (the largest exhibition of instrument makers in the south of France), conferences, musical street walks, concerts... A truly festive weekend!

In the Hérault region of France, this original event puts fougasse in the spotlight! You know, that southern bread with its soft crust and thick, chewy crumb. For two days, you can dance the baleti, jump over the Saint-Jean fire to the beat of the drums, sing and enjoy an aperitif at the concerts, learn how to make your own fougasse... The collective organizers invite you to come and enjoy some fatty fougasse, then burn off a few calories while enjoying this crazy, extravagant but fantastic program!

In the Lot region, the annual fête votive takes place in mid-July. First come the aubades to the locals, then the festive entertainment for young and old: a convivial aperitif, waltzes, bourrées and farandoles at the traditional ball, games and funfair, gourmet market, concert by a local band, fireworks... Three days of festivities in one of France's most beautiful villages!

Organized by the Aquí l'Òc association, the Festival Escambis ("exchanges" in Occitan) aims to facilitate encounters by appealing to a wide audience, even those who don't speak Occitan! This original festival promotes cultural diversity in a friendly, festive atmosphere, in convivéncia, the art of living together. You'll be able to enjoy a wide-ranging program, accessible to all, in fields as diverse as music, song, dance, crafts, sport, literature, theater, storytelling...

Every summer, this magnificent medieval bastide hosts a 4-day local festival. After the presentation of the keys to the town, a grand aperitif is held, followed by a country dance demonstration, a night hike and a musical meal. The rest of the weekend is just as lively: numerous traditional meals and barbecues, pétanque competitions, children's games and funfair, landaise race and disco ball. A program rich in color, emotion and conviviality, not to be missed!

For a colorful, family-friendly festival, come to Uzès at the beginning of August! Numerous festive events will delight young and old for 4 days: pétanque, fishing and belote competitions, manades competitions, cycling grand prix, pégoulades, street concerts, bodegas, parades, traditional meals, electro parties and open-air dances... The festive weekend culminates in a grand mayor's dinner with live music, and an evening at the Uzès arena with the traditional bullfighting pool. Sensational!

In the Gard region, Garons town council joins forces with Le Mistral bullfighting club to offer a wide range of events for the fête votive at the end of June. It's an opportunity to get together with family and friends for a weekend of festive entertainment. The festivities kick off with the pégoulade (opening parade of the féria with floats) and continue with free olympiads, traditional meals, bandas and peña entertainment, the famous swimming pool bull show, aperitifs and concerts. An unmissable event!

The village of Prats de Mollo la Preste is every year the theater of a traditional and singular carnival. To celebrate the imminent return of spring, the villagers disguise themselves as bears, the emblematic animal of the region. They put on a sheepskin and cover themselves with soot. Armed with clubs, these bears start a wild saraband and lead in a crazy farandole. Three days of carnival festivities including the parade of the Carnival Majesties.

Toulouse is a major stop on the men's and women's 7-a-side rugby world circuit. The event sets the Ernest Wallon stadium alight every year, and fans from all over the world come to cheer on their country. Matches take place all day long over 3 days, and the Fan Zone offers everything spectators need to enjoy the event: refreshment stands, food trucks, slide belly, rugby activities, climbing, relaxation zone, bandas... A truly festive weekend!

On the^1st weekend of July, the Escota é Minja association ("listen and eat", in Occitan) has a motto: amortis la television, bèu un còp e bolèga-te! ("turn off the TV, have a drink and get moving!"). It's more than just a festival, it's an annual event that promotes Occitan culture, intergenerational links and the art of living, gastronomy and sustainable development. For two days, you can enjoy free concerts for young and old, as well as traditional and contemporary music in a festive and convivial atmosphere.

The town of Beaucaire is the "cradle" of the Camargue racing tradition. With a packed program every year, the sport attracts thousands of spectators to the town's arenas; in spring, the Muguet d'Or takes place, in summer, the Palme d'Or and Palme d'Argent, and finally, in autumn, the big bullfighting event is the Trophée Marius Gardiol. During these races, the animal is not killed: the "raseteurs" simply try to catch the award-winning attributes attached to an ox's forehead and horns. A real spectacle!

After 20 years in Toulouse, the Occitanie region is putting handisport in the spotlight at this 3-day event relocated to Nîmes, with a major goal: to promote the practice of handisport, which conveys the values of team spirit, surpassing oneself and accomplishment. Open to all on Saturday, you'll be able to discover handisport through workshops featuring a number of highlights: demonstrations of wheelchair basketball, boccia, rifle shooting, soft-arc, climbing, wheelchair course workshop, LSF initiation, meetings with top-level athletes...

