Summer Festivals in the Deux-Sèvres & Vienne
Many towns and villages all over the region get out their festive finery during the summer. These are some of the biggest events - but it's worth checking with your local tourist office as to what smaller events are happening in your local area. And also check out our regularly updated What's On guide.
DEUX-SÈVRES FESTIVALS
Festival Au Village
Brioux sur Boutonne, July 2-10
Running for more than 20 years, the village fills with a week of free shows and concerts under the big top, dance, concerts, street arts, circus performances, theatre – 25 companies do over 50 events. One of the busiest village fêtes going. http://