The best parties Berry

A not-to-be-missed event in the tourist season. At the end of July, the three towns bordering the lake - Cuzion, Eguzon and Saint-Plantaire - organize the Three Beaches Challenge at Bonnu, Chambon and Fougères. It's also the occasion for a parade of Club Nautique boats, entertainment, demonstrations and free introductions to water-skiing. A concert, fireworks on the water and a free dance round off the day's activities, which are always well attended around Lac d'Eguzon, the largest lake in the Centre region. Numerous water sports activities keep the lake lively.

Now in its ^59th year, the Fête des Chieuves, as it's known in Berry, is held in Couy, attracting just over a thousand people every year. The program includes a giant barbecue and a country ball on Saturday evening. On Sunday, don't miss the traditional goat races, with budding jockeys and folk groups. Free play areas for young and old are open all day, culminating in a country-style meal and evening show.

At the beginning of August, Garigny hosts the donkey festival in the courtyard of the Château de Doys. To the delight of visitors, this country festival features donkey races, ridden by both experienced and novice "jockeys", which can give rise to some quite comical spectacles... After Saint Hubert's mass, there's a wide range of entertainment, with music and dance on the program every year, and game stalls to entertain young and old. Be sure to stop by if you're in the area.

Every year in mid-September, since 1994, Vartan has been hosting a two-day event on the theme of the green Berry lentil, an iconic product of the Centre-Val de Loire region. On the programme: farmer's market, tasting of local dishes, cooking competitions, traditional dance demonstrations and workshops for children. Saturday evening closes with a dance party, and on Sunday there's a concert! A joyful way to immerse yourself in the customs of Berry.