The best parties Midi-Pyrénées

In Castelnau-Barbarens, we always look forward to the famous Rondèu de Castelnau, which brings Gascon music performances to the medieval streets around the church, as well as balls and meals where everyone gathers in contagious good spirits! The festival puts regional culture in the spotlight, with traditional dance and music workshops, dance demonstrations and concerts by local groups. Get ready for a great time of conviviality, culture and joie de vivre!

When the kids have their party, you can say that it moves! Imagine a real mountain village transformed into a village dedicated to games. From the thermal park to the town centre, the show is everywhere. The little ones can't leave the twenty or so huge inflatable structures. A park of games of skill and wooden games is set up. Theatrical shows bring together all these little people who religiously listen to the tales. An enchanting and regressive festival!

In February of each year, 3 Catalan villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales region celebrate a very old carnival festival, which has now become a traditional festival: the Bear Festival. The origin of these festivities lies in the legend of a ferocious bear who, in search of a mate, decides to kidnap a local girl. In Arles-sur-Tech, Prats-de-Mollo-La-Preste and Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans, you'll have the chance to attend a unique, festive and transgressive event in the heart of the Catalan countryside, where you can rediscover local customs such as the sardana.

Since 2021 in November, the Metropole of Montpellier has been organizing Les Rencontres Vigneronnes to showcase the region's producers. You're invited to discover their best wines in the cellars and estates around Montpellier. In a festive and convivial atmosphere, everything has been thought of to ensure that you have a pleasant time during your discovery of wine: visits to cellars and vineyards, oenological advice, tasting workshops, entertainment, walks...

In the past, this gourmet event was called "Les Estivales" and was held in Montpellier city center. O'Millésimes has now been relocated to the magnificent Domaine d'O, so you can enjoy a toast in the open air, but a little cooler! This gastronomic festival takes place over two weekends in the summer, and all lovers of local produce will gather for tastings and concerts, a night market teeming with tasty local dishes and wines, crafts, meetings, conferences and workshops.

This event invites you to discover all the specialities of the Canal du Midi region, from Carcassonne to Sète. During this gourmet event, you'll be able to taste not only the best wines, but also the finest products: honey, truffles, foie gras, melon, oysters, shellfish and more, among the hundreds of culinary specialities produced on the banks of the Canal. And don't forget that this is a solidarity event to benefit the replanting of the Canal du Midi with Voies Navigables de France.

The Coteaux de Quercy Wine Festival brings together the winegrowers of the Coteaux de Quercy to promote their wines in a convivial atmosphere. You're invited to taste the local vintages and, after the Confrérie's induction of new members, you and your family can enjoy a range of activities: demonstrations of ancient crafts, archery, children's workshops, giant and traditional wooden games, inflatable games, a culinary workshop and, last but not least, the aperitif-concert!

Artisans and producers from the Tarn region invite you to discover their delicious products at the Fête des Tarnivores in Albi! These two days of festivities in the heart of the city are an opportunity not only to highlight the work of all these enthusiasts, but also to taste the best local products: wines, beers, charcuterie and meats, cheeses, pastries, breads, jams, ready-made meals... There's something for everyone! And don't miss the pétanque competitions, wine workshops and free concerts... The atmosphere is guaranteed!

In Limogne-en-Quercy, basket markets are part of the truffle tradition, and this event offers lovers of this rare gem the chance to fill their baskets. Summer truffles don't have the same culinary value as winter black truffles, and are less expensive. Enthusiasts know that they're a delight on salted butter toast as an aperitif or in an omelette! The appointment is at 10 a.m. sharp, because sales start immediately and it sometimes happens that everything is sold out within a few minutes!

Every year, the town of Port-La Nouvelle comes alive for its anniversary! Celebrated on 21 July - the date on which the commune was officially proclaimed in 1844 - it is punctuated by musical entertainment and an impressive firework display. While waiting for the first bursts of light around 10.30pm, the curious can count on the Trait d'union Périer band to provide the atmosphere from the Place Saint-Charles.

Every year, Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée organizes the Oursinade de Thau, a gourmet and popular festival in March. From the Place Léon Blum to the Rue Gambetta via the Rue de Strasbourg, some forty exhibitors come to present the region's terroir and delight the taste buds of shellfish, sea urchins and other seafood lovers. The atmosphere is convivial, punctuated by concerts, and other local culinary specialties are also honored such as the brasucade, the tielles and other ancestral or more contemporary recipes.

Since 2015, Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée has been organizing the Estivales de Thau, a gourmet agrotourism event. On this territory labeled "Vignobles & Découvertes", this event highlights the richness and know-how of local wine and shellfish producers. Every Thursday evening in July and August, people come to the heart of the villages to discover tasting stands, wines and local products. A great way to savor the treasures of the area in a festive and musical atmosphere.

