WHAT'S ON IN THE REGION IN 2010
To help you plan your holiday, these are some of the highlights for this year and most of the major fëtes follow the same criteria each year. For example, the Grand Prix Retro in our village of Le Puy Notre Dame, always takes place on the last Sunday in July.  This year's fete dates have just been announced and are usually published officially in April, but you can always ask us to try and confirm a date if you are interested in a particular event and tickets need to be reserved. Please note these are simply a 'selection' of what is going on, some we have chosen because they simply cannot be missed, e.g., Bastille Day Celebrations or the Grand Prix Retro in Le Puy, others because of their charm, like the country fête at Deneze and others because we personally find them interesting or simply 'quirky'.  There is, of course, almost always something going on somewhere. Towns like Angers, Chinon or Saumur have almost permanent fêtes of one kind or another (Saumur also has an on-going programme of international horse events too) and, in winter, many places including Saumur and the Royal Abbey at Fontenvraud, have a cultural season of concerts which last until the Spring fêtes start to arrive.  Neither have we included the more localised things that sometimes goes on in the village, e.g., the Christmas markets in the huge caves and concerts in the churches etc. We will add others to this list as we remember them!!    
                                                  
MONTHDATEEVENTCOMMENTS
FEBRUARY02, 03, 04, 2010SALON DES VINS DE LOIRE (ANGERS)
 
Over the years the Loire Valley Wine Trade Fair has become one of the most important wine events in Europe.
Devoted to a single wine-producing region, every year the Fair offers the opportunity to discover, or rediscover,
the 68 Appellation d'Origine red, rosé, sweet or dry and still or sparkling white wines that make up the 3rd largest wine region in France.
Taking place over 3 days, the 600 exhibitors, including wine growers, co-operative wine cellars, wine and other traders, will be there to share their enthusiasm and, above all, help appreciate their new vintages! Complete with bars, resuarants and a special salon dedicated to the medal winners.
It is the driving force in wine growing in the Loire Valley and in the French wine economy.
For wine professionals only - but we can get you in - as guests of our winemaking friends!!
Each Month1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th SundaysAntique markets in the village.See bottom of page for names of villages.
MARCH10.04.10SALON DES VINS ET TERROIRSWine Fair with 113 Viticulteurs at The Orangerie of the Chateau in Thouars. An interesting weekend for wine lovers!
APRIL4,5.04.10SPRINGTIME PORTES OUVERTES AT 'LE CAVES DE VIGNERONS SAUMUR'.9th Wine and gastronomy Open Day! Visitors can sample cocktails and wine sorbets, listen to commentated degustations!  Entrance fee 3 Euros for your wine glass and degustations. Also you can take the little train through the rolling vineyards or promenade in the horse drawn carriage! A great family day.
AVRIL 

Easter Sunday

11.04.10

 

CHATEAU BRISSAC

"CHASSE AUX OEUFS"

The stunning renaissance Chateau (tallest in the Loire) former home of the Dukes of Brissac hosts the venue for this Annual Easter Egg Hunt called Chasse aux Oeufs. A family event on Easter Sunday in which participants search for 10,000 chocolate eggs hidden around the woods and gardens of the Renaissance chateau.  Entrance fee includes admission to the rooms of the chateau and kitchens. A wonderful adventurous day for families.
 

 

AVRIL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Easter w/end)

Sunday 11.04.10

************

 

 

 

 

 

CHATEAU ROYAL DE BLOIS

° "SON & LUMIERE"

° "SWORDFIGHTING EVENT"

° UNIVERSE OF ILLUSION IN THE "MAISON DE LA MAGIC"

 

 

 

 

 

The Chateau was a favourite residence of the Kings of France during the Renaissance, the Chateau de Blois is an authentic Royal Palace in the Loire Valley. The furnished and recently renovated apartments are adorned with a magnificent polychrome decoration. Four wings, four periods, four styles surround the courtyard offering a dazzling panorama of French Architecture.

Immerse yourself in a magical world of colour and light evoking famous episodes in the history of the chateau. A truly unforgettable Sound and Light Show which starts for the Easter weekend visitors.

