| WHAT'S ON
IN THE REGION IN 2008 |
| 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. Definitive dates are usually published 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 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 ongoing programe
of international horse events) 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 undoubtedly add others to the list as we remember them!! |
| | | | |
| MONTH | DATE | EVENT | COMMENTS |
|
FEBRUARY | 19-20.02.08 |
ZAVETTA! |
The Circus comes to town in Doué la Fontaine showing off its Lions and
tigers and not forgetting the Camels! |
| MARCH |
01-08.03.08 | ROCKIN'BLUES NIGHTS |
Convivial festival of events in various venus in Thouars. |
| MARCH |
28-30.03.08 | SALON DES VINS ET TERROIRS |
Wine Fair with 113 Viticulteurs at The Orangerie of the Chateau in Thouars.
A very convivial weekend awaits! |
|
MARCH | 21-23.03.08 | CONCOURS
DE VOLTIGE INTERNATIONAL AT SAUMUR |
Comité Equestre de Saumur organises this fine horse event |
|
MARCH | Easter
Sunday
23.03.08
| 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. |
|
MARCH
| 22-23.03.08 (Easter
Weekend) *********
then evenings from 05.04.08 to 28.09.08 (except 21.06.08 and
14.07.08).
| 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 at the beginning
of April but has a special showing 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). |
|
APRIL | 05-06.04.08 |
OPEN WEEKEND 'Gastronomie et Vins'
CAVE DE SAUMUR (Vignerons d'original, St Cyr en Bourg). |
''Open Weekend'' at the Caves de Vignerons de Saumur! Entrance fee of
2€ and you are given a tasting glass for your free wine tastings.
In the underground caves there are cookery demonstrations, wine tastings,
cocktails of 'hot wine', chance to taste the gastronomic regional
products, enjoy the spectacles for the children, take a trip through the
vines on the little train or horse and carriage and enjoy the fine views
over the vineyards. Lunches available. |
|
APRIL | 01.04.08 -
30.10.08 | BIOPARK ZOO OF
DOUE LA FONTAINE |
Re-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 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!
|
|
APRIL | 01.04.08 -
30.09.08 | CHATEAU DE
SAUMUR |
Six years of major work to reconstruct the rampart after a disastrous
flood in January 2001 and it is finally reopening its doors to the
public! The Chateau is visible for miles and set on a rocky plateau, it
is straight out of a fairytale. There are magnificent panoramic views
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. |
|
APRIL | 03.04.08
10.04.08
24.04.08
| PRESENTATION DES ECUYERS DU
CADRE NOIR DE SAUMUR |
An event of pure delight in the main arena - work in obstacles, long
reins, school jumps. An unforgettable hour dedicated to the tradition of
French horse-manship. Great for horse lovers. |
|
APRIL | 12-13.04.08 |
LES JOURNEES NATIONALES DU LIVRE ET DU VIN A SAUMUR |
As a homage to the actor Jean Carmet the festival is a marriage of two
great French traditions, wine and literature. Superb two day event. |
|
APRIL | 26-27.04.08 |
LE 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 beautful gardens also. There is a car boot sale and
a plant market. |
|
MAY | 03-04.05.08 |
LE PUY NOTRE DAME VILLAGE |
Le stunning Domaine de la Paleine in the village has organised an
Open Weekend! You are invited to meet the winemaker and taste the
diverse and quality range of wines alongside sampling many local
products! They will be delighted to welcome you!! |
|
MAY | 02-04.05.08 |
LE FESTIVAL "L'ART EN FETE AT MONTREUIL BELLAY |
Concerts, spectacles de rues, craft markets. |
|
MAY | 09.05.08 |
CHATEAU GRATIEN & MEYER |
Special event. The famous Saumur sparkling wines and.cocktails
are served in the boutique and on the terrace overlooking the beautiful
Loire! |
|
MAY | 12.05.08 |
FETE DE L'OMELETTE |
Salle des fétes, Louresse-Rochemenier |
|
MAY | Dates to be
confirmed |
LA 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. |
|
MAY | Date to
be confirmed |
PRESENTATION OF NEW SELECTION OF AOC WINES OF ANJOU, SAUMUR, TOURAINE,
AT 'LA MAISON DU VIN DE SAUMUR' QUAI LUCIEN GAUTIER. |
Each year the Maison du Vin in Saumur hosts a degustation evening of
