Winter events in Dordogne Valley
Beynat Chestnut Festival
17–18 October 2026 – Beynat
The 34th Beynat Chestnut Festival celebrates one of Corrèze's most iconic local products. The programme includes nature and heritage walks on Saturday, followed by a large fair on Sunday featuring chestnut growers, a craft market, demonstrations of traditional trades, live music, entertainment, performances and tastings. A friendly and festive event showcasing local traditions and regional craftsmanship.
- Admission: Free. Guided walks: €2; charity run: €5; Sunday meal: €36 (booking required).
- Contact: +33 (0)5 55 85 97 82
- More information: Beynat Chestnut Festival
Halloween at Pompadour Castle
30–31 October 2026 – Arnac-Pompadour
Pompadour Castle transforms into a terrifying steampunk world for two unforgettable evenings. This year's event features a spectacular video mapping projection onto the castle façade, followed by a spine-chilling walk through the park and gardens. A DJ, disco, food trucks and various activities complete this immersive experience. The event is not suitable for children under 12.
- Admission: €19 per person.
- Opening hours: 8 pm to 10:45 pm, with departures every 15 minutes.
- Contact: +33 (0)5 55 98 99 27 — contact@chateau-pompadour.fr
- More information: Halloween at Pompadour Castle
Brive Book Fair
6–8 November 2026 – Brive-la-Gaillarde
One of France's major literary events of the autumn season, the 44th Brive Book Fair brings together more than 500 authors and nearly 80,000 visitors. Over three days, writers, readers and publishing professionals gather for book signings, literary discussions, conferences, public readings and events celebrating fiction, non-fiction, children's literature and comics. This year's edition is chaired by Dominique Bona.
- Admission: Free. Some performances and screenings may require a ticket.
- Contact: foiredulivre@brive.fr
- More information: Brive Book Fair
Brive Foie Gras and Poultry Fairs
21 November 2026 – 6 March 2027 – Brive-la-Gaillarde
A highlight of the local gastronomic calendar, the traditional Brive Foie Gras and Poultry Fairs celebrate the finest products of Corrèze's culinary heritage. Under the covered Georges Brassens Market Hall, around 30 producers offer foie gras, ducks, geese, capons and truffles. Award-winning competitions, tastings and opportunities to meet local farmers are among the highlights of the six fairs held throughout the season.
Dates: 21 November, 5 and 19 December 2026, followed by 9 January, 6 February and 6 March 2027.
- Admission: Free access to the market; products available for purchase. No admission fee has been announced.
- Contact: +33 (0)5 55 18 16 50 / +33 (0)5 55 24 08 80
- More information: Brive Foie Gras and Poultry Fairs
Meyssac Christmas Market
5–6 December 2026 – Meyssac
The medieval village of Meyssac hosts the 31st edition of its traditional Christmas market. More than 50 artisans and local producers fill the village streets and squares with a magical festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy Christmas stalls, living tableaux, live music, children's storytelling, a traditional wooden merry-go-round, Santa's house and tastings of festive specialities. A giant Yule log cake will also be served on Saturday evening.
- Admission: Free entry and entertainment.
- Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm, extended until 9 pm on Saturday.
- Contact: +33 (0)5 55 25 41 19 — asam19@free.fr
- More information: Meyssac Christmas Market
Hivernale des Millevaches – Winter Motorcycle Rally
11–13 December 2026 – Millevaches Plateau
Every year, the Hivernale des Millevaches brings together motorcycle enthusiasts for a unique adventure in the heart of the Corrèze winter. Organised by the Moto-club Meymacois, the 17th edition promises three days of camaraderie, winter camping and gatherings around campfires in a lively and authentic atmosphere. Nearly 2,000 motorcyclists attended the previous edition.
- Admission: Reserved for motorised two- and three-wheel vehicles with a valid event pass. Paid online registration is required; prices should be confirmed with the organiser. Free for children under 12 and certain previous participants.
- Contact: staff@mc19meymac.com
- More information: Hivernale des Millevaches
Meymac Christmas Market
12–13 December 2026 – Meymac
In the heart of Meymac's historic centre, the traditional Christmas market brings together around 50 artisans and local producers near the church and the covered market hall. Over two days, visitors can discover traditional skills, regional specialities and handcrafted creations against the backdrop of the town's remarkable architectural heritage. Free entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus make this a wonderful festive outing for the whole family.
- Admission: Free entertainment; food, drinks and purchases charged separately.
- Opening hours: Saturday from 2:30 pm to 8 pm; Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
- Contact: +33 (0)5 19 60 00 30 — evenements@otc-haute-correze.fr
- More information: Meymac Christmas Market
Les Allumés de Saint-Robert – Festival of Lights
5–6 February 2027 – Saint-Robert
The village of Saint-Robert lights up for the sixth edition of Les Allumés, a creative and community-led festival of lights. Around 30 light installations designed by artists, associations, schools and local residents illuminate the village's historic buildings and streets. From 7:15 pm, visitors are invited to wander through the picturesque lanes, discovering illuminated artworks, parades and light-themed entertainment along the way.
- Admission: Free.
- Opening hours: From 7:15 pm.
- Contact: +33 (0)5 55 84 95 66 — pah@vezereardoise.fr
- More information: Les Allumés de Saint-Robert
Malemort Carnival
10–14 February 2027 – Malemort
Malemort Carnival returns for several days of colour, music and celebrations. One of Corrèze's most popular traditional events, it is particularly famous for its spectacular parade of flower-covered floats, created by nearly 200 volunteers using around 200,000 crepe-paper flowers. Brass bands, traditional festival bands, majorettes, entertainment and a funfair bring the festivities to life. The grand parade takes place on Sunday 14 February.
- Admission: Prices for the 2027 edition have not yet been announced. Please check with the festival committee.
- Contact: +33 (0)5 55 24 08 80 — cdfdemalemortsurcorreze@gmail.com
- More information: Malemort Carnival