This religious festival takes place on the first Sunday of the Votive Festival of Mauguio. During this event, the 15 year old girls take the ribbon for the first time. On Sunday morning, a mass is said in Provençal and offerings are offered on the altar. At the exit, the blessed bread is distributed to the faithful and to the passers-by. In the past, this ceremony signified the entry into the world of women. They could then wear the festive costume: the lace chapel and its muslin fichu, the long skirt and especially the velvet ribbon.

Each year, Palavas-les-Flots celebrates the sea during a week-long feria. The beaches and arenas of the city gather the "festayres" of the region who come to eat, dance and sing traditional local songs. The feria is also a time for bullfighting shows with the Camargue races. Although a little less frequented, the fall feria is still worth a visit with its bodegas, abrivados on the beach, races and various games.

Every year from mid-December onwards, La Grande Motte becomes the setting for a fairytale on the theme of Christmas. Every year, the public is invited to get lost in a decor of fir trees and snowflakes, to rediscover the magic of the festive season and to enjoy a host of surprises. Markets, concerts, workshops, shows: it's a chance to celebrate the festive season as a community. On December 24, a surprising guest slips into the middle of all the excitement: Santa Claus himself. Needless to say, the children are the first to appreciate it!

The last weekend of November promises to be a festive one for Souvignargues. It is indeed a friendly gathering (with a fanfare and music) of winegrowers who share the same desire to produce natural and organic wines. What is the objective of this weekend? Share in a good mood the passion for viticulture without inputs or pesticides, taste and support each other. Do not hesitate: the meetings are interesting and committed!

Here is an atypical culinary contest that takes place in a joyful, friendly and festive atmosphere. It is the great intergalactic contest of brasucades which highlights the know-how and the emblematic regional products. The famous Muscatel wine in particular is featured, and we enjoy ourselves in a good mood. The participants in the contest start preparing and cooking their brasucades. Then the tastings are open to the public to choose the winner who then takes home the trophy: a giant mussel. We love it!

A festival created to highlight the thousand-year-old link between the city and its vineyard and its famous Muscat de Frontignan. This event brings together professionals and amateurs in a very friendly atmosphere. For one day, the historic city center becomes a large market of typical tastes and flavors of the region. It is the ideal place to discover and taste all the muscats of Frontignan with gourmet workshops, small chefs workshops, exhibitions, games and animations for children.

Traditionally festive, Nogaro organizes numerous events over 4 days during its fête votive: funfair, lively bodega, pétanque and fishing competitions, traditional aperitifs and meals, interville bullfighting games between Nogaro and neighboring Riscle in the arenas, hiking and horse-riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, acrobatic displays, humorous parade and flower parade, garage sale and regional produce fair, Landes races, cow release in the streets, fireworks and disco. An event to remember!

You thought bandas were the preserve of the Landes and Basque regions? The Hautes-Pyrénées have long since adopted the tradition, and now have their own festival! Pierrefitte-Nestalas resounds to the sound of bass drums and brass instruments played by 300 musicians before the eyes of over 8,000 spectators. Passe-rue, bodegas and parades form a joyful and noisy common thread, while everywhere it's time for fun: tug-of-war, grand Paquito, dances and gourmet stalls... A colorful and emotional event that will leave you with wonderful memories!

The association Toulouse à Table organizes culinary events throughout the year, but Le Grand Banquet is the event of the year! On the Place du Capitole, the event is conceived as a place of gustatory discoveries, meetings, sales, information, in a word: sharing. The watchword: to promote local know-how and sublimate regional products. Themed evening events are organized on large tables around cheese, oysters, foie gras, beer... A great festive event!

Since 2002, the Identi'Cat festival has been festively promoted by the Baotenca Aire Nou association in Baho, in the name of the "normality" of the Catalan language and culture in northern Catalonia. Beginning in Pézillà and ending in Baho, the festival celebrates the vigor of the Catalan language and the richness of the culture of the Catalan lands, with an exceptional program free and open to all: theater, concerts, shows, dances, correfocs, Catalan giants, parades... An authentic, committed festival not to be missed!

In the Marcillac valley, Saint-Bourrou is one of the most popular events of the year, and not to be missed! Traditionally, it's all about celebrating Saint Bourrou, the town's patron saint, and blessing the vine buds. For 4 days, a funfair brings the village to life, while a host of events take place in the streets, including free tastings of local wines and products, traditional meals, a winegrowers' parade, enthronements, mass, concerts... A convivial rendez-vous immersed in tradition!

Organized by Les Fermiers de l'Aveyron, the Marchés Gourmands de Saint-Affrique take place on Thursday evenings in the town's public gardens. Over forty local producers and craftsmen are on hand to share their traditional know-how. From 6 p.m. onwards, stop by the producers' stalls to fill your plate with farm produce cooked on the spot. These tasty evenings, punctuated by musical entertainment, will let you discover Aveyron gastronomy in just a few mouthfuls!

