Autumn & winter events in Dordogne Valley
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.
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
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