During the summer the courtyard of the Chateau comes to life with historical fencing combats, swordfighters and duellists clash in a revival of the age of the duel. And so to the accompaniment of Renaissance music professional swordsmen reconstruct famous comnats linked to the chateau's history.

Enter into a universe of illusions in the 'Maison de la Magic', a new magic show where strange and magical occurrences happen in the apartments of  a musician. (Dates weekend of Easter and after that from 05.04.08 to 21.09.08 and 25.10.08 - 06.11.08

(This Chateau is approx two hour drive from Le Puy).

APRIL01.04.10 -

31.10.10

BIOPARK ZOO OF DOUE LA FONTAINERe-opens its doors for the season on 1 April. Set in a maze of rocks and luxurious, wild vegetation the Biopark Zoo of Doué houses a remarkable collection of spectacular animals with a special mandate of protecting the endangered species. The extraordinary troglodyte site of ancient sand quarry, galleries and the way the animals are kept, make the Zoo one of the most beautiful in Europe. Not to miss the five acre valley of the black rhinoceros, the leopard canyon, the vulture pit (you can sit inside with them whilst being fed if you dare)! the giraffe enclosure and the restaurant with its panoramic view of the giraffes! NEW  - visit the largest bird aviary in Europe.
APRIL01.04.10 -

30.09.10

CHATEAU DE SAUMURSeven years of major work to reconstruct the rampart after a disastrous flood in January 2001! The Chateau is visible for miles and set on a rocky plateau, it is straight out of a fairytale. There are magnificent panoramic views from the gardens over the city and the Loire to be seen and you can combine with a visit to the Orangerie Restaurant to continue enjoying those outstanding views.
APRIL25-26.04.10LE PRINTEMPS DU THOUET A

MONTREUIL BELLAY

This is an open day at the winery of the Chateau at Montreuil Bellay. A chance to look around the beautiful gardens also.  There is a car boot sale and a plant market on Port St Catherine.
APRIL23-24-25.04.10WEEKEND PORTES OUVERTES

"LE DOMAINE DE LA PALEINE"

IN LE PUY NOTRE DAME

Annual event held by the Domaine de la Paleine in Le Puy Notre Dame 'la plus grande productrice de vin d'appellation Saumur controlée'. It is giving an open invitation to taste their wines and view its galleries of underground tuffeau caves. A perfect chance to taste and purchase their wines and sample some local gastronomic products. 
APRIL27.04.10CHATEAU GRATIEN & MEYERCocktail Party in the Boutique overlooking the Loire, sampling the new Cuvee Flamme sparkling wine!
MAY14.05.10
20.05.10
PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE FAMOUS  CADRE NOIR DE SAUMURAn entertaining presentation of the highly skilled French National Riding School showing 'airs above the ground' and other technical movements with the famous horses of the Cadre Noir.
APRIL/MAY29.04.-02.05.10CONCOURS DE DRESSAGE INTERNATIONAL, ECOLE NATIONALE D'EQUITATIONPopular Equestrian Event.
MAY Opening April/May and all year round.            'TERRA BOTONICA'