their newly selected wines, before they go on sale. All have been
specially chosen by a jury of professional tasters. |
| JUNE | 07.06.08 | "JAZZBULLES" AT CAVES OF CHATEAU GRATIEN & MEYER, SAUMUR |
This is the third 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! |
|
JUNE | 15.06.08 |
LA FETE DU VELO |
The roads along both banks of the Loire between Angers and Saumur are
closed off for bikes and rollerblades on this warm and friendly family
day out! |
|
JUNE | 28-30.06.08 |
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DES GEANTS ET DES MASQUES DE SAUMUR |
International Festival of Giants: It's Carnival Time! Day and night parades
of these fabulous 'Giants' with entertainment of concerts and musical
shows and bands from different countries! |
| JUNE |
Dates to be confirmed |
12TH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL DE MUSIQUES MILITAIRES |
Saumur en Fête - brilliant display of
International Military Bands. Commencing Friday evening, through
Saturday and finally on Sunday there is a Military Music Parade through
the town centre. In the evening there is a non stop concert at the Place
de la Republique! |
| JULY | All 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. |
| JULY | 11-15.07.08 | FÊTE DE LA ROSE AT DOUE-LA-FONTAINE |
Doué the Rose Garden of France! Over 40,000 visitors attend this magnificent display of rose designs
and rose sculptures held in the underground caves of the Roman Arena.
Enjoy the variety of aromas, harmony of colours and multitudes of intoxicating perfumes.
|
| JULY | 13.07.08 |
LOIRE EN FËTE PRELUDE TO BASTILLE DAY! SAUMUR AND
MONTREUIL BELLAY |
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! |
| JULY | 14.07.08 |
NATIONAL 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. |
| JULY | Throughout the month. | ANIMATIONS AND SOIREES MUSICAL IN SAUMUR |
Be entertained on the terraces of the cafes and the restaurants all night long. |
| JULY |
19-20.07.08 | LE 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 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! |
| JULY |
July and August at 20.30 hours |
CHATEAU ET A L'EGLISE MONTSOREAU |
13th Season Musical 'la melodie francaise' |
| JULY |
27.07.08 | LE 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. |
|
JULY | Dates to be
confirmed | ROYAL ABBEY AT FONTEVRAUD - LES RENCONTRES IMAGINAIRES |
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). |
| JULY AND AUGUST | Mondays and Tuesdays | CAVES CATHEDRAL LES PERRIERES AT DOUE |
Guided nocturnal visits with lanterns in the grand Cathedral Caves
Les Perriéres and the Cave aux Sarcophages in Doué. |
| AUGUST | Throughout the month. | ANIMATIONS AND SOIREES MUSICAL IN SAUMUR |
Be entertained on the terraces of the cafes and the restaurants all night long. |
| AUGUST | All 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. |
| AUGUST | 04-07.08.08 |
DEGUSTATIONS DE SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY (This link contains both pictures and video) (On the site click on "Le Grande Tablée" and then on the camera icon for the video) |
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!! |
| AUGUST | 05.08.08 | ¨PASSAVANT-SUR-LAYON MEDIEVAL MUSICAL CONCERT |
In 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! |
| AUGUST | 05.08.08 | FETE OF THE OMELETTE BEAULIEU-SUR-LAYON |
22nd edition of this Foire a l'Omelette. More than 8,000 eggs are broken to make the omelettes to eat at the fete, also there is a grand show of birds, parrots and fancy fowl! Very interesting fete! |
| AUGUST | 03.08.08 | THE PAINTINGS IN THE VILLE OF MONTREUIL BELLAY |
A 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! |
| AUGUST | 03.08.08 | GRAND COUNTRY FËTE AT DENEZE-SOUS-DOUE |
Grand country fair with many displays of crafts, folklore, wood sculptures. Food, wine, entertainment and dancing into the early hours! |
| AUGUST | 27.08.08 | AUBIGNE 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! |
| SEPTEMBER | 07.09.08 | MARCHE DES VINS |
Saumur - Place Saint-Pierre - Place de la Republique - Rue de la Tonnelle. A good chance for a degustation or two!!
