Major events in summer
Steam Tourist Train in the Limousin (June, July and August)
“Next station, Limoges”… It’s a special journey that the Limousin-Périgord Tourist railway Association has on offer. They’ll take you on a trip to the Millevaches Plateau or to the Périgord on a 1930s train pulled by a steam locomotive.
So let yourself be whisked off to enjoy the views this jaunt will reveal to you.
For more information: www.trainvapeur.com
Festival National de Bellac (1st fortnight in July)
Bellac
The festival is a tasty mix of big-name authors (Molière, Shakespeare…) and modern talents, different theatrical genre (classic, puppets, thriller theatre…) and music (traditional, rock…). A programme during which you’ll certainly find what you like.
For more information: www.theatre-du-cloitre.fr
Les Bandafolie’s (1st fortnight in July)
Bessines-sur-Gartempe
This is where you go if you want to find the ambiance of the South-West. Numerous French and international bandas gather here to share with the public their love of fiestas, music and conviviality.
For more information: www.bandafolies.com
Cieux Musical Nights (2nd fortnight in July)
Bellac, Cieux and Villefavard
This festival spotlights the guitar during concerts or summer courses, but also during an exhibition. Different styles are on show from classic to flamenco in order to satisfy the tastes of all music lovers.
For more information: www.nuitsmusicalesdecieux.com
Estivol (end of July)
Blond
Every year strange flying engines fill the sky over the municipality of Blond in a demonstration of high flying. Kites, hot air balloons, planes, ULM, miniature models… many identifiable flying objects that you can admire during numerous demonstrations. For more information: www.estivol.org
Foire du Trône in the Limousin (end of July)
Oradour-sur-Vayres
Why go all the way to Paris to enjoy yourself when only a few kilometres from Limoges, the municipality of Oradour-sur-Vayres welcomes the Foire du Trône (Fair of the Throne).
Four days of rides, churros and other pyro-musical shows.
for more Information: www.ot-feuillardiers-perigordlimousin.com
The International Pastel Festival (July-August)
Feytiat
One of the largest gatherings of pastel artists takes place at Feytiat close to Limoges. Exhibitions and courses are on offer during the summer for amateurs and the more experienced. Also discover the work of the year’s guest of honour.
For more information: www.festivaldupastel.com
Mediaeval Lastours (July-August)
Rilhac-Lastours
Armoured knights and troubadours welcome you to Lastours Castle during a mediaeval camp (games, learn how to employ mediaeval arms, illumination of the ruins…) or during nocturnal visits. Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. Total escapism guaranteed for the whole family!
For more information: www.chateau-de-lastours.fr
Haut Limousin Festival (July-August)
Arnac-la-poste, Bellac, Blond, Châteauponsac, Compreignac, Le Dorat, Mortemart, Razès, Saint-Junien-les-Combes, Villefavard
This atypical festival mixes discovery of music and heritage. Different musical styles (classic, jazz, world music) enhance the special places where the concerts are held (the grain hall in Dorat, Villefavard Farm, Sannat Château at Saint-Junien-les-Combes…). An original festival to please your ears and your eyes.
For more information: www.festivalduhautlimousin.com
1001 Notes Festival (July-August)
Limoges, Vicq-sur-Breuilh, Saint-Léonard de Noblat, Solignac and Saint-Priest-Taurion.
If you love classical music, you'll be spoilt. This festival offers an informed public a complete and attractive programme. Find numerous artists who have made this festival famous like Jean-François ZYGEL…
For more information: www.festival1001notes.com
Contemporary art encounters at Saint-Auvent Château (July-August)
For contemporary art enthusiasts, the annual contemporary art encounters at Saint-Auvent Château highlights a country or an artist through strong and symbolic works. The atypical exhibition space takes us out of traditional museums. Worth a visit!
For more information: www.chateaudesaintauvent.com
Saint Yrieix Music Festival (July-August)
Coussac-Bonneval, Flavignac and Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche
The Saint Yrieix Music Festival will enchant those who love classical music and heritage. Every year the Festival invades Moustier Abbey Church and Coussac-Bonneval château to make every one of its concerts a very special moment through a programme of internationally famous artists. A real treat for your ears.
For more information: www.festivaldesaintyrieix.com
La Route du Sirque Festival (August)
Nexon
It's circus like no other that is found at Nexon. During its annual festival don’t bother looking for lions and other traditional clowns as you won't find them. However, emotions, laughter and poetry take their place.
For more information: www.sirquenexon.com
Labyrinth of the Voice (first fortnight in August)
Rochechouart, Saint-Junien and Vayres
This festival, as its name suggests, puts great emphasis on the voice through numerous concerts that take place over a fortnight. Other pleasurable activities are also on offer such as walks, guided visits, strolls under the stars…
For more information: www.labyrinthedelavoix.fr
Horse racing (August)
Le Dorat
Every year for the weekend of 15 August, Dorat racecourse organises a national horserace with numerous participants that compete during trot, flat and jump races. Other horse meets take place during the summer months.
For more information: www.hippodromedorat.com
Mont-Gargan Festival (mid August)
Saint-Gilles-les-Forêts
Every year, this festival illuminates one of the loveliest historical sites of the Haute-Vienne. Numerous activities take place such as folk group shows, a local producers’ market, a gala evening… Don't forget to appreciate the view once on the summit.
For more information: www.cc-briance-combade.com
Tour du Limousin (2nd fortnight in August)
Fan of the ‘petite reine’ and frustrated that the Tour de France only last two months? We have the answer. The four-day Tour du Limousin will take you along the region's winding roads. So why not come and encourage cyclists during one of the stages?
For more information: www.tourdulimousin.com
Storytellers’ Words Festival (last week in August)
Vassivière
Once upon a time on Vassivière Island… an inter-cultural storytelling festival suggests you take a storytelling siesta, strut your stuff on an open air stage under the Storytelling Tree, participate in an evening of tales… A festival that is destined for children and adults alike and wakes up your imagination.
For more information: www.paroles-conteurs.org
Celebrating Brass (August)
Limoges and Saint-Junien
An original festival based on brass and percussion instruments that has for several years welcomed numerous talented artists that make the Haute-Vienne vibrate. Come and discover their universe and share with them their passion.
For more information: www.cuivresenfete.com
Take a hike in the Haute-Vienne (1st Sunday in September)
Saint-Pardoux Lake
“A kilometre on foot, wears out your shoes!” (Children's nursery rhyme) But for Randonnez-vous in the Haute-Vienne, 1 kilometre’s not enough. Instead do 7, 11, 18 or 32 depending on your motivation. Circuits can be followed together with family or friends and finish with a friendly drink. A real moment of conviviality!
For more information: www.haute-vienne.fr
For more information on Saint-Pardoux Lake
The Limousin Ostentions listed as Intangible Heritage by UNESCO
The département of the Haute-Vienne
The Limousin Ostentions are a popular religious tradition deeply anchored in the history of the Limousin going back to the end of the 10th century. They take place in Limoges and in more than 15 surrounding municipalities mainly in the Haute-Vienne, but also in the Creuse, the Charente and the Vienne. They take place every seven years, the last being in 2016.
See you in 2023.
For more information on the Haute-Vienne Ostensions