 **NEW ATTRACTION FOR 2010**
Launched and built by the Maine et Loire Local Authorities, TERRA BOTONICA is the first ever Interactive Plant Adventure Park in the Anjou region. Almost 110,000 m2 of gardens, aquatic parks and greenhouses with 40 attractions and activities for children, the park is a multidimensional showcase of flora from the six continents offering a unique experience. TERRA BOTANICA is a trip through time and space combining a vision of nature with an understanding of plant life. Flowers in bloom all year long and naturally renewed from one season to another. (Website: www.terrabotanica.fr)
429-30.05.10CAVE DE ST CYR EN BOURGAnimation à la Cave de Saumur "Rayon de Vigne".
MAY29-30.05.10LES CHEMINS DE LA ROSE, DOUE LA FONTAINEAnimation musicale and festive
MAYDate to be confirmed for 2011LA GRANDE INTERNATIONAL FËTE DU CAMPING-CAR
(Le Puy Notre Dame)
More than 1,000 camping-cars and 3,000 people assemble on 19 hectares of land at the village of Cix, just outside Le Puy for a four day international festival. Entertainment, musical soirées with singers and live bands, this year GYPSY KINGS and an Orchestra on the opening night, bars, (the village restaurant closes and moves, lock, stock and menus, to Cix), wine tastings, carriage rides through the vineyards etc.,etc. On the Saturday evening there is a spectacle by Gérard Lenorman followed by a grand firework display with  light and music show! Fete available to residents of Le Puy.
MAY20-30.05.1019th DESCENTE DE LOIRE EN CHANSONSEvening spectacle on the Loire
JUNE04-05-06.06.10LE PRINTEMPS DES ECUYERS DU CADRE NOIR DE SAUMURAn event of pure delight in the main arena. work in obstacles, long reins, school jump. An unforgettable hour dedicated to the tradition of French horsemanship.
JUNE10.06.10
17.06.10
PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE FAMOUS  CADRE NOIR DE SAUMURAn entertaining presentation of the highly skilled French National Riding School showing 'airs above the ground' and other technical movements with the famous horses of the Cadre Noir.
JUNE11.06.10LES ROMAN ARENA, DOUE LA FONTAINEEvening concert of music.
JUNE20.06.10FETE DU VELOThe roads along both banks of the Loire between Angers and Montsoreau are closed off for bikes and rollerblades on this warm and friendly family day out.
JUNE21.06.10FETE DE LA MUSIQUE
EVENT NATIONALE - gratuit!
JUNE25-26-27.06.10FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DES GEANTS ET DES MASQUESSaumur weekend en Fête with brilliant display of international masked giants with colourful costumes on stilts walking the streets with non stop bands playing having the ambiance of carnival time in Rio!  Non stop concert at the Place de la Republique!
JULY06.07.10
13.07.10
20.07.10
27.07.10
LE PUY NOTRE DAME
Organised walk.
Organised walk and commentary around the rues of the village, including also the Collegiale Church, by our representative from the Office of Tourisme.
JULY02.07.10
09.07.10
16.07.10
23.07.10
30.07.10
"NIGHT'N BULLES" AT CAVES OF CHATEAU GRATIEN & MEYER, SAUMURThis is the fourth edition of "Jazzbulles" on the fabulous terraces of Chateau Gratien and Meyer in Saumur with its  unique panoramic view overlooking the beautiful Loire. Orchestras play jazz, swing and blues whilst you enjoy and partake in their famous sparkling wines!  There are conducted tours of the caves and degustations in the boutique.  Always a 'tres grand' success and an opportunity to enjoy yourself!
JULYAll evenings

21.30 hrs

SONGES & LUMINIERES AU
CHATEAU D'AZAY-LE-RIDEAU
Built on the foundations of a medieval fortress in the heart of Touraine, the magnificent Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau is the creation of a wealthy financier of Francois I, Gilles Berthelot. Standing in the centre of a romantic park, this masterpiece of 16th Century architecture has preserved with the passing years all the elegance and grace of an exceptional Renaissance chateau. You are invited to discover another world of dreams and imaginations when the chateau and parc are transformed into 'light and images' with chants and beautiful whispering music as the darkness of evening commences. €9,00 tariff.
JULY01.07.10
08.07.10
29.07.10
PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE FAMOUS  CADRE NOIR DE SAUMURAn entertaining presentation of the highly skilled French National Riding School showing 'airs above the ground' and other technical movements with the famous horses of the Cadre Noir.
JULY02-03.07.10
FESTIVAL IN RUE ST NICOLAS
Music and bands playing all night long!
JULY10-14.07.1051ST ANNIVERSARY EVENT OF THE "INTERNATIONAL FÊTE DE LA ROSE" AT DOUE-LA-FONTAINE (ROSE GARDEN OF FRANCE).

Over 40,000 visitors attend this magnificent weekend display of rose exhibitions and international floral art sculpture competitions held in the underground caves of the Roman Arena.  Enjoy the variety of aromas, harmony of colours and multitudes of intoxicating perfumes.