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. |
| SEPTEMBER | Friday and Saturday evenings | 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. |
| SEPTEMBER |
14-16.09.07 | PATRIMONIE WEEKEND |
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! |
| SEPTEMBER | 25-28.09.08 | CONCOURS DE DRESSAGE INTERNATIONAL
GRANDE SEMAINE DE SAUMUR |
Saumur Ecole Nationale d'Equitation. |
| SEPTEMBER |
30.09.08 | CHATEAU DE SAUMUR FËTE DES VENDANGES |
(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. |
|
SEPTEMBER |
11-12.08.08 | LES MUSICALS
DU CADRE NOIR DE SAUMUR |
Prestigious 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! |
|
OCTOBER |
7.10.08 | LES 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!! |
| OCTOBER |
Various evenings | CULTURAL SEASON OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AT FONTEVRAUD |
Classical
Concert - programme to be confirmed. |
| OCTOBER |
1-31.10.08 | FESTIVAL CHAMPIGNONS A SAUMUR |
Grand
Festival of Mushrooms of the Autumn. |
| OCTOBER | 21.10.08 | FETE DE LA POMME |
Mouliherne
Village Apple Fete. A brilliant family day out and lots of fun! |
| OCTOBER | 27.10.08 | HALLOWEEN NIGHT |
Rue Saint Nicholas, Saumur.
All the children are smartly dressed up and there is lively music and
stalls selling local products. |
| NOVEMBER |
TBC | CHRISTMAS MARKET - LE PUY NOTRE DAME |
Wonderful market in the huge underground caves (over two hectares) of a local wine
grower. A chance to explore these vast caves, taste and buy wines,
eat BBQ food i.e, galipettes (mushrooms), rillettes. There are jewellery
stalls and many others for your Christmas gift ideas. Good fun.
|
| NOVEMBER |
TBC | GRAND CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Chateau 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. |
|
| NOVEMBER |
Various evenings | CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT AT FONTEVRAUD |
Classical Concert programme to be confirmed. |
| NOVEMBER | 27.11.08 | CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Local nearby village of St Martin de Sanzay. |
| DECEMBER | 02-03.12.08 | TELETHON 2006 |
Many activities and musicians in the streets of Saumur. |
| DECEMBER | 03-04.12.08 | CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Underground Caves at the Roman Arena at Doué la Fontaine |
| DECEMBER | 02.12.08 | CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Rue Saint-Nicolas, Saumur |
| DECEMBER | 08.12.08 | CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Nocturnal Market in Montreuil-Bellay |
| DECEMBER | 09-10.12.08 | DISTILLERIE COMBIER - SAUMUR |
Market '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! |
| DECEMBER | 10.12.08 | CHATEAU MONTSOREAU |
Grand Christmas Fete. |
| DECEMBER | 16.12.08 17.12.08 | CLASSICAL MUSIC AT FONTEVRAUD |
Concerts for Noel! |
| DECEMBER | 17.12.08 | CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Thouars Town Centre |
| DECEMBER | 17.12.08 | CHRISTMAS MARKET |
Chateau Breze |
| Brocantes and Vide-Greniers | All year round. | First Sunday of each month. Second Sunday of each month. Third Sunday of each month. Fourth Sunday of each month. | Main square in Chateau town of Montreuil Bellay. On the quays of the Loire at Monsoreau. Place Jeanne d'Arc in Chinon. Avenue du Général de Gaulle Saumur. 'Les Puces Ligériennes'. |
