What's On

Poitou-Charentes hosts fantastic festivals throughout the year.

COVID-19 update - January 2021: this information is believed to be correct, and will be updated when we have more information, but there remains a risk of events being changed or cancelled due to the virus and associated restrictions.  Please check each event's website for updated information.  

Poitou-Charentes hosts fantastic music festivals from jazz and blues to rock and classical throughout the year.  In addition a great variety of events to suit all tastes and interests including classic car racing and boat shows, gastronomic and wine fairs, plus carnivals and open air spectaculars!  Some events take place throughout the summer, or across two or several months- they are listed below in the order in which they commence.  

Also, as you travel about, keep an eye for placards of forthcoming local events which are often only advertised a week or so beforehand.

 

 

 

July

Francofolies, la Rochelle

Francofolies takes place in various locations around the old port of La Rochelle and offers a showcase of contemporary French music. 

From 10th July, 2021 To 14th July, 2021Francofolies de la Rochelle

Rallye de Saintonge - car rally

Follow the cars in the countryside around Saintes.

2021 details are not yet available.

 

 

From 16th July, 2021 To 18th July, 2021Rallye de Saintonge

la Fete du Cognac

Organised by local cognac producers, this festival down at the old quay celebrates the famous drink of the region – down it straight or specially made cocktails and shooters. Also there for the tasting is pineau, the local aperitif, plus other specialities of the region such as oysters, snails and melons. Each night there are two concerts, one at 9pm, the other at 11pm, usually involving french artists (see http://www.lafeteducognac.fr/concerts.html).   Morcheeba has been booked to headline on the Saturday night.

From 22nd July, 2021 To 24th July, 2021la Fete du Cognac

September

Circuit des Remparts, Angoulême

First staged back in 1939, the weekend-long events sees classic cars hurtling around the ancient, twisting roads of this pretty hill-top town. The demanding course with its right-angle bends and hairpin turns, hasn’t changed since that first race and it is one of the very few motor races to take place within the walls of a town.

The weekend starts on the Friday with the ‘Concours d’Elegance’ – a beauty parade for cars with prizes to the best presented car and driver. Saturday is the day of the Charente International Rally, with some 300 cars driving around the countryside. Take a picnic and watch them pass. Race day is Sunday and best watched from one of the stands but book your ticket early as they do sell out.  Throughout the weekend there are various exhibitions.

From 17th September, 2021 To 19th September, 2021Circuit des Remparts

Grand Pavois boat fair

Europe’s largest in-water boat show with more than 100,000 visitors and 750 boats (with more than 300 in the water). The 100,000 square metre exhibition is split into several themed areas and there is also a packed programme of water-based events.

From 28th September, 2021 To 3rd October, 2021Grand Pavois

October

Grand Pavois boat fair

Europe’s largest in-water boat show with more than 100,000 visitors and 750 boats (with more than 300 in the water). The 100,000 square metre exhibition is split into several themed areas and there is also a packed programme of water-based events.

From 28th September, 2021 To 3rd October, 2021Grand Pavois