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

JULY13.07.10LOIRE EN FËTE

PRELUDE TO BASTILLE DAY!

IN SAUMUR ALL DAY.

EVENING IN MONTREUIL BELLAY

EVENING IN MONTSOREAU

River events, concerts, exhibitions of traditional boats, traditional exhibitions; car boot sale. Celebrations in the evening with music and dancing - a superb prelude to Bastille Night!
JULY14.07.10NATIONAL FETE

"BASTILLE DAY"

CELEBRATIONS"

The lovely Loire is 'En Fëte' all day long.

Late into the evening there is a grand firework display over the Loire followed by music by live bands and dancing into the early hours!

We always go to Saumur but there are similar activities in every town and many villages.

JULYThroughout the month.ANIMATIONS AND SOIREES MUSICAL IN SAUMURBe entertained on the terraces of the cafes and the restaurants all night long.
JULY16-18.07.10
23-25.07.10
"FONTEVRAUD ON RACONTE"Actors, story-tellers and musicians take their turn to share the life and spirit of the special Abbey with you.  The show-visit is an original way to discover, understand and feel actually part of the Abbey in bygone times (a night time event).
JULY17-18.07.10LE CADRE NOIR DE SAUMUR

       "CARROUSEL"

Two-day event of skilled horsemanship displayed by the famous French Cavalry School of Saumur, Le Cadre Noir, in conjunction with displays of armoured tanks by the Arme Blindée Cavalerie! With 8,000 visitors, 30 vehicles, 80 horses, and demonstrations of grand quality in the heart of Saumur - you will have a brilliant time!
JULYJuly and August

at 20.30 hours

CHATEAU ET A L'EGLISE MONTSOREAUFabulous setting for five concerts.
JULY25.07.10LE PUY NOTRE DAME VILLAGE

"Le Grand Prix Retro du Vignoble"

A chance to view the Pre-1935 Classic Cars:- Bugatti, Lotus, Vauxhall and also Tricyclecars, to name but a few.

Thousands of spectators and enthusiasts crowd into Le Puy Notre Dame to watch the races between all the narrow roads in this small commune.  Fascinating! 

The machines, before the war, are discussed and viewed all day long accompanied by a glass of local wine or two, fouée bread and galipettes d'Anjou.

AUGUST

03.08.10
10.08.10
17.08.10
24.08.10
31.08.10
LE PUY NOTRE DAME
Organised walk.
Organised walk and commentary around the rues of the village, including also the Collegiale Church, by our representative from the Office of Tourisme.
AUGUSTThroughout the month.ANIMATIONS AND SOIREES MUSICAL IN SAUMURBe entertained on the terraces of the cafes and the restaurants all night long with many musicians!
AUGUSTAll evenings

