Main events

The annual Dordogne Valley calendar is packed full of unmissable shows, music and fun. Village fetes and impressive fireworks run though summer and festivals, concerts and shows can be caught all year round even in winter with the magical Sarlat Christmas market attracting 100,000 visitors a year.

 

THE SOUILLAC JAZZ FESTIVAL

A week-long celebration to the rhythms of jazz, this annual festival held every third week in July sees the town of Souillac-sur-Dordogne taken over by street bands, with the sound of jazz never far away. The festival has been staging big names in the French and International jazz scene for over 40 years including Art Blakely, Memphis Slim, Archie Shepp and Avishai Cohen to name but a few…. On concert nights in the central square of Souillac (Place Pierre Betz), the outdoor stage, constructed in front of the 12th century medieval abbey, is what makes this festival special. Jazz aficionados can get up close to the performers as the dark blue summer sky turns to night and the jazz crescendos under a now starry sky. Lovely acoustics resonate in the medieval abbey square and make for a fabulous outdoor concert in an exceptional setting. www.souillacenjazz.fr

 

THE ROCAMADOUR CLASSICAL SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL

Over 5,000 concert goers are drawn to this yearly August event with the lure of world-class performances. Leading artists of the European and International classical world perform in the Basilique Saint-Sauveur where the exceptional acoustics enhance the sublime music in this UNESCO World Heritage basilica. Over 15 major concerts and related events encompass organ recitals, choral concerts, soloists, Gregorian chants, chamber music, quintets and orchestral concerts. A number of other performances and associated events take place in small churches, castles and exceptional outdoor locations across the Dordogne Valley during this three week festival. www.rocamadourfestival.com

 

 

HIP FESTIVALS

  • The Brive Festival, happening every July, sees thousands of musicgoers congregating in the centre of Brive where a gigantic sandy beach is created in front of the stage.

Spread over four days it is one of the major urban festivals in the area bringing the summer vibe, modern tunes and throngs of music lovers into the heart of the town. www.brivefestival.com

  • Also in July, the fields around the tiny village of Gignac turn into a giant party with up to 30,000 festival goers joining in the fun of this eco-conscious festival. The Offspring, Jimmy Cliff, Franz Ferdinand and Iggy Pop have all performed at the Ecaussystème Festival.

www.ecaussysteme.com

 

THE CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL DE LA VÉZÈRE

The classical music festival of Vézère is based in the majestic grounds of the Château de Saillant. Running for over 38 years this festival, in and around Vézère, features a multitude of classical music concerts from a trio or quartet, to a symphony and even opera.

www.festival-vezere.com/en

 

POMPADOUR – HORSE RACING AND EVENTS

From February to October, horse riding events of all types are dotted throughout the calendar in the equestrian village of Pompadour. Ranging from competitions in dressage, show jumping, or cross-country a highlight is race days with horse racing throughout the weekends of July and August.

www.terresdecorreze.com

 

NUITS DE L’IMAGINAIRE

In summer, fireworks are a feature of village fetes all over the Dordogne Valley. The celebration of Bastille Day on the 14th July in Terrasson has made this town famous for its fireworks display. Drawing thousands of people to it each year, it’s more than a night of pyrotechnics. It’s also a 3D sound and light show, where sophisticated high tech lighting is accompanied by beautiful fireworks exploding over the magnificent backdrop of the old bridge and ancient city. A video projection on the face of Saint Sour church can be viewed each evening from mid-July to mid-August. www.ville-terrasson.com

 

TWO DAYS OF GOURMET HEAVEN

One of the biggest events of the year happens in May when the city of Sarlat hosts two days of delectable gourmet excess. Meeting local producers, foodies can indulge in any number of delights including pork, Neuvic caviar, wild mushrooms and fine local wines. www.en.sarlat-tourisme.com