EVENT GUIDE THE 2023 for
Poitou - Charentes & Surrounds
Whether it’s chart-topping bands or medieval days out that you are looking for, there is something for everyone this summer in and around Poitou-Charentes! Just click on the link to be taken to the event’s website and use the map below to see which ones are close to you.
These events advertise that some activities are free although main activities may be ticket-only. Please check their website for details.
All care has been taken in compiling this guide, but always check the website before setting out as weather conditions etc. can lead to programme changes.
www.livingmagazine.fr Vendée (85) CharenteMaritime (17) Charente (16) Dordogne (24) HauteVienne (87) Vienne (86) DeuxSévres (79)
2023 EVENTS
DON'T MISS!
EUROPEAN ARCHAEOLOGY DAYS
�� 16-18 JUNE
Whether you are passionate about history or just curious, events at sites across the region share their knowledge of archaeological heritage and research.
LA FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
�� 21 JUNE
The solstice is a national day of celebration of music, with concerts (amateur and professional) across the region. Check locally for details.
JOURNÉES DU PATRIMOINE DE PAYS
ET DES MOULINS
�� 23-25 JUNE
Visit local mills across the region as they host special events.
EVENTS IN PURPLE ARE IN POITOU-CHARENTES (16, 17, 79, 86)
EVENTS IN GREEN ARE IN SURROUNDING DEPARTMENTS (24, 85, 87)
FESTIVAL À L’OUEST
�� 7-10 JUNE �� POITIERS (86)
Street festival in west Poitiers with exhibitions, street theatre and more.
Website
JAZZELLERAULT
�� 8-16 JUNE �� CHÂTELLERAULT (86)
Celebrating its 30th year with concerts by Angelarde, Popa Chubby, Roberto Fonseca and more.
Website
VIVE LOTI!
�� 9-11 JUNE �� ROCHEFORT (17)
Celebrating the centenary of the death of the eccentric travel writer and academic Pierre Loti with parades, concerts, exhibitions and street theatre.
Website
FESTIVAL MOUL’STOCK
�� 9-10 JUNE �� CHARRON (17)
10th edition of this rock festival with a side helping of over 2 tonnes of mussels! New for 2023: free entry, just make a donation on the day.
Website
FESTIVAL DE MELLE
�� 9-18 JUNE �� MELLE (79)
Two weekends of classical music concerts held in the Romanesque Saint-Savinien church, founded in 1040.
Website
LA CLAQUE FESTIVAL
�� 16-17 JUNE �� PRIGONRIEUX (24)
An eclectic festival held in the vineyards of Château de Montplaisir with theatre, dance, music and more.
Website
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2023 EVENTS
FESTIVAL DE LA MOTTE EN SCÈNE
�� 17 JUNE �� MATHA (17)
Free street festival from 3pm in the centre of Matha - this year, the dress code is the 80s so dig through your wardrobe and join in the fun!
Website FREEMUSIC
�� 22-24 JUNE �� LAC DE MONTENDRE (17)
Popular modern music festival which attracts over 20,000 revelers on the banks of a lake. This year’s line-up includes Angèle, Bigflo & Oli and Zola.
Website
NOTES EN VERT
�� 24-25 JUNE �� PÉRIGNY (17)
Eco-festival with bio market and three nights of ticketed concerts featuring Keziah Jones, Naâman and more. Entry to the Nature Village is free.
Website
COGNAC BLUES PASSIONS
�� 4-9 JULY �� COGNAC (16)
A firm favourite in festival calendars, the heart of Cognac welcomes renowned international artistes to play in the town’s gardens. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, headliners include Placebo, -Mand Michel Jonasz with a range of emerging talents supporting them on the three stages. Ticket-only evening concerts are backed-up by many more performances (some free) in venues around the town.
Website
LES SARABANDES
23-25 JUNE DOUZAT (16)
This year the street art and music festival visits Douzat. The whole village will be taken over by numerous artists presenting a wide range of styles in gardens, barns and open spaces. The eclectic events programme is popular with families, and there are refreshments on site. Opening times and prices change each day so check the website for details.
Website
CHÂTEL EN FÊ TE
�� 24-25 JUNE �� CHÂTELAILLON-PLAGE (17)
More than 1000 Châtelaillonnais invite you for 2 days of creative, festive and crazy activities across the weekend with a night parade on Saturday at 10pm with another at 3.30pm on Sunday.
Website
NIORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
�� 27-30 JUNE �� NIORT (79)
Held at Parc Pré-Leroy, ticketed concerts include
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DON'T MISS!
LA FÊTE NATIONALE
�� 14 JULY
THROUGHOUT THE REGIONS
A national holiday and a day for celebration. Wherever you are in the region there will be fireworks nearby once darkness falls so check local noticeboards or ask at the local tourist information office for details.