21.30 hrs

SONGES & LUMINIERES AU

CHATEAU D'AZAY-LE-RIDEAU

Built on the foundations of a medieval fortress in the heart of Touraine, the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau is the creation of a wealthy financier of Francois I, Gilles Berthelot. Standing in the centre of a romantic park, this masterpiece of 16th Century architecture has preserved with the passing years all the elegance and grace of an exceptional Renaissance chateau. You are invited to discover another world of dreams and imaginations when the chateau and parc are transformed into light and images with chants and whispering music.€9,00 tariff.
AUGUST04-05.08.10DEGUSTATIONS DE  SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY (This link contains both pictures and video) (On the site click on "Les Grandes Tablées" and then on the camera icon for the video)in the heart of Saumur. This is billed as the night of the biggest restaurant in Europe with 5,000 meals, 10,000 visitors, 2 kms of tables, 1 km of baguettes, 6 tonnes of mushrooms, around 4,500 meals, 3,500 bottles of Saumur Champigny of many vintages, and 7,500 glasses of wine, all accompanied by marquees of music groups, jazz, rock, blues, etc., that will rattle the windows around the Place St Pierre.  Something to think about!!
AUGUST01.08.10PASSAVANT-SUR-LAYON MEDIEVAL MUSICAL CONCERTIn the pretty Eglise at Passavant sur Layon, there is a musical concert.  Afterward the evening continues with everyone walking across the road to Chateau Passavant and partaking in a glass of their wine.  It is a highly reputable Domaine, mentioned in the Hachett Guide!
AUGUST01.08.10PAINTINGS DANS LA VILLE OF MONTREUIL BELLAYA fine display of artists actually working on their canvasses dotted all around the village and down by the river, anywhere and everywhere, using the painting theme of the ville de Montreuil-Bellay, one of the prettiest towns in the region! Open to amateurs and professionals alike.
AUGUST01.08.10GRAND COUNTRY FËTE, DENEZE-SOUS-DOUEGrand country fair with many displays of crafts, folklore, wood sculptures.  Food, wine, entertainment and dancing into the early hours!
AUGUST06.08.10
13.08.10
20.08.10
27.08.10
"NIGHT'N BULLES" AT CAVES OF CHATEAU GRATIEN & MEYER, SAUMURThis is the fourth edition of "Jazzbulles" on the fabulous terraces of Chateau Gratien and Meyer in Saumur with its  unique panoramic view overlooking the beautiful Loire. Orchestras play jazz, swing and blues whilst you enjoy and partake in their famous sparkling wines!  There are conducted tours of the caves and degustations in the boutique.  Always a 'tres grand' success and an opportunity to enjoy yourself!
AUGUST29.08.09AUBIGNE SUR LAYON VILLAGE  11th Fête du Patrimoine of music, vin and art.The Village of Charm 'Aubigne sur Layon' opens up its many houses and gardens to thousands of visitors who flock in to enjoy a cocktail of music bands situated in the courtyards of houses, domaines of viticultueurs and around and about its narrow streets.  There are jazz bands, rock bands, blues bands and classical guitar artists,  along with art, paintings and residents pretty gardens all open to the public but not forgetting the spectacle of the 'Coteaux du Layon' wine fountain being switched on in the morning by the Mayor and the Village Committee prior to the opening. Plenty of glasses of wine and food all day long! A unique day!
SEPTEMBERMondays 20h.30FESTIVAL CHAMPIGNONS AT MONTSOREAUGrand Festival of Mushrooms of the Autumn.
SEPTEMBER04-12.09.10FESTI VINI 2010
Saumur - Place Saint-Pierre - Place de la Republique - Rue de la Tonnelle.  A good chance for a degustation or two - go treat your taste buds!! Discover, taste, enjoy and purchase if you wish! How this wine market operates is simple and fun on the way in you buy a wine glass for 3 Euros you can then taste all the wines and meet the producers of the different appellations, Red, White Saumur, Saumur Champigny, Cabernet de Saumur, Coteaux de Saumur, Crémant de Loire and Saumur Brut. To the accompaniment of music this is a new approach which gives one a chance to discover the subtleties of the different wines with the help of the wine producers - 6,000 visitors are expected at the market between the Loire and historical Saumur.
SEPTEMBER04.05.09.10CHATEAU - SAUMURSpectacle in the grounds of the chateau
SEPTEMBERFriday and Saturday eveningsSONGES & LUMINIERES AU

CHATEAU D'AZAY-LE-RIDEAU

Built on the foundations of a medieval fortress in the heart of Touraine, the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau is the creation of a wealthy financier of Francois I, Gilles Berthelot. Standing in the centre of a romantic park, this masterpiece of 16th Century architecture has preserved with the passing years all the elegance and grace of an exceptional Renaissance chateau. You are invited to discover another world of dreams and imaginations when the chateau and parc are transformed into light and images with chants and whispering music.€9,00 tariff.
SEPTEMBER01-30.09.10LE MOIS DES PARCS
Saumur et sa region.
Doors are opened and you are invited to view many privately owned chateaux and manoirs in the region. Many churches have guided tours and you are allowed to enter into areas that are normally out of bounds including our own church in Le Puy where you can climb up through the winding staircase to the very top and take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Anjou and Touraine Regional Park. Also the Mushroom caves at St. Maur are open to everyone for a special guided tour by the owner!
SEPTEMBER23-26.09.10CONCOURS DE DRESSAGE INTERNATIONAL

