The best parties Midi-Toulousain

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!

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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

L'Isle-Jourdain gets festive in July! Organized by the Comité des Fêtes, the festivities are as varied as they are festive: funfair, merry-go-rounds, numerous food stalls and refreshment stands in local colors, pétanque and fishing competitions, traditional dances with live bands on the Esplanade des Pyrénées square... You can also enjoy the fireworks display at the Grand Lac to round off the festivities! All in all, it's a great way to enjoy the festival with family and friends.

A firm favorite with Castrais residents, the Saint-Jean festival is built around the traditional bell-ringing of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Platé carillon, traditional instruments and music, and Occitan dances and songs. The farmers' market will be accompanied by music from the craba, the large bagpipes of the Montagne Noire, and the graile, the oboe of the Monts de Lacaune and Sidobre. Join in the great Occitan ball, with its farandoles and branles, interrupted at nightfall by the traditional bonfire around which the crowd dances to the sound of the Bufarèls!

Auvillar celebrates its patron saint on Trinity Sunday. The town comes alive, and winegrowers gather with musicians and folk groups. After the planting of the Mai, a gourmet meal awaits you at the Halle, followed by the procession of the Arbudets with music, and a grand ball. The next day, you'll wake up to the sound of cannon fire, as village children sell flowers and older children enjoy the farmers' market. The festivities continue with mass, bandas, processions, traditional dances and a convivial meal.

Major Major de Vila (parish of Encamp).

For two days, Usson, "Most Beautiful Village in France", revives its medieval past. Join us on the esplanade of the ancient ramparts to discover a medieval market (with local exhibitors), troubadour shows, artisan demonstrations, a mini-farm and musical wanderings. Another highlight is the archery tournament, during which archers shoot with medieval spikes! Feeling hungry? Head for the tavern! To immerse yourself in the atmosphere, you can even come in costume! A real trip back in time!

As part of the "Mardis de l'Été" (Summer Tuesdays), Floc de Gascogne, the South-West's must-have aperitif, is the star of a day of cocktail events (initiation and tasting) to discover the drink. Later in the day, enjoy a guided tour of the Cathedral and a free organ concert by Les Vespérales. Finally, in the evening, the traditional gourmet market featuring local producers awaits you! Fill your plate with gourmet products and enjoy a tasting of local wines and Armagnac, to the sound of the bandas!

Originally a religious festival in praise of Carmaux's patron saint, La Saint Privat has been a key summer event in Carmaux for over 100 years. Popular and open to all, numerous events are organized for the enjoyment of Carmausines, Carmausins and visitors alike: Bodéga, cavalcade and nocturne, pétanque competition, fireworks display, concerts and rides, garage sales, cycle race... Join us for 4 days in August to celebrate in the Tarn style, with family and friends!

A festive and convivial program awaits you at the Lisle-sur-Tarn festivities at the end of July! The town's streets will be alive with entertainment for young and old alike: funfair, country meals, traditional dances and concerts, fishing and pétanque competitions, children's games... A summer rendezvous not to be missed, culminating in a grand pyrotechnic show fired from the banks over Lac Bellevue. Remarkable!

From 16 to 22 July 2009: The department's artistic and culinary riches are honoured by this event.

At the end of July, the "Fête des Charcutiers-Salaisonniers" brings Lacaune to life! Numerous events punctuate the day, starting in the morning with the cooking of the famous hams on the spit, before the traditional cutting of the pig (also called "Masèl") and the parade of brotherhoods from all over France. We celebrate Saint Anthony, patron saint of pork butchers, we visit the House of pork butchery and specialized local companies including Oberti, participate in the fair of local products and pork butchery ... A very greedy discovery.

Each season, pilgrims are invited to meditate on a particular theme. The season will also be punctuated by the French National Pilgrimage around August 15, as well as those of the Order of Malta and the Rosary, and by national gatherings of the faithful from all over the world. To find out more, consult the calendar and program published each year, and don't forget the torchlight procession that takes place every evening throughout the period.

For all you gourmands out there, get ready to lick your lips! The Pyrenean Cheese and Honey Festival takes place in August, with a host of events organized around these local products to delight young and old alike. A festive evening with bandas and traditional groups, a market selling cheese, honey and local and artisanal Pyrenean products, a workshop for making farmhouse cheese and wooden objects, tastings... A delicious rendezvous!

COCU? The Organizing Committee of the Unified Carnival! It is this colourful association that organises the Toulouse Carnival. On the initiative of several student and cultural associations, the arrival of spring is celebrated as it should be. It all starts with a descent of the Avenue de la Colonne in a soapbox. Music, refreshments and workshops, the atmosphere is guaranteed. Then there is a treasure hunt followed by a neighbourhood party on Place de l'Extrapade, which lasts several days, with small gifts from the shopkeepers! Finally comes the parade, which starts with the handing over of the keys of the city by the Mayor and ends with music after, of course, the cremation of Mr. Carnaval.

