With its Celtic influence, unique architecture and elegant resorts, the Aquitaine region and its departments have endless attractions to offer. From spectacular golf courses to famous works of art, from wine tastings to a wide variety of outdoor activities…
But let’s not forget that it has some great festivals and celebrations. Let’s see some of them.
These are some of the most famous festivals in Aquitaine, France (please note that we have tried to get the most precise dates available, however this is subject to the information provided on the relevant websites)
1. Bayonne Carnival – City Center, Avenue du Maréchal-Leclerc, February 17 and 18, 2013
This carnival is led by cute children from the nursery, who proudly parade through the streets. Full of fun and attractions for the whole family, enjoy music, face painting, workshops, colorful parades and more during the two days of carnival.
2. Carnival on Two River Banks – Garonne River, Bordeaux, March 4, 2013
Each year the Bordeaux Carnival adopts a different theme, but one thing remains the same every year: it is a great opportunity for partying, fun for families and a time to dress up. If you go with children, there are plenty of activities and parades for them, plus the carnival includes snacks, workshops and shows.
3. International Festival of Religious Music, Lourdes, March 15 to 31, 2013
It takes place in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, on Avenue Monsignuer-Théas. Groups from all over France and abroad come to perform religious and sacred classical music.
4. Agen Carnival – City Center, Re André Gide, March 31 to April 1, 2013
Welcoming spring, this is an opportunity to dress up and enjoy the street parties. It’s a family affair, so if you have kids with you, they’ll love it too. Pancake Tuesday ends when the effigy of Mr. Carnival (Monsieur Carnaval) is paraded through the streets and then burned.
5. Gastronomic Festival, Sarlat, Dordogne, May 17-18, 2012 (waiting for 2013)
-The Days of the Terroir
These are two days of pure and absolute passion for food! Sample great local produce like walnuts, truffles, pork products, and much more.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to learn how to do interesting tasks like pressing walnut oils, making jam or carving a goose. You can go home with new abilities!
There are also workshops for children, plus they can see the farm animals.
6. Biarritz Arts Festival – Avenue Edouard VII, June 2-5, 2013
Let the fun begin as artists take over the city of Biarritz! With creativity brimming throughout the city, you can enjoy jugglers, dancers, actors, musicians and much more.
7. Biarritz Ocean Festival – Avenue Edouard VII, from June 16 to 23, 2013
If you feel like it, you can swim across Biarritz as part of this festival! But other than that, there are plenty of activities during this festival. See street theatre, outdoor movies, lots of entertainment including Basque music!
8. Bordeaux Wine Festival – (dates to be confirmed) June 28, 2014 to July 1, 2014
If you are visiting Aquitaine and have a deep taste for wine, this festival should never be left out of your itinerary. Not surprisingly, the Bordeaux Wine Festival has become famous among wine lovers from France and those who come from other countries. Join 300,000 other visitors in this great celebration on the banks of the Garonne.
You need to get the tasting pass as this opens up the choice of around 400,000 different wine samples and you can even get started in the art of wine tasting, not just the old ones. "return it" tasting method!
When night falls, enjoy the magnificent fireworks.
9. Arcachon Bay Oyster Festival – June, July and August
As the name implies, this is the festival for oyster lovers or curious tourists who may be looking for an aphrodisiac.
The oysters are fabulous, and the bay has its share of charming fishing villages. At last count, we estimate that there are over 50 miles of pristine beaches in this area.
This famous export is celebrated from June to August. Feast on this healthy and delicious seafood, meet the oyster farmers and, when the tide allows it, visit the oyster beds.
10. The 7th Sanguinet Jazz Festival – July 25-28, 2013
Famous festival held in Sanguinet, it presents a spectacular concert of jazz musicians from different parts of the world. It usually occurs during the last week of July and features different types of jazz music, including African jazz, swing, and blues.
11. Bergerac Summer Music Festival: dates pending (normally end of July to mid-August)
A great and beautiful musical event, as visitors can enjoy music in the castles, country houses and abbeys in this area. With concerts and performances from a variety of musical genres such as rock, classical, jazz and funk, it has become one of the most important music festivals in Europe.
