Dordogne, a beautiful region in southwestern France, offers a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to savor truffles and fresh strawberries. Music lovers can enjoy a wide variety of festivals, while anyone seeking a celebratory atmosphere will find a festival to explore.
Springtime Delights
Spring awakens Dordogne’s senses with a delightful explosion of flavors and festivities.
- January: Indulge in the captivating world of truffles at the Sarlat Truffle Festival (around January 15th-21st in 2024) and La Fete de la Truffle (last Sunday of January) in Sorges. Enjoy yourself in the hunt, learn about truffle cultivation, and savor exquisite truffle-infused dishes.
- Early March: Delight in a celebration of all things goose at the Fest de L’Oie in Sarlat-le-Caneda, held over two days at the beginning of March. Sample traditional goose dishes, witness cooking demonstrations, and enjoy live entertainment.
- Late April: Revel in the grandeur of Dordogne’s history during Chateaux en Fete, held over the last two weeks of April (typically from April 20th to May 5th in 2024). Over 70 stunning chateaux open their doors for exploration, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
- May: Don’t miss the Fete de la Fraise (second Sunday of May) in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, famous for its giant strawberry tart, and the Fetes des Fraises et des Fleurs (3rd weekend of May) in Vergt, Dordogne’s self-proclaimed strawberry capital. Immerse yourself in contrasting experiences: Melodies and Blooms: Jazz Pourpre en Perigord brings the magic of jazz music to Bergerac for three days in mid-May (dates vary by year), while nature enthusiasts can revel in the beauty of flowers at Les Floralies, a huge floral festival held on the second weekend of May.
Summertime Celebrations
As the sun warms Dordogne, the festivals take center stage, offering a vibrant mix of music, culture, and outdoor adventures.
- June: Explore the beauty and diversity of French gardens at the national Rendez-vous au Jardins event, held on the first weekend of June (June 1st-3rd in 2024). Celebrate music from around the world with free events during the World Music Festival on June 21st.
- July: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region at Filibree, a 3-day festival held in a different Dordogne town each year (specific location for 2024 to be confirmed closer to the date). Music lovers can choose between the prestigious Cognac Blues Festival in Cognac (Charente) for several days in mid-July and the quirky Fete d’escargot (Snail Festival) held on a weekend in July in a small Dordogne town (location varies).
- August: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ete Musical en Bergerac, an open-air music festival bringing diverse musical performances to Bergerac’s squares and terraces throughout July and August. For a more intimate experience, head to the Vesere Festival held in various locations throughout the Dordogne Valley in late July and August.
Autumn Harvest Festivals
- September: Travel back in time at Vintage Days in Perigueux on the third weekend of September (typically around September 14th-15th in 2024). Explore France’s rich history during National Heritage Days, also held on the third weekend of September. Witness a breathtaking spectacle at the Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Rocamadour (Lot) on the last weekend of September.
- October: Savor the delicious taste of autumn at the Fetes de la Chataigne festival held on the last Sunday of October in various towns throughout Haute-Vienne. Enjoy yourself in the creativity of the region at Rue des Metiers d’Art (Street of Arts and Crafts) held over a weekend in early October in a different Dordogne village each year.
Winter Festivities
The festive spirit takes center stage in Dordogne during winter, with charming Christmas markets and quirky local traditions offering a heartwarming way to experience the season.
- November: Celebrate the arrival of fall with apples at the Fete de la Pomme fair held on the last Sunday of November in various towns throughout Haute-Vienne. Bibliophiles and foodies can enjoy a delightful combination at the Gourmet Book Festival held in Perigueux over three days in late November. Witness a quirky tradition at the Varaignes Turkey Festival held on a weekend in late November. Don’t miss the arrival of the new Beaujolais wine on the third Thursday of November, a celebration throughout France.
- December: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Christmas markets held in various towns throughout Dordogne. Perigueux and Limoges are popular locations boasting charming markets overflowing with local crafts, delicious treats, and heartwarming decorations. Witness a unique tradition at the Foire au Chapons (Capon Fair) held on the fourth Thursday of November in Bellac (Haute-Vienne), where plump capons, a regional specialty, are the stars of the show.
Find out More:
- Perigueux Tourism Website: Christmas Market
- Dordogne Tourism Website: www.perigord.com
Planning Your Dordogne Festival Adventure
With a festival happening nearly every month, Dordogne offers endless opportunities to experience the region’s vibrant culture and traditions. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable festival experience:
- Book your accommodation well in advance: Popular festivals, particularly those in spring and summer, can attract large crowds. Booking your accommodation early secures a comfortable place to stay and minimizes stress during your trip.
- Consider purchasing a Dordogne Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple chateaux and attractions throughout your Dordogne adventure, a Dordogne Pass can be a cost-effective option. It offers discounted entry to many places, including some chateaux participating in Chateaux en Fete. Consider purchasing a Dordogne Pass with transportation add-ons if you’ll be relying on public transport to get between festival locations (more information available on the Dordogne Pass website.
Conclusion
Dordogne’s diverse calendar of festivals offers a delightful reason to visit throughout the year. Whether you crave the indulgence of truffles, the charm of a historical reenactment, or the lively atmosphere of a music festival, Dordogne has something special in store for every visitor. So, pack your bags, choose your festivals, and join the unforgettable journey through this captivating region!