FESTIVAL AU VILLAGE
�� 30 JUNE - 9 JULY
�� BRIOUX-SUR-BOUTONNE (79)
A week of festivities with theatre, music, food and good times taking over the village streets.
Website
FEMA
�� 30 JUNE - 9 JULY �� LA ROCHELLE (17)
The 51st edition of this international film festival will pay tribute to Pierre Richard, star of the 70s.
Website
Gregory Porter, Gogo Penguin and Deluxe with free concerts each day too.
Website
FESTIVAL SŒURS JUMELLES
�� 27 JUNE - 1 JULY �� ROCHEFORT (17)
Music and image come together in the third edition of this Rochefort festival as professionals, students and the general public meet. Concerts, conferences and more. Website
FESTIVAL RESPIRE JAZZ
�� 29 JUNE - 2 JULY �� MONTMOREAU (16)
Relax and enjoy a series of jazz concerts in the grounds of the Abbaye de Puypéroux.
Website
FÉLIBRÉE
�� 30 JUNE - 2 JULY �� MONTIGNAC (24)
The annual 3-day festival celebrating la langue d’oc and local culture. Now in its 102nd year, the 2023 event will be held in Montignac-Lascaux.
Website
FESTIVAL DE POUPET
�� 30 JUNE - 21 JULY �� POUPET (85)
A much-loved music festival set in the green Poupet valley attracting top talent such as Ben Harper, Bigflo & Oli and Airbourne
Website
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MEETING AÉRIEN DE COUHÉ-VÉRAC
�� 23 JULY
�� COUHÉ (86)
Classic aircraft take to the skies at this meeting which attracts pilots from across Europe. Refreshments available on site or bring your own picnic – and don’t forget your sunscreen and hat!
Website
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU PASTEL
�� 1 JULY - 27 AUGUST �� FEYTIAT (87)
Exhibitions, workshops and more, all about pastels with Silja Salmistu as guest of honour.
Website
LES ESTIVALES D’ARTENETRA
�� 1-30 JULY �� CELLES-SUR-BELLE (79)
24 classical music concerts and 5 master-classes in the beautiful Abbaye de Celles-sur-Belle and surrounding villages.
Website
FESTIVAL TRAVERSE
�� 4-9 JULY �� HAUT VAL DE SÈVRE (79)
11 communes host family-friendly spectacles and exhibitions.
Website
LES HEURES VAGABONDES
�� 6 JULY- 2 AUGUST �� VIENNE (86)
8 free concerts throughout the Vienne département over the summer months – artists include Charlie Winston and Christophe Willem.
Website
FESTIVAL A TOUT VENT
�� 7-10 JULY �� NOTRE DAME DE MONTS (85)
Kites of all of forms, and from across the world, take to the sky above this Vendée seafront town.
Website
BOUILLEZ !
�� 7-8 JULY �� BOUILLÉ SAINT-PAUL (79)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023! Street theatre, arts and circus acts can be found around all corners as this village as this village comes alive.
Website
AUX ORMES MOZARTIENS !
�� 8-9 JULY �� LES ORMES (86)
Chamber music festival in the 18th century Relais de la Poste where you can also meet the musicians.
Website
RIFE
�� 10-15 JULY �� SAINT-MAIXENT D’ECOLE (79)
Les Rencontres Internationales Folkloriques Enfantines brings together children from across the world to celebrate music and dance.
Website
2023 EVENTS www.livingmagazine.fr
FRANCOFOLIES
�� 12-16 JULY �� LA ROCHELLE (17)
One of the top music festivals in France, featuring a wealth of popular French talent. More than 100 concerts are planned over five days and nights with many of them free, including shows for younger audiences and emerging talents. Headliners in 2023 include -M-, Soprano, Shakaponk and Djadja & Dinaz.
Website
FLIP
�� 12-23 JULY �� PARTHENAY (79)
The Festival Ludique International de Parthenay (‘FLIP’) fills the town centre with thousands of gamers and street artists celebrating all things playable, from board games to video games.
Website
FESTIVAL BANDAFOLIE’S
�� 13-14 JULY
�� BESSINES-SUR-GARTEMPE (87)
40 000 festivalgoers enjoy 4 days and 3 nights of music, dance, parades and more with over 350 musicians on the side of the Lac de Sagnat.
Website
HUMOR & EAU SALÉE
�� 15-17 JULY
�� SAINT-GEORGES DE DIDONNE (17)
3 days of humour on the beach, from stand-up to musical comedy. Buy a pass for the day and see all the acts in the festival village.
Website
FESTIVAL LES ARTS PAR NATURE
�� 15 JULY-15 AUGUST �� VIX (85)
Find all four seasons at the Prieuré de la Chaume. Concerts, exhibitions and the Opera de Nantes await you.
