Events calendar Poitou-Charentes

Like champagne bubbles in crystal glass, colorful balloons slide into the Ciel sky. It is the rendezvous of dozens of balloons coming to compete for four days for the European Cup, which is only taking place in odd years. 2009 is the 16 th edition and the 20 th World Women's Cup.

Having fallen in love with the island of Oléron, Géraldine and Denys decided to settle there before opening their art gallery, naming it after Pierre Loti's first novel. The two enthusiasts have brought together objects from French manufacturers in this traditional Oleron house. It's a great opportunity to stroll through this place dedicated to Art and everyday objects (tableware, accessories, lighting and textiles) chosen for their quality and aesthetic appeal. This unique visit is also an opportunity to exchange ideas and discover temporary exhibitions.

In July, the Corderie Royale in Rochefort turns into a festive and friendly dancefloor under the palm trees for an unforgettable weekend. For two days, Stereoparc plunges you into an imaginary universe dedicated to electronic music. An electro festival under the palm trees, to live with your teenagers! This festival can boast of having welcomed world-renowned artists such as Benni Bennassi, David Guetta or DJ Snake. Many animations are planned during the festival like (Ventrigliss, Bubblefoot).

Better known by its acronym, the RIFE, puts the children of the world in the spotlight every summer, inviting numerous groups of young dancers, acrobats and musicians. Direction cultures, arts and popular traditions from here (regional ensembles) and elsewhere (Mexico, Ukraine, etc.). As a family, you will admire the presence of these budding artists, as well as their colourful costumes. An event that will undoubtedly arouse vocations... Refreshment bar, concerts.

An institution in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, this ecofriendly festival is dedicated to primitive peoples, contemporary and traditional world music: didgeridoo, beatbox, diphonic singing and more. This family-friendly festival is appreciated for its wide range of activities, including workshops, a baby teepee, a relaxation center, a dream market, conferences and a doggy center (with advice on dog training!). A committed event, it stands out for its handicap and no-alcohol approach. Catering, free camping.

A major artistic event, this painting and drawing festival was created in 1989 and has since brought together some 300 international artists. It's a prestigious competition (sponsored by Salon Violet and the magazine Univers des Arts), the first of its kind in France, for works created on the spot, with an ambient motif: the Marais Poitevin, Magné and its surrounding area. The works are exhibited on Sunday from 3pm, and submitted to the jury for judging.

In the former pottery kiln of Magné, a modest local workshop created in the early ^19th century and closed in 1980. The pottery, now converted into an art gallery, hosts a number of exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, among other local curiosities. A number of creative workshops are also on offer. 5,000 visitors pass through every year, from April to the end of October.

The first Monday of each month is the rendezvous of Lencloître and its surroundings: the fair. Halfway between Poitou and Touraine and close to the main roads, thanks to its priory and the fertile agricultural land of the Envigne valley, the town obtained the right to hold a fair from 1612. In the 14th century, the fair became a monthly event. Today, there is everything on the square: poultry, haberdashery, delicatessen, fruits and vegetables, clothes, shoes, cakes, plants... And at noon: calf's head with gribiche sauce or grilled eels!

The ritual has not changed since the Middle Ages. The cattle fair that made the town's reputation has become a not-to-be-missed event. Today, calves, cows, pigs and other animals have disappeared, but the Gençay fair attracts more than just its name. On Place du champ de foire, you'll find everything from clothes and poultry to tools and crafts... In and around Les Halles, it's all about the food. Mmmh, good produce, vegetables and local dishes. In any case, if there's one thing that's stayed with us, it's the great atmosphere!

The storyteller Yannick Jaulin has not only initiated a festival here in Pougne-Hérisson, he has created a mythology. According to this mythology, the small village in the Deux-Sévres is the epicenter of the explosion of the Word. Since this big bang, the stories would have spread all over the planet. And would return every two years to their source, during the festival of the Navel of the World. This Genesis has of course given rise to other extravagances in history. This festival has no equivalent in France, you have to go there to believe it!

The ultimate family event, organized by the Montgolfières en Thouarsais association. The show takes to the skies, with some forty balloons and mini hot-air balloons taking to the skies (with the possibility of flying a cuddly toy), aeromodelling shows, fireworks and the marvellous Night Glow parade. You can also try your hand at cloudhopper ballooning. On land, you can browse the garage sale, eat and even go hiking (booking required, 3 euros). Children's games and entertainment.

All theaters, from here and elsewhere, everywhere and for everyone. That's the raison d'être of the Ah association, ardent cultural pillar and programmer of this festival dedicated to the performing arts. Every year, Parthenay's town center is besieged by artists, showmen, circus performers and other acrobats of all stripes working on stage (shows for adults and young audiences). Count on around fifty performances in town and in the countryside. Founded in 2022, Ah? programs year-round at various venues in the surrounding area.

This is the not-to-be-missed event of September: a whole day in the gardens of the Royal Abbey devoted to vegetable plants, simple plants, forgotten species or rare flowers. At around forty stands and professionals, you can buy, barter, exchange seeds, plans and decorative shrubs. The meeting generally puts the bees in the spotlight, around interventions of beekeepers, animations discovery of their know-how and products of the hive. Shows usually punctuate this fun day in the open air.

The surroundings of the Poitevin Marsh are ideal for boat walks, cycling and hiking. We know that and we appreciate it. What we know a little less is that over the last five years, the maraîchins paths have been welcoming long-distance runners once a year. The Maraisthon association is organising an eco-marathon. In other words, a 42,195 km race organized in a sustainable development approach around the beautiful village of Coulon. Signalétique, bags, gobelets and other banners are designed in natural, recyclable and biodegradable materials. Assistance to runners during the test - the tests since a 10 km is also proposed - is also provided by electric vehicles. The customers, snacks and lots provided to the participants are organic. And of course, the selective sorting and cleaning of the course. In short, if you want to take part in a 100% nature-respectful test, it is at the Maraisthon that you need to go.

The Ménigoute International Ornithological Film Festival is one of the world's leading wildlife film events. It is organized every year by the Mainate association in Ménigoute, in the Deux-Sèvres region of France. The festival features a selection of wildlife documentaries, most of which are exclusive to France. A jury of film and environmental professionals awards prizes to the best films. For six days, the festival also offers activities for all ages, including film screenings, a wildlife art fair, debates, nature outings and workshops. The Festival de Ménigoute aims to promote wildlife documentary films as a means of raising awareness of nature and sustainable development, as well as encouraging a better understanding of nature and respect for the environment. The festival has become a not-to-be-missed event for filmmakers and producers from all over the world, attracting some 40,000 visitors over five days during the All Saints' vacation.