In 1629, the jousting tournaments offered a unique spectacle to Cardinal de Richelieu during his visit to Frontignan. This local tradition lives on today, particularly during the Tournament de la Ville on July 14th. Dressed in white, spear and bulwark in hand, the jousters compete to the sound of drums and the Languedoc oboe, in nautical battles in a festive atmosphere. Come and join the crowd on the banks of the canal to applaud them!

One of Védasiens' favorite summer events takes place in the Parc de la Peyrière. The town invites you to come and share convivial, festive evenings with family and friends around local produce and fine wines. On the program: winegrowers' evenings, exhibitions and stalls featuring creative craftspeople, local wine tastings, a night market and food trucks, games and entertainment for children, as well as concerts to liven up the evenings. A program that's as appealing as it is enticing, for a wonderful summer evening!

In the mountains of the Val d'Azun, the En Cadence association organizes this annual festival of traditional music and dance. Locals and lovers of Occitan culture come together for this event, for various music and dance workshops and courses, but above all for the ball! Over the course of several days, you'll sing, dance, enjoy exhibitions of lutherie and instrument making, a storytelling stroll, bowling demonstrations and a local producers' market. A total immersion in local culture!

Every summer, the Communauté de Communes Coeur de Garonne organizes a traveling festival of cultural and festive events. In the villages of Casties-Labrande, Lherm and Poucharramet, these events offer the public a chance to discover and meet with guest artists and local associations. With each new edition, artists, producers, craftspeople, heritage and nature enthusiasts guide you through the local treasures. Three days of shows and concerts to discover and enjoy!

When the colorful arenas of Cazaubon, in the Gers region, host the famous Landes races in summer, it's a day of celebration! The events are organized by Club Taurin Darrigada and take place over several afternoons and evenings, from July to October. These are always exceptional festive, musical and sporting occasions that delight locals and visitors alike. With a live announcer, spectators and bullfighters, we promise you a good time and, above all, a sensational show!

In the small Ariège village of Saurat, the Festen'Oc festival aims to be a warm and festive showcase for Occitan culture. Four days to discover or rediscover this culture in all its forms, thanks to a full program: traditional ball, aperitifs and local meals, conferences, street music, book and old games fair, traditional market, dance courses, singing workshops, film screenings in Occitan, theater... Conviviality, good humor and tradition are the order of the day!

Every summer, the Trad'Estiu association organizes its festival of the same name. With the aim of promoting and perpetuating Occitan culture and traditions, the collective organizes events for young and old alike. For 4 days, the town of Foix comes alive with trad'apéros, free trad' balls with Occitan orchestras, wooden games, traditional dance shows... And to immerse yourself even further, you can also enjoy a play in Occitan with French subtitles, and a tour of Foix in Occitan!

La Nuit du Trad' brings together lovers of traditional dances for an evening featuring 4 bands. Dance and music workshops are organized in the afternoon, on-site catering with local produce is provided, and at 7pm the Grand Bal Trad' opens! Whether you're a dancer, a music lover or an epicurean, the Biroussans invite you to enjoy a festive and convivial evening! And if you're a late-night musician, bring your instruments for an all-night musical jam session!

The oldest critérium of France. The best of the Tour de France clash in a classic of the summer on a circuit in downtown.

Voix d'Etoiles is unique: it is the only festival that values and rewards the voices of animated cinema! This cultural event is based on several activities: screenings of short and feature films, TV series, meetings, workshops to discover the secrets of voices and sounds... The festival is particularly aimed at families with children. They will receive a small passport with questionnaires, games and a book of dedications on arrival. A magical place.

The origin of the Camargue race dates back to the 15th century, but it was at the end of the 19th century that it really developed, many small arenas were then built to bring man and bull into conflict. But this is not about fighting or killing, but rather passes full of skill and elegance, a race for honour. This honour is materialized by attributes fixed on the forehead and between the horns of the bull, formerly flowers, scarves, tricolor cockades or motto in the colors of the manade and sometimes even sausage or victuals. Today, there are six of them, two strings around the horns, an acorn on each, a cockade on the forehead and a forehead behind the animal's forehead. Equipped with a hook, the razor must grab these brands, for which rewards are offered.