© Festival des Jeux
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© Sarlat tourisme
What's On in Dordogne in 2017
The biggest & best events being held in Dordogne this year
As you can imagine, many of the main events that happen in the Dordogne region are wine and produce related. From the planting and tending of vines to the harvest of grapes, celebrating the newest vintages and the holy grail, the truffle.
But that's not all this beautiful area has to offer. In fact, one of the biggest events of the calendar is the Fete des Jeux du Theatre in Sarlat-la-Caneda. With a rich and diverse programme of events, including shows, lectures and discussions, this three-week theatre festival is one of the best in France. Taking place in July and into August this is one event not to miss!
January
The year starts off with the richness of gastronomy and one product in particular - the truffle. Celebrating the black gold of the region the towns of Saint Emilion, Sorgues and Sarlat host markets where you can try, taste, buy and of course sample some truffle-heavy dishes...mmmmm.
Check out events calendar for more details of days, dates and times.
May
May brings the 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-Buree. Continuing the food theme this month also celebrates the humble strawberry as the medieval town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne hosts the Fête de la Fraise. Traditionally held on Whit Sunday in May the Fête des Fromages Fermiers in Rocamadour showcases the very best of French cheeses, or all shapes, sizes, tastes and smells!
June
Held each year on the third Sunday of June the Fete de Printemps (Jugement du Vin Nouveau) in Saint Emilion is a wonderful festival to be a part of, with processions, wine tastings and many local arts, crafts and produce on display and for sale. It is followed up at the end of the harvest with its sister celebration, the Ban des Vendanges.
July / August
The summer months in the Dordogne are all about sipping rose wine in the medieval towns, hilltop villages, by the banks of the rive and of course, music! From jazz to dance music and hip hop to funk there is something to suit every taste. Amongst the music festivals is Souillac en Jazz, Festival de Saint-Cere and the Festival Bergerac.
Throughout the summer a visit to the town of Castillon-la-Bataille is a must. On various dates in July and August a two-hour re-enactment of the Battle of Castillon takes place, complete with horses, weapons, stunts, special effects ad explosives! Great fun for all the family to enjoy, this is considered to be one of the biggest spectacles in the region.
September
The Autumn Festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The Jurade, the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town, parade through the town in their red robes. A wonderful festival to be a part of, with processions, wine tastings and many local arts, crafts and produce on display and for sale.
December
The year comes to an end in style with the annual Christmas markets. Most towns and villages will host their own, but there are none better than the Sarlat-la-Caneda Christmas market and ice skating rink. Where you can pick up a last minute gift, visit Santa Claus or just drop by for a glass of vin chaud, the Sarlat Christmas market has it all.
Sprinkled throughout the year are of course, balls, gala dinners, music concerts, traditional festivals and some of the biggest and best wine events in the world...we might not get an invite for all of these!
For a full list of events in Bordeaux throughout 2017 then check out our Events Calendar.
