Autumn and winter events in Dordogne Valley

 

 

Sarlat Night visit

From June the 1st to September 30th 

 

Visit Sarlat by night!
Sarlat, the capital of the Périgord Noir, has managed to preserve the integrity of its old buildings and is now one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe.

With the help of a guide, discover its winding streets, its vaulted passages, its cathedral and its 15th and 16th century town houses.

The ochre stone of the facades comes to life, the windows sculpted in the Renaissance open onto the past of the most illustrious Sarladais.

Centuries of history unfold during the visit.
Famous events are of course evoked, but certain well-kept secrets will also be revealed.

Every evening at 10 pm. - Start from the Tourist Office

7.50€ 

Informations on https://en.sarlat-tourisme.com/ ou +33 (0) 5.53.31.45.45

 

The Gourmet Celebration Days

The 23rd and 24th of September

 

When gourmet taste calls, Sarlat answers! What better way to celebrate the gourmet food of the Périgord than with local pasture-fed lamb and Sarlat-style potatoes?

On the Saturday evening, conviviality is key on Place de la Grande Rigaudie of Sarlat! Don’t forget your basket so that you may stock up at the local farmers’ market, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The open-air meal that is held under the tents is the perfect place to enjoy grilled lamb with delicious Sarlat-style potatoes. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll appreciate the famous Périgord walnut cake. Early on the Sunday morning, follow the group for a local hike in the Perigord coutryside.From one of the villages in the surroundings to Sarlat.

When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by local farm stands, workshops and various demonstrations… And a taste of the traditional Tourin tomato soup offers a special flavour that celebrates the Périgord.

Informations on en.sarlat-tourisme.com ou +33 (0) 5.53.31.45.45

 

 

Rocamadour Hot Air Balloon Festival 

Saturday 23th September 2023

 

Every last week-end in September, 30 balloons from all over Europe take off in front of the world heritage UNESCO site of Rocamadour. Running for over 30 years, it is one of the Europe’s biggest ballooning festivals and this annual September event involves two launches per day. Bring your camera because it’s picture perfect and you will definitely get some great shots !

There are 2 flights per day, on Saturday and Sunday.

PROGRAMME TO BE CONFIRMED :

Saturday 23th September:

Rocamadour : Canyon de l’Alzou (at the bottom, in the valley)

8:30am : Take-off of around 30 balloons

5pm : Take-off of around 30 balloons


Sunday 24th September :

Rocamadour : Canyon de l'Alzou (at the bottom, in the valley)

8:30am : Take-off of around 30 balloons

From 8am to 5pm : Brocante - Route du Château

From 8am to 5pm : Various events in the streets of Rocamadour and Route du Château

5pm : Take-off of around 30 balloons

In case of bad weather, the flights can be postponed or cancelled.
Admission : Free

More infos : https://rocamadour-montgolfieres.fr/ 

 

Evening in the Douffre of Padirac

September 23rd and October 28th

 

From April to October, the Gouffre of Padirac invites visitors to (re)discover its spectacular underground galleries in a different way. A journey 103 meters underground illuminated by lantern light, in the footsteps of the site's first explorer, Edouard-Alfred Martel.

Once known as the "Devil's Hole", the Gouffre of Padirac has long been the home of many mysteries and legends. Known for thousands of years, it was not until 1889 that the first expedition to the chasm was carried out, thanks to the inventor of modern speleology: Edouard-Alfred Martel. Equipped with candles, heavy ladders and ropes, the explorer and his team set off into the depths of the earth to discover the unexplored underground of this abyss. An extraordinary adventure that will mark one of the most important geological discoveries in the world.

The evening begins with a festive buffet dinner at the Auberge of the Gouffre. Tasting of regional cold meats and cheeses, sweet treats, wine and champagne.You will then discover the Gouffre of Padirac which has been privatised for the occasion. A unique atmosphere for an exceptional experience.

ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED (limited number of places)

Admission : 150€  / adult - 80€  / child aged 4 to 12  

Reception at 7.30pm at the Auberge of the Gouffre - Departure for the tour at 8.30pm

Duration: approximately 3 hours

More infos : www.gouffre-de-padirac.com

 

 

Aïcontis Festival in Saint-Bazile-de-Meyssac

October 7th and 8th, 2023

 

9th edition of Aïcontis, with the theme "The Werewolves." Aïcontis is 2 days of magic and enchantment, where festivalgoers come dressed as Sprites, Trolls, Witches, Wizards, Elves, Korrigans, Unicorns, and other fantastic creatures. There will be entertainment for everyone throughout the weekend, and it's all free! Will you be a tender wolf or a fierce one? Everyone can showcase their "wolf" side during this 9th edition!

Highlights of Aïcontis 2023 include: 2 days of street performances and shows, storytelling sessions, a book fair, concerts, fantastic and enchanting creatures, a nighttime spectacle, literary breakfasts, games, exhibitions,a fantasy market, on-site dining.

Admission: Free

More information: aicontis.jimdofree.com

 

 

The Sarlat Film Festival

From November the 7th to the 11th 

 

Each year around mid-November, film lovers meet up at the Sarlat Film Festival. For the five days of this event, the town of Sarlat tribute to the 7th art. 

For this major event in Sarlat, head for Cinéma Rex in the centre of town. From the festival’s official selection, which presents the best productions of the moment, and the “Tour du Monde” selection of foreign films, you’ll discover very different world throughout the various darkened rooms.
During the Film Festival, the well-known actors and directors of the films present their feature films and short films. If you attend the sneak previews, you’re likely to spot them onstage…

Informations on festivaldufilmdesarlat.com

 

 

Truffle Fair in Cuzance

 9th december 

 

Cuzance hosts the Truffle Fair of Périgord every second Saturday of December, the first truffle market of the season. This event marks the annual start of the truffle season in the Dordogne Valley.

PROGRAM

Throughout the day, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

9:00 AM Truffle inspection

9:30 AM Ceremony of the Black Diamond Brotherhood

10:30 AM Official opening of the truffle market

12:30 PM Gastronomic meal featuring the black diamond (by reservation) or the option of on-site dining at the fair

3:00 PM Truffle hunting in 2 truffle orchards

And throughout the day:

  • Gourmet market and on-site dining

  • Truffle hunting demonstrations

  • Carriage rides, culinary activities

  • Exhibition: "Truffles in the Martel Region

Admission : free
More information : https://www.vallee-dordogne.com/

 

The Christmas Market

From December the 6th to the 31st 

 

For three weeks of magic in Sarlat-la-Canéda, head for Place de la Grande-Rigaudie and Place du 14 juillet, the heart of the Sarlat Christmas market. Countdown to December ! In its Christmas village, Sarlat takes on an enchanting décor! Each year, a different country is chosen as a theme. Local products, jewellery, clothing, decorative objects… 70 chalets offer great gift ideas.
And while the locals come to the market to select gifts for the holidays, they also love to gather around a glass of local wine, beer or the traditional mulled wine. If you’ve never tried it, now is your chance! And to fulfil the finest gourmets, head for the gourmet square, or Place Bistronomique, where a dozen chalets invite you to taste the gourmet products of the Périgord , but also much more!

Informations on en.sarlat-tourisme.com ou +33 (0) 5.53.31.45.45