What an original party! At the end of October, Les Gens de la Soupe invite you to come and celebrate soups and broths, because "a feast warms the heart, a soup warms the body". The festival features a wide range of events, including collective peeling, soup making and tasting, bowl sales, soup hikes, lectures, film screenings, a farmers' market, soup competitions, "apérisoupe", a traditional dance and concerts... During the weekend, you can even take part in the soup perch: climb a tree (in complete safety!) and enjoy your soup from high up!

Proud of its Occitan culture, Villefranche is a lively, festive city. One of the most important events for Villefranchois takes place at the end of June, on Saint John's Day. Corso fleuri and float parades, bandas in the squares and streets, traditional musical groups from all over Europe, parades of majorettes and folk groups, not forgetting the great funfair... The town dances and marvels during these 3 days of festivities.

In the Jardin des Tilleuls in Lourdes, the town comes alive for several days of festivities. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a festive weekend with a wide range of events, including concerts, recreational afternoons and activities for children, traditional dances... All aimed at a wide audience. In the garden, "casetas" are set up for this warm, intergenerational festival, with food and refreshment stands run by local merchants. It's sure to be a convivial occasion!

The Paroles Gabales association and the FDSEA are organizing the Fête des Pâturages to give everyone a chance to discover the world of agriculture. Throughout the day, you'll be able to discover the animals of the Lozère farms and meet cows, calves, sheep, lambs, goats, horses, donkeys, rabbits... as well as enjoy demonstrations of local know-how (haymaking, sheep shearing, wood sawing, herd dog training...), traditional dances, an artisan farmers' market with beautiful local products and entertainment for children.

This young festival will surprise your taste buds again this year! "Auch : le goût" is a gourmet festival showcasing Gers and Gascony gastronomy. Connoisseurs, amateurs, gourmands and gourmets come together for markets, gastronomic meals, masterclasses, competitions and other events highlighting the work of producers, artisans, winegrowers and food professionals. With its culinary events and tastings, this is a festival of Gascony gastronomy that we highly recommend!

The transhumance is a traditional and convivial event, eagerly awaited by thousands of people every year. It's a celebration of the herds' ascent to the pastures and high plateaus for the summer, when the grass is more tender. If you'd like to make the most of this unique day, join us at 4:30 a.m. for a hike and an old-fashioned breakfast. Then welcome the herdsmen and their flocks to Mont Lozère and take part in the many traditional events!

Les Toques blanches Roussillon-Occitanie, presided over by Jean Plouzenec and Henri Ronde, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. After two years of "dearth" due to Covid, the Palais Gourmand becomes Palais des Chefs. And what a Palais! Forty chefs associated with forty winegrowers, assisted by Olivier Bajard, MOF and world pastry champion, Henri Poch, MOF in bakery, and some starred "pointures" like the Pourcel brothers, to name but a few, highlight, for one evening, their know-how and the products of the Catalan soil for a thousand guests. A once in a lifetime experience.

This festival re-enacts a key tradition in medieval history: "Las Claus de La Paumo" (9th and 13th centuries). At the time, the lord of the village had to take an oath before a monk delegated by the abbey of Lagrasse. The monk then gave him the keys to the village for a year, and in exchange, he promised the protection of the city. A great celebration would then follow... Since 2002, La Palme has revived this tradition! At the end of the ceremony, it's time to celebrate! On the program: bandas, bodegas, street shows and a closing ball.

Puy-l'Évêque has a great program in store for you at its fête votive! Gourmet market with music, jet-ski baptism and Tyrolean traverse of the Lot, rafting, fishing and pétanque competitions, cycling grand prix, children's games, tapas evening, dinner on the banks of the Lot and fireworks, grand ball and concerts... There's plenty of fun and festive entertainment for you to enjoy over 3 days. The Comité des fêtes has something for all tastes and ages!

The Mescladis Festival is the name given to the festivities in Brassac-sur-Agout, in the Tarn region of France. For 4 days, all generations come together, and all kinds of music mix in a friendly, crazy atmosphere. Combined with rock bands, traditional bals variétés or musettes and other bandas and brass bands that set the streets alight during the day, the concerts give the Mescladis Festival a unique flavour. A summer rendezvous not to be missed!

Not far from Lake Pareloup on the Lévézou plateau, the village of Salles-Curan comes alive for the Saint Loup festival! Come and enjoy three days of southern traditions, with festive and convivial events for young and old: quine, aperitif-concert and Aveyron tapas, pétanque competition, garage sale, traditional show, country meal, brasucade with bandas, rodeo with mechanical bull and belly-slides... Come and enjoy this highlight of Aveyron summer with friends and family!