Website
FESTIVAL DE SAINTES
�� 15-22 JULY �� SAINTES (17)
A series of classical concerts performed in and around Saintes’ atmospheric Abbaye aux Dames and performed by soloists and ensembles from across Europe.
Website
MUSIQUES AU LOGIS
�� 18 JULY - 3 AUGUST �� MONTREVERD (85)
6 exceptional concerts at the Logis de la Chabotterie including Mentissa (from The Voice), the Star Feminine Band from Bénin, and Jazz and Folk evenings.
Website
MUSIQUE EN RÉ
�� 20-22 JULY �� ILE DE RÉ (17)
16 classical concerts around the island, five of which are free including one for children and an evening of opera with ‘Carmen’.
Website
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2023 EVENTS
FESTIVAL MUSIQUE EN PÉRIGORD
�� 20 JULY - 6 AUGUST �� SAINT-CYPRIEN (24)
Seven ticket-only concerts performed by leading Baroque musicians in atmospheric in atmospheric settings in Périgord.
Website
AUTREFOIS CHALLANS
�� 20, 27 JULY & 10, 17 AUGUST
�� CHALLANS (85)
Go back in time and immerse yourself in the traditions and heritage of the north west Vendée at the beginning of the 20th century.
Website
STÉRÉOPARC
�� 21-22 JULY �� ROCHEFORT (17)
Featuring 100% electro in the grounds of the Corderie Royale. Chris Willsman and Vladimir Cauchemar join other acts.
Website
FESTIVAL DU SOUFFLE
�� 21-23 JULY �� CELLES-SUR-BELLE (79)
Classical music concerts at the Abbaye Royale featuring saxophonists and organists with a family concert on Saturday afternoon and a market on Sunday.
Website
SURGÈRES BRASS FESTIVAL
�� 21-23 JULY �� SURGÈRES (17)
Held at the Château de Surgères, the programme includes both ticketed and free concerts.
Website
LA ROCHE À FOUCAULD
�� 22-23 JULY �� LA ROCHEFOUCAULD (16)
This costumed medieval fête includes street theatre, falconry displays, craft workshops, period music and siege engines, plus a hog roast. Troupes of performers present a medieval procession in the town centre.
Website
FESTIVAL FORGES ET MÉTALLURGIE
�� 22-23 JULY �� ETOUARS (24)
Demonstrations of forges and metallurgy, blast furnaces and iron casting. Metal and more metal!
Website
FESTIVAL DRÔLES DE RUES
�� 22-23 JULY �� JONZAC (17)
Eclectic free festival for all the family in front of the Château de Jonzac featuring Charlie Winston and Hyphen Hyphen.
Website
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UN VIOLON SUR LE SABLE
�� 22, 25 & 28 JULY �� ROYAN (17)
Three nights of concerts on the main beach at Royan, each performance attracting up to 50,000 devotees and culminating in spectacular firework displays. All three concerts have unique and varied programmes with international soloists, and all are free. Just bring a rug or chair and find your spot on the sand or purchase a seat in the stands.
Website
FESTIVAL 1001 NOTES
�� 25-29 JULY �� LIMOGES (87)
Aiming to promote classical music in a new way, the 1001 Notes association organises a series of concerts annually at the city’s ice-rink with leading artists.
Website
FESTIVAL LABYRINTHE DE LA VOIX
�� 26-30 JULY �� ROCHECHOUART (17)
Meet in the park of the Château de Rochechouart for more than ten ticketed and free concerts including culminating in a concert in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the festival - reservation strongly recommended!
Website
FÊTE DU COGNAC
�� 27-29 JULY �� COGNAC (16)
Set on the historic quayside of Cognac, this festival event celebrates fine local food & drink including melons, oysters, pineau and, bien sûr, cognac. Dine under the stars and enjoy big-stage concerts.
Website
AU FIL DU SON
�� 28-30 JULY �� CIVRAY (86)
Enjoy popular groups on the banks of the Charente as the 20th edition of this festival takes over the town. Bring your tent and stay overnight or all weekend. 2023 welcomes -M-, Angèle, Shaka Ponk, Lorenzo and many more.
Website
L’HORIZON FAIT LE MUR
�� 29-30 JULY �� LA LAIGNE (79)
2 days of concerts by emerging talents on the edge of the Marais Poitevin, between Niort and La Rochelle.
Website
JAZZ AU PHARE
�� 30 JULY - 3 AUGUST �� ÎLE DE RÉ (17)
The 14th edition of this series of concerts in styles from Django to Rap in a sensational setting beside the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. 5 stages will
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2023 EVENTS
host 35 concerts in 2023.
