Events calendar Midi-Pyrénées

A cultural attraction not to be missed, the Medieval Siege Camp, on the outskirts of the ramparts of the city of Larressingle, offers a discovery of medieval machines. Welcomed by a guide in costume, come and see the show and participate in the animations of the medieval machines. Children and adults will be able to handle a crane or a squirrel wheel which was used to hoist stones to build the fortified villages, one of the major attractions of the park. Further on, a catapult sends the cannonballs a hundred meters away. It took several months to besiege a castle with this mechanism. Visitors can take part in the shooting and young and old alike are sure to enjoy the archery game. Try on the knight's helmet and tunic, or the princess headdress and dress! The camp also offers a weapons room with sixteen knights: harness, armor, helmet, helmet, chain mail, sword, hast weapon, halberd, lance... You will be able to test your skills: archery and crossbow shooting or see artillery pieces: bombardelle, couleuvrine, serpentine. Every year, the site improves and offers new features.

While most of the exhibits are made in reconstitué marble (the originals at the Saint-Raymond Museum in Toulouse), the interest of the museum's ancient statuary collection remains remarkable. Busts of the christian era are presented on the first floor with the gallery of the gods. Jules Caesar, Auguste, Marc-Aurèle, Septime Harsh et al., the emperors finally peak, above the gods for once, in the second… see also videos on Villa Chiragan and a panorama on Berbers.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 Lavender Festival has been reviving Quercy lavender since 2018, and has enabled the village of Martel and the surrounding area to see new lavender growers set up shop. Breathe in these voluptuous scents through the streets all weekend long! You'll be able to take part in a wide range of workshops on picking, distilling and collective planting of lavender. You can also enjoy a natural market with local producers or a musical aperitif!

For runners, the GRP is a bit like the Grail. Marathon runners from all over the world come here every year and the event is anything but confidential! It must be said that the environment, as splendid as it is harsh, looks incredibly challenging and more than 4,000 of them face it every year. The formula is the right one, but you still have to choose your own: winter version, the cold is there, especially with three departures and three distances to Pla d'Adet in the resort of Saint-Lary-Soulan. An offer that includes the 10, 20 and 30 kilometres with a difference in altitude ranging from 700 to 2,000 metres! In summer, don't think that the deal is easier, it's the mythical meeting with four distances and a challenge in four stages. Tour du Néouvielle of 43 kilometres, tour of the lakes of 82 kilometres, tour of the Cirques of 123 kilometres and the famous Ultra Tour of 167 kilometres, to be done alone or in a trio relay: the Louron valley is a playground open to the experienced! The three-day race is another way to tackle the mountains and the youngest are finally on board with the all-new P'tit Tour open to children. The twelfth edition will still be exceptional, let's not provide it.

Two days of celebration in the alleys and courtyards of Montcuq. Puppets, new circus, poetic clowns, theater of objects or more "classical" theater, readings, tales, concerts, the program is as rich as possible. A children's village takes place from 10 am to 7 pm with a refreshment bar, a varied and quality catering, playful and creative workshops, as well as animations. The shows are scattered throughout the city. The program is spread out over the whole day for real moments of family sharing.

The Transhumance festival brings life to the small village of Seix in June. You too can accompany the herds (sheep, cattle, horses, Mérens) into the mountains on five different itineraries during this traditional rendezvous. Don't miss one of the highlights of the weekend in the heart of the village: the Grand Parade of the herds, with bandas and folk groups. And to round off the day, join in the Shepherds' Meal with live music!

For years, Thursday evenings in summer have been enlivened by the tradition of a large popular banquet in Carla-Bayle. In the heart of the village, the Place de l'Europe comes alive with the pastel colors of its houses and the amazement of onlookers. Enjoy free concerts on this pretty square, large, lively and convivial tables with plates of local produce... and join in the dancing in the middle of the crowd! Book your Thursday summer evenings at Le Carla, a great excuse to party!

The centre for Choreographic Development of Toulouse-Midi-Pyrénées organizes this event featuring contemporary dance performances from France and elsewhere.

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!

Active since 2001, the Toulouse-based association Les Vidéophages is a leading figure in the distribution of short films and image education. A genuine alternative in the audiovisual landscape, its programming is atypical, friendly and associative. Favoring partnerships with local authorities, cultural centers and educational structures, Vidéophages plays an active role in democratizing access to short films. The Faites de l'Image festival, launched in 2002, is emblematic of this desire to take images out of their context and reach out to all audiences.

It is dedicated to traditions, but its reputation has made it a festive custom not to be missed: the Sunday following the 15th of August is every year the rendez-vous of Loudenvielle where agro-pastoralism and local crafts are celebrated. On the banks of the magnificent Genos lake, discover the delicacies of a territory that lacks neither flavour nor character. More than 90 exhibitors reveal the best of a mountain that can be sung, danced and tasted... without counting the cost!

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!