If you like the family and joyful atmosphere of the fair, enjoy a traditional Toulouse meeting in May: the Capitouls festival. It is particularly well suited for outings with young children. Historically established as a Compans-Caffarelli district, it moved to its new quarters in 2018, near the Grand Rond. Despite its small size, all the attractions expected from such a celebration are there: colourful rides and angling for the youngest, bumper cars for the tumultuous teenagers, cotton candy, love apples and other sweets for the gourmands. A pretty little party that tastes nostalgic.

Purely Toulousian, the origins of the festival date back to Gallo-Roman times! Initially a festival dedicated to the dead, the fénétra, also spelled férétra, underwent several evolutions in both practice and symbolism, before becoming what it is today: a popular festival celebrating traditions. It begins with a parade, known as the passo carriero, to the Capitol, and continues for several days with song and dance performances. The costumes are superb and the atmosphere festive. A beautiful moment of jubilation and sharing.

Toulouse, the French whiskey capital? That's the idea launched by the Hopscoth Pub & Brewerly, a pub that your fox would warmly recommend. In September 2020, it will therefore organize the third edition of the Toulouse Whisky Festival. A few figures to give you an idea of the scale of the event: 900 ^{m2 of} exhibition space, 70 producers and nearly 300 references on offer for tasting! Shop, masterclasses, catering, entertainment and, of course, a bar serving homemade Hopscoth beer await you to share the best of Scottish tradition. Please note that booking is essential and it is wise to make your reservation as soon as possible.

It's in mid-August, when it's perfectly gorged with sunshine, that the Lectoure melon is celebrated! A local product par excellence, this gourmet jewel deserves a tribute from the town. On the program: melon tasting during the market and election of the best producer. In the evening, the confrérie opens the festivities, and the bandas liven up the aperitif. On the menu: melon, of course, but also delicious Gascon specialities. A DJ enlivens the evening, which attracts a large number of summer visitors and Gersois faithful to this summer rendezvous.

The Feria d'Eauze maintains the tradition of bullfighting and Landes racing in an atmosphere enlivened by bandas and bodegas. Held every year on the first weekend in July, it's a not-to-be-missed event for festival-goers. Oyster sales, street food and concerts, a funfair, concerts, competitions and balls, and novilladas raise the festive tension, culminating on Sunday with the bullfight in the Nimeno II arena.

It's the pig's party! One Sunday in mid-August, Trie-sur-Baïse becomes 100% pig. To laugh and keep the memories of the centuries during which the village housed the largest market in French piglets. A highlight of the day, the French championship of imitation of the cry of the pig. There's also the race of piglets and the sweater contest. All gourmets can compete. All day early in the morning with the BBQ breakfast, follow animations, games and gourmet meals. Certainly one of the most beautiful festivals of the Hautes-Pyrénées.

In Albi, we don't skimp on the national holiday! The celebrations start around 6pm with the review of the troops by the Prefect, the rise of the colours and the military parade. Then follow a musical show, a torchlight retreat and a brass band. The highlight of these festivities was the fireworks display, renowned throughout the region. It is unveiled above the Berbie Palace, thirty minutes of wonder, sparkling rockets, multicoloured explosions, a show not to be missed!

Smart advice: to attend the show in good conditions, we advise you to settle down on the square near the Madeleine church, on the Old Bridge, the New Bridge or even near the Chemin de Gardès. Be careful, it is better to arrive before the kick-off, because the tickets are expensive!

This festival celebrated its 60th edition in 2019. It is one of the biggest regional folklore events. Every year it brings together around 400 artists from the five continents! All come to share their love of folk arts and traditions, in a spirit of brotherhood and equality. The main venue for the festivities is the leisure centre. A village set up for the occasion welcomes you throughout the day, where it is possible to refresh and eat. Every year, the programme mixes music and dance from places as diverse as Armenia and Brazil! A superb party.

In the mountains of the Hautes-Pyrénées, not far from Saint-Lary-Soulan, Saint-Michel's Day is celebrated in Guchan, with a day of festive and convivial events at the Espace Pastoral: bodéga, market of local craftsmen and producers, apple juice and spit-roasted cake, garage sale, free events for children, sheep competition, vintage car rally, meals, dances... The day traditionally ends with a beautiful concert under the big top, as in 2023 with the presence of Collectif Métissé!

Top athletes, accomplished artists, novillada and fireworks: We had a city to catch such as Maubourguet to gather the sketches of the sketch and the crows! It is one of the nicest festivals in the summer, organized on the theme of art encounter with sport. For three days, the representatives of these two worlds share and combine their passions. Exhibitions, workshops, sports meetings: from the ground to the trekking, shirts and brushes blend into a color festival. Street shows animate the city and in the arenas Dutch races delight aficionados. The ball invites all generations on the track. The highlight of these festivals is undoubtedly the «Night of Gazes» during which artists settle on the Larbanès alleys, to perform a work in public. The atmosphere alone justifies the detour: Orchestra, meals, animations, bandas… The works will be auctioned on the last day of the festivities. On Saturday, at midnight, young people dress up for an anthology parade that shows that here the party is an art… living!