Website
FESTIVAL VIENS DANS MON ÎLE
�� 31JULY, 2 & 4 AUGUST �� L’ÎLE D’YEU (85)
Celebrating its 10th edition with 3 memorable concerts with -M-, Deluxe and Romeo Elvis. Remember to book your boat ticket!
Website
L’ETÉ MUSICAL EN BERGERAC
�� 2-15 AUGUST �� BERGERAC (24)
A diversity of music genres is central to this festival which features both ticketed and free concerts.
Website
QUEYROCK
�� 4-6 AUGUST �� GINESTET (24)
A weekend of rock featuring Klone, Les Fatals Picards and more.
Website
JAZZ EN FEUX
�� 8-9 AUGUST
�� LE CHÂTEAU-D’OLÉRON (17)
Two evenings of jazz in the town centre and the Citadelle culminating in a spectacular firework display at 9pm after a concert by Lucky Chops on the 8th and Thomas Leleu on the 9th.
Website
SYMPHONIE D’ÉTÉ
�� 9-12 AUGUST
�� FOURAS-LES-BAINS (17)
Classical music in beautiful settings.
Website
VIVA SAINTES
�� 10-12 AUGUST �� SAINTES (17)
Historical reconstructions, workshops, shows and more reveal the era of the Gauls and Romans.
Website
LES SOIRÉES LYRIQUES
�� 10, 12 & 14 AUGUST �� SANXAY (86)
The wonderful Sanxay Gallo-Roman theatre is the venue for three open-air performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni featuring international soloists.
Website
FESTIVAL 666
�� 11-13 AUGUST �� CERCOUX (17)
Heavy metal festival featuring 30 concerts including Lionheart and Alestorm.
Website
FROMENTINE VINTAGE FUN CUP
�� 12-13 AUGUST �� LA BARRE-DEMONTS (85)
Immerse yourself in a 1980s surf club, from cars to ‘old schools’ windsurfing equipment and a vintage market.
Website
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UN PIANO DANS LA PINÈDE
�� 14-17 AUGUST
�� LE GRAND-VILLAGE-PLAGE (17)
Four jazz concerts over four eveningsswing, boogie, and bop.
Website
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE CONFOLENS
�� 9-15 AUGUST �� CONFOLENS (16)
This colourful annual festival features folk musicians and dance troupes from around the world on stages throughout the town.
Website
FESTIVAL DE FONTDOUCE
�� 16-18 AUGUST
�� ABBAYE DE FONTDOUCE (17)
Classical, jazz and world music combine with two concerts each day in the grounds of this atmospheric abbey. Website
LES ARTS FLORISSANTS
�� 19-26 AUGUST �� THIRÉ (85)
Set in the beautiful Jardins de William Christie, a series of classical concerts draw an audience each year.
Website
LA QUART D’ECU
�� 24-27 AUGUST �� PUY DU LAC (17)
Son et lumières show bringing the history of the village to life, performed by 220 volunteers.
Website
FESTI’CLASSIQUE
�� 26 AUGUST-28 SEPTEMBER �� JARNAC (16)
Seven classical music concerts featuring international newcomers held in the grounds of different cognac houses. And, of course, featuring cognac tastings alongside other regional specialties.
Website
FESTIVAL ODYSSÉE
�� 1-2 SEPT �� SAINT GILLES CROIX DE VIE (85)
The third edition features Charlie Winston, Ko ko mo and Nina Lili J.
Website
COUP DE CHAUFFE
�� 2-10 SEPTEMBER �� COGNAC (16)
Be enthralled by lively street theatre in all its forms in the historic streets of Cognac. Free entertainment all weekend.
Website
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2023 EVENTS
L’IMPRÉVU FESTIVAL
�� 8-10 SEPTEMBER �� MONTEMBOEUF (16)
The unexpected is on the menutheatre, music, circus, cinema, dance. Just about anything creative and entertaining is possible, in fact!
Website
FESTI’ZAC
�� 15-17 SEPT �� AMBAZAC (87)
The programme features a mixture of music from around France with Zoufris Maracas Hilight tribe and Debout sur le Zinc.
Website
CIRCUIT DES REMPARTS
�� 15-17 SEPTEMBER
�� ANGOULÊME (16)
Classic Monaco-style motor racing around the narrow, winding Angoulême ramparts. There’s a Friday evening Concours d’Elégance, a Charente Touring Rally on Saturday and racing on Sunday.
Website
CAVAL’OCÉANE
�� 16-17 SEPT �� SAINT JEAN DE MONTS (85)
Unique equestrian event where horses gallop on the sands and you can enjoy shows, competitions and more.
Website
All care has been taken while compiling this guide but sometimes details change, so please click on the website link to check all information before leaving home.
This guide has been brought to you by Living Magazine, the foremost English-language publication in the region. Read the latest issue online or subscribe to get your own copy through the post.
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