Major events in autumn
Legend’Air (early September)
Saint-Junien
It's an aerial "garden party” that takes place at Saint-Junien airfield. Numerous flying demonstrations occur during the two-day festival for the pleasure of adults and children alike. After this, you'll want to try out looping and aerobatics!
For more information: www.legendairenlimousin.blogspot.fr
Perinqueta (September)
Saint-Auvent
Occitan culture is still present in the Haute-Vienne and notably in the small municipality of Saint-Auvent. Every year, the Maison de País organises the Perinqueta or traditional games of the Limousin, Regions and Lands Festival. Come and try out these childhood games and the Occitan language.
For more information: www.tourisme-valleedelagorre.com
Toques and porcelain (September)
Limoges
This event marries gastronomy and the table arts in bringing together chefs and porcelain makers. What a way to promote two emblems of Limousin: good food on good dishes. Come and taste local products and watch demonstrations by great chefs. Fire up your taste buds… ready… steady… taste
See you in 2017.
For more information: www.limoges-tourisme.com
Francophonies in the Limousin Festival (late September early October).
Limoges and throughout the Limousin
A festival for those passionate about the French language. An eclectic and varied programme, open to everyone, mixing theatre, dance, readings, debates and exhibitions is organised for adults as well as shows suitable for youngsters. A great rendezvous allowing a cultural exchange and to ask questions about the place of the French speaker in the world.
For more information: www.lesfrancophonies.fr
International Caricature, Press Illustration and Humour Fair (late September – early October)
Saint-Just-le-Martel
The world of caricatures and humorous drawings can be found every year at Saint-Just-le-Martel for an offbeat fair full of humour. French or international cartoonists share their vision of the world under their scathing or gentle quills. Winners of the humour vache (caustic humour) competition won an unusual prize… a Limousin cow!
For more information: http://st-just-humour.fr/
The Frairie des Petits Ventres (3rd Friday in October)
Limoges
Gastronomic friends, if there’s an event not to be missed during the year, then the Frairie des Petits Ventres is it. Limoges butchers and tripe butchers set up their stands to delight your taste buds. Stock up on chestnut blood sausages, girots, potato pie, cakes, clafoutis and other tarts. It's also an opportunity to discover one of the prettiest streets in Limoges: rue de la Boucherie.
For more information: www.limoges-tourisme.com
Chestnut Days (last weekend in October)
Dournazac
It's the king of fruits in the Haute-Vienne that is found in large quantities in the chestnut groves south of the département. So it deserves a festival! For three days, tastings, competitions with prizes, exhibitions, prize-winning deserts, concerts… follow one after the other for the pleasure of gourmets.
For more information: www.tourismemontsdechalus.fr
The Quintaine Race (2nd Sunday after 6 November)
Saint-Léonard de Noblat
To learn about the habits and customs of the Haute-Vienne, take part in this traditional festival that celebrates Saint Léonard, patron saint of prisoners. The quintaine is a small wooden prison that is paraded in a procession along streets of the town then destroyed by knights helped by the masses. The scattered pieces are picked up by the participants as they are said to bring good luck.
For more information: www.tourisme-noblat.fr
Candlelit Christmas concert (mid December)
Solignac
Since 1984, the candlelit concert in Solignac has become an end-of-the-year unmissable event. In addition to the well-known artists, the magical setting of the Abbey Church lit by thousands of candles will enchant you.
An event to help you get in the Christmas mood.
For more information: http://renaissancesolignac.free.fr/