Main Events in Dordogne

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to celebrate, and if you like truffles, you're in for a treat.

La Fête de la Truffe

A celebration of the famous truffle! Hosted each year at the end of January this popular event celebrates the 'black gold' and also the regions famous Foie Gras. Dates and details.

February is the school holidays, and love is in the air in Dordogne. It is the perfect romantic destination, so be sure to book in advance if there's somewhere you'd like to take your loved one this Valentine's.

Valentine's Day

There will be no shortage of places to go to celebrate with your loved one whilst in the land of romance. Be sure to book early if there's that certain spot you would like to go with your special someone.

Marqueyssac

Definitely not short on romance would be a stroll around the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac, where the views of the river Dordogne are magnificent, and the gardens of the lemon coloured castle built on the eve of the French Revolution is brimming with topiary displays. Dates and details.

As the temperatures start to warm up, head to the historic town of Sarlat.

Fest'oie of Sarlat

On the first weekend of March head to the town of Sarlat. You'll be welcomed by marching bands, gourmet food and entertainment as the Périgord goose is celebrated. Dates and details.

Sarlat Market

If you're in the area on a Saturday morning, make sure you take in the famous Sarlat market. Numerous stalls brimming with gigantic cheeses, locally produced saucisson, plump vegetables from local farmers, plus many many more culinary treats including the revered truffle aka 'black diamonds' of the Périgord. Once you're all shopped out, sit outside a bar (or inside if it's too chilly) and watch the world go by over a coffee or chocolat chaud. Dates and details.

Spring is definitely in the air and temperatures start to warm up. Keep an eye on local listings and our events calendar for updates on what's going on.

Médoc Open House (Portes Ouvertes)

Over 50 winemakers of the Médoc region invite you to discover their vineyards, their cellars, their treasures and their castles...and of course their wines. Dates and details.

With the month of May we make time for celebrating the arrival of spring with eating and drinking the fine produce of this region.

Annual snail festival

Has to be seen to be believed! Celebrating the French favourite, the snail... Eat, drink and be merry at this wonderful foodie Annual Snail Festival in Bertric-Burée. Dates and details.

Fête de la Fraise

Held annually on the second Sunday in May the Fête de la Fraise is a wonderful family celebration of food and fun...and of course strawberries, in the Medieval town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. Dates and details.

Fête des Fromages Fermiers

Traditionally held on Whit Sunday in May it showcases the very best of French cheeses, or all shapes, sizes, tastes and smells! Dates and details.

Les Floralies - flower festival

Hosted in the pretty town of Saint-Jean-de-Côle, this is all things floral and a wonderful backdrop for visitors to enjoy as spring turns to summer. Dates and details.

Summer arrives with an array of festivities including the French national day of music.

Classical music

The perfect start to the summer in country's most famous wine region brings music and wine together at the Grandes Heures de Saint Emilion. Hosted on various dates in May, June, July and September, these classical music concerts are held in the beautiful wine estates of Saint-Emilion. Reservation in advance is essential. Dates and details.

Fête de la Musique

​The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJs to traditional folk bands. Dates and details.

Jazz

Ending the month with some music the Montauban en Scenes festival (formerly Jazz à Montauban) will bring you live jazz in the beautiful of the Jardin des Plantes. With an impressive 30-year history this event has adapted to the times, trying to accompany the changes in the jazz music scene. Dates and details.

As the temperatures go up so do the number of events and you'll find the area is buzzing with musical events and a rather famous road bike race.

Souillac en Jazz

An international jazz festival held in the town of Souillac each July. Showcasing both local and international talent in a series of concerts and street performances. Dates and details.

Africajarc

Festival celebrating African music and culture, hosted in the delightful town of Cajarc, on the banks of the Lot river, on the last weekend of July. Dates and details.

Festival du Périgord Noir

Classical music festival in the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne. Dates and details.

Festival des Jeux du Théâtre

Hosted in Sarlat the program is rich and diverse, including shows, lectures and discussions, and is considered one of the best in France. Dates and details.

Brive Festival

A great summer festival giving you live music, dancing and beach sports. Dates and details.

Bastille Day

Celebrated across the whole of France with a bang on 14 July. Well, several bangs in fact, as fireworks always feature heavily. Dates and details.

Saint-Emilion Jazz Festival

If you're going to be in Saint Emilion then it's worth making sure you're here for this. Not only is the town a beautiful setting but you will be entertained by some of the best jazz musicians around. Dates and details.

Always a busy month, so keep your eye on local listings and our events calendar for updates on what's going on.

La Bataille de Castillon

One of the Aquitaine's largest and most popular events. Dates and details.

Festival de Saint-Céré

A marvellous opera, dance and classical music fiesta hosted in the town of Saint-Céré and in the small surrounding villages. Dates and details.

Eté Musical en Bergerac - Festival Bergerac

In and around the Perigord region and Bergerac, a festival celebrating live music and traditional dance in historical sites and monuments. Dates and details.

As the summer crowds dissipate, don't worry there's still plenty going on.

Grandes Heures de Saint Emilion

The country's most famous wine region brings music and wine together on various dates in May, June, July and September. These classical music concerts are held in the beautiful wine estates of Saint-Emilion. Reservation in advance is essential. Dates and details.

Balloons

The end of September blows in with the hot air balloons of Rocamadour - the Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres brings a gathering of European hot air balloons who offer a stunning sight against the backdrop of this pilgrimage town. Dates and details.

European Heritage Days

Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visitors on the 'Journées du Patrimoine', a European-wide event. The European Heritage Days (EHD) are an annual event in which members of the public are encouraged to immerse themselves in local history and culture. Museums, churches, and galleries all open their doors to the public for a weekend in September. Dates and details.

The summer months may seem a distant memory, but during the Toussaint holidays that usually fall towards the end of the month there's always plenty going on. Take a look at the events calendar for more ideas of what's on and where.

A very quiet month for events as we enter the autumnal and winter months.

Salon International du Livre Gourmand

Celebrating food and books! This fair takes places every two years (on odd years...2015, 2017, etc) in the city of Périgueux and combines a literary love with the gastronomic side of life. Dates and details.

A time of year for festive celebrations.

Noël​ (Christmas)

In France, the biggest celebration of the festive holidays takes place on Christmas Eve, which is when families gather together and share a banquet that usually includes oysters, foie gras, caviar and turkey or goose.

Reveillon du Nouvel An (New Year's Eve)

Celebrated all over with plenty of spectacular firework displays, for New Year's Eve some villages also have live music and dancing. Most of the bars and restaurants will host special parties and serve gourmet menus to commemorate the start of the new year.