Autumn & winter events in Dordogne Valley
Halloween at Château de Pompadour
31st october - 1st november
The 2025 edition promises to be truly spectacular! Discover a brand-new mapping projection and a spine-chilling walk-through experience featuring nearly 150 performers bringing sinister sets, terrifying costumes, and macabre tales to life. A food area and a wild disco will complete this unforgettable event, open to the boldest visitors over two thrilling nights!
Please note: limited tickets available.
2025 Theme: The Marquise’s Curse
Not suitable for children under 12.
Departures every 15 minutes.
Advance tickets available online or at the château’s reception from October 1. No booking without payment.
Information: +33 (0)5 55 98 99 27 – contact@chateau-pompadour.fr
To celebrate Halloween, Château de Pompadour opens its doors for two terrifying nights! Enjoy a video mapping show projected onto the château’s façade, followed by a horrifying walk through the park and gardens.
A disco and food trucks await you inside the château grounds, while the castle square hosts rides and a shooting gallery.
DATES:
• October 31, 2025 – 8:00 p.m.
• November 1, 2025 – 8:00 p.m.
TICKET PRICE:
Single rate: €19
FESTIVAL DU FILM DE SARLAT
From 4th to 8th november
Every year in mid-November, film enthusiasts gather at the Sarlat Film Festival. The programme includes five days during which the town of Sarlat celebrates the art of cinema.
Infos & programme (à venir)
Book Fair Brive
November 7, 8 & 9, 2025
Held under the Georges-Brassens Hall for general literature and at the Trois Provinces venue for comics and children’s literature, the Brive Book Fair welcomes nearly 80,000 visitors and over 400 authors over three days. The event features the writers of the literary season and offers a rich program of meetings, forums, and readings just days before the announcement of the major autumn literary prizes.
A dozen guests, invited by Le Monde’s senior reporter, will explore literature, essays, and investigative writing in resonance with journalistic work.
Main venues of the Book Fair:
• Georges Brassens Hall: Book signings and conferences, general literature. Free entry, no booking required.
• Espace des Trois Provinces: Book signings, talks, and activities dedicated to children’s literature and comics. Free entry, no booking required.
• Professor Jean-Paul Escande Area: Comic book conferences and exhibitions.
• Maison des Trois Provinces: Free workshops for children and comic creation (no registration required).
• City center: Literary events, poetry sessions, and screenings take place across multiple venues — the Municipal Theatre, the Ouvroir, the Francis Poulenc Auditorium, the Rex Cinema, the Media Library, the Labenche Museum, the Courthouse, and the Brive Hospital.
Book Fair Events:
• Three shows scheduled at the Brive Theatre (paid, booking required):
- Tuesday, November 4 at 8 p.m. – Music-Hall Colette by Cléo Sénia, Léna Bréban, and Alexandre Zambeaux. A cabaret show brimming with joy and freedom!
- Saturday, November 8 at 9 p.m. – Bedside Readings with Denis Podalydès and pianist Jodyline Gallavardin.
- Sunday, November 9 at 8 p.m. – Je suis là mais je ne suis pas là! by Pierre Richard and Christophe Duthuron. A moving, humorous and intimate performance filled with anecdotes, impressions, and heartfelt moments.
Tickets available at the L’Empreinte stand (Georges Brassens Hall – S4) during the three days. 05 55 22 15 22 / sn-lempreinte.fr
Free admission.
Allowed items: up to three personal books, bottle or flask under 1L, stroller, camera, water mist sprayer, and small backpack (30L max).
Contacts:
foiredulivre@brive.fr www.foiredulivredebrive.net , facebook.com/foirelivrebrive
Opening Hours:
• Friday, November 7: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, November 8: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday, November 9: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Brive-la-Gaillarde Fat Fairs
Brive-la-Gaillarde truly knows how to celebrate the art of good living. The Foires Grasses take place from November to March under the Georges Brassens Market Hall, showcasing ducks, capons, foie gras, and truffles.
A panel of experts and professionals rewards the best whole fattened ducks and geese, fresh foie gras, and capons.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet local producers, take part in tastings, and come home with delicious festive recipes. During the historic Foire des Rois, which dates back to 1796, visitors can have their foie gras canned for free and enjoy a giant galette des rois.
If you’re not much of a cook, no worries! During the Foires Grasses in Brive, you can also take home jars and preserves of duck confit, stuffed goose necks, foie gras, and even order your poultry for upcoming family gatherings.
Calendar of the Brive-la-Gaillarde Fat Fairs 2025–2026, under the Georges Brassens Market Hall:
• November 22, 2025: Opening Fat Fair
• December 6, 2025: Awarded Fair – Geese and Ducks (whole birds and foie gras)
• December 20, 2025: Fat Fair with a capon competition
• January 10, 2026: Foire des Rois with free canning and truffle competition
• February 7, 2026: Awarded Fair – Geese and Ducks (whole birds and foie gras)
• March 7, 2026: Closing Fat Fair
Information:
Tel: +33 (0)5 55 18 16 50 or +33 (0)5 55 24 08 80
www.brive.fr
www.facebook.com/ville2brive
The Foires Grasses take place in the heart of Brive-la-Gaillarde, under the Georges Brassens Market Hall.
A quality charter guarantees full product traceability, traditional corn-grain feeding, and other strict requirements. It was established by the City of Brive, together with the Chambers of Agriculture of Corrèze, Lot, and Dordogne, the veterinary departments, and producers’ unions.
MARCHÉ DE NOEL DE SARLAT
From 3rd to 31st december
Sarlat offers you the chance to experience a unique and incredible Christmas market in the heart of the Périgord Noir region.
Alongside traditional Christmas markets, Sarlat wants to offer its residents and visitors a lively and exotic getaway around its chalets. Every year, we take you to a new destination: Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico have been among the Christmas market's most popular destinations!
This year, we're heading for the overseas territories!
FESTIVAL OF LANTERNS / CASTEL NOVEL
December 5, 2025 to February 15, 2026
The Château de Castel Novel in Varetz invites you to experience La Féérie des Lanternes — a luminous, enchanting journey to enjoy with family or friends.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this major winter event transforms the castle’s park into a magical wonderland.
A magical open-air show
As night falls, thousands of illuminated sculptures light up an 11-hectare trail filled with fantastic settings, imaginary creatures, and interactive installations. Step into an extraordinary universe where giant colorful mushrooms spring from the ground, towering clocks spin out of control, giant playing cards whirl through the air, and curious creatures watch you from the shadows.
Here, time seems to stand still, as if you had fallen down a secret rabbit hole leading to another world.
Handcrafted and draped in over 5,000 meters of silk, illuminated by more than a million LEDs, these glowing works of art immerse visitors in a dreamlike world where imagination becomes reality.
A sensory and enchanting experience
Throughout the walk, soundscapes, lights, and animations heighten the sense of wonder. Costumed characters, artists, and performers bring the trail to life. Each evening, an open-air stage welcomes actors and circus artists whose performances animate the domain. The visit ends in dazzling fashion with a spectacular laser show lighting up the sky.
Christmas market and festive treats
Extend the magic at a charming Christmas market, where crafts, gift ideas, and gourmet stalls await in a warm and festive atmosphere. A perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying the sparkling ambiance of the park.
Tickets are available online on the official website. Book early to get the best rates!
https://billetterie.festik.net/castel-novel/
· Adults: €17 online (dated) / €18 online (open date) / €20 on site
· Children (5–12 years): €11 online (dated) / €12 online (open date) / €13 on site
· Groups (15 people or more): €16 online (dated)
· Visitors with disabilities (+1 companion): €11, open-date ticket
Practical Information
- Dates: December 5, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Opening hours:
- Daily during school holidays
- Thursday to Saturday (outside holidays): 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Château de Castel Novel, 19240 Varetz
- Free parking on site
- Food and refreshments available
More info: lanternes-festival.com
Meyssac Christmas Market
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025
Once again, a charming village of wooden chalets will take over the heart of Meyssac. The medieval squares and narrow streets surrounding the 18th-century market hall will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
A kaleidoscope of colors, the scent of cinnamon mulled wine blending with freshly cut fir trees, countless activities for young and old alike — from wooden carousels and children’s games to Santa visits and storytelling — create a festive atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and the mouthwatering aromas of holiday treats. With its incredible variety of stalls and delicacies, this traditional market is a true paradise and an unmissable destination for the holiday season.
Highlights include:
• Living tableaux – A unique and poetic performance under the 18th-century Halle aux Grains, in partnership with the Association de Mise en Valeur du Patrimoine de Bridiers
• Christmas chalets and artisans – Over 50 carefully selected exhibitors offering original gifts, decorations, and gourmet delights to enjoy before and during the holidays
• On-site dining – Crêpes, cinnamon mulled wine, soups, pretzels, traditional waffles, oysters, Christmas breads, and spiced hot apple juice
• Giant Christmas Yule Log – Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in front of Meyssac Church
• Live music and entertainment
• Christmas games and workshops
• Santa Claus meet & greet
• Wooden carousel on Place du Jet d’Eau
• Nativity scene exhibition featuring crèches from around the world inside the church
Warm hospitality, enchanting decorations, a wide range of exhibitors, and a joyful ambiance make this Christmas market truly one of a kind.
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a special evening opening on Saturday until 8:00 p.m.
Free entry and free entertainment.
Information:
+33 (0)5 55 25 41 19 - facebook.com/Marché-de-Noël-de-Meyssac
FETE DE LA TRUFFE
17th & 18th january 2026
The unmissable event in Sarlat! Every year in mid-January, the Groupement des Producteurs de Truffes du Périgord Noir (Périgord Noir Truffle Producers' Association), the Tourist Office and the town of Sarlat celebrate the Périgord black truffle, much to the delight of our taste buds! Truffle hunting demonstrations, cooking classes and tastings of Croustou, the famous tapas made with foie gras and truffles, are all on the agenda for this festive weekend.
FÉVRIER GOURMAND
From 7th february to 9th march 2026
Discover the gastronomic and heritage treasures of the Périgord Noir with the ‘Février Gourmand’ event!
Castles, gardens, chasms and prehistoric sites are transformed into veritable temples of gourmet delights. Enjoy cooking workshops, tastings, interactive tours and activities for young and old alike. From medieval cuisine to sweet treats, each site offers a unique experience, combining local flavours and historical discoveries.
An invitation to explore heritage in a different way, for a winter that is as rich as it is tasty!
FESTIVAL OF LANTERNS / CASTEL NOVEL
A secret passage into a world of light and fantasy…
This winter, Northern Europe’s most spectacular and grandiose festival comes to Castel Novel Castle, opening the gates to a parallel world where the strange becomes wonderful and imagination comes to life before your eyes.
From December 5, 2025 to February 15, 2026, the Château de Castel Novel in Varetz invites you to experience La Féérie des Lanternes — a luminous, enchanting journey to enjoy with family or friends.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this major winter event transforms the castle’s park into a magical wonderland.
A magical open-air show
As night falls, thousands of illuminated sculptures light up an 11-hectare trail filled with fantastic settings, imaginary creatures, and interactive installations. Step into an extraordinary universe where giant colorful mushrooms spring from the ground, towering clocks spin out of control, giant playing cards whirl through the air, and curious creatures watch you from the shadows.
Here, time seems to stand still, as if you had fallen down a secret rabbit hole leading to another world.
Handcrafted and draped in over 5,000 meters of silk, illuminated by more than a million LEDs, these glowing works of art immerse visitors in a dreamlike world where imagination becomes reality.
A sensory and enchanting experience
Throughout the walk, soundscapes, lights, and animations heighten the sense of wonder. Costumed characters, artists, and performers bring the trail to life. Each evening, an open-air stage welcomes actors and circus artists whose performances animate the domain. The visit ends in dazzling fashion with a spectacular laser show lighting up the sky.
Christmas market and festive treats
Extend the magic at a charming Christmas market, where crafts, gift ideas, and gourmet stalls await in a warm and festive atmosphere. A perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying the sparkling ambiance of the park.
Tickets are available online on the official website. Book early to get the best rates!
https://billetterie.festik.net/castel-novel/
· Adults: €17 online (dated) / €18 online (open date) / €20 on site
· Children (5–12 years): €11 online (dated) / €12 online (open date) / €13 on site
· Groups (15 people or more): €16 online (dated)
· Visitors with disabilities (+1 companion): €11, open-date ticket
Practical Information :
- Dates: December 5, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Opening hours:
- Daily during school holidays
- Thursday to Saturday (outside holidays): 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Château de Castel Novel, 19240 Varetz
- Free parking on site
- Food and refreshments available
- More info: lanternes-festival.com