GRANDE SEMAINE DE SAUMUR

Saumur Ecole Nationale d'Equitation Presentations.
SEPTEMBER26.09.10VENDAGES AU CHATEAU DE SAUMUR(Castle Harvest Festival) in the panoramic grounds of the chateau the residents and visitors will be able to harvest grapes and press and then taste the grape juice. There will be a 'Vin d'Honneur' for the visitors by the Ville de Saumur. Afterwards this is followed on by music, events and degustations of the sparkling Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire offered by the "Maison des Vins" de Saumur.
OCTOBERMondays 20h30FESTIVAL CHAMPIGNONS AT MONTSOREAUGrand Festival of Mushrooms of the Autumn.
OCTOBERVarious eveningsCULTURAL SEASON OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AT FONTEVRAUDClassical Concert - programme to be confirmed.
OCTOBER03.10.10LE PUY NOTRE DAME
Marché Gourmand du Vendangeur
Take a stroll up to the Salles des Fetes in the village and sample delicious regional products and sample some of the local wines - a lovely relaxing afternoon.
OCTOBER03.10.10LES VENDANGES BELLE EPOQUE A really good day out in the chateau village of Martigné-Briand. It celebrates a medieval vendage  with music, street markets and lots of the new wines!!
OCTOBER15-17.10.10LES MUSICALS DU CADRE NOIR DE SAUMURPrestigious annual event. Original concept linking the equestrian skills of the Cadre Noir to classical music.  1.5 hours of academic equestrian presentations, school jumps and commentated movements to delights of music lovers!  Tickets for this need to be reserved well in advance!
OCTOBER09-10.10.10RANDONNEE VINS ET CHAMPIGNONS A SAUMURDiscover the Saumur area on these circuits adapted for bikes and walkers.
OCTOBER16-17.10.10FOIRE AUX POMMES, MOULIHERNEA great weekend of fun and market stalls to discover.
OCTOBER31.10.09HALLOWEEN NIGHT CHATEAU BREZEIn the afternoon the children are smartly dressed up and enjoying the afternoon fun.
NOVEMBERTBCGRAND CHRISTMAS MARKETChateau Brissac
'A Christmas Dream'
The Chateau is transformed into 'A Christmas Dream': Father Christmas collects the children's letters and costumed characters mingle with the craftsmen selling their goods in the decorated Château.  Greatly enjoyed by everyone.
NOVEMBERVarious eveningsCLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT AT FONTEVRAUDClassical Concert programme to be confirmed.
DECEMBER04-05.12.10CHRISTMAS MARKETUnderground Caves at the Roman Arena at Doué la Fontaine
DECEMBER04.12.09CHRISTMAS MARKETRue Saint-Nicolas, Saumur
DECEMBER11.12.10DISTILLERIE COMBIER - SAUMURMarket 'Gourmand and visit of Distillerie in the heart of Saumur in unique setting, unchanged since its founding in 1834.  Opportunity to taste and appreciate the authentic flavours of their liqueurs, cream liqueurs and exotic nature of cocktails!
DECEMBERTBCCLASSICAL MUSIC AT FONTEVRAUDConcerts for Noel!
DECEMBER18.12.10CHRISTMAS MARKETThouars Town Centre
Brocantes and

Vide-Greniers

(Antique markets and car boot sales).

All year round.

Strollers can rag books and furniture, etc).

First Sunday of each month.     9h-18h

Second Sunday of each month. 9h-18h

Third Sunday of each month.    9h-18h

Fourth Sunday of each month.  9h-12h

Brocante in main square in Chateau town of Montreuil Bellay.

Brocante on the Quays of the Loire at Monsoreau.

Brocante at Place Jeanne d'Arc in Chinon.

Avenue du Général de Gaulle Saumur. 'Les Puces Ligériennes'.

                          

BACK                                                                           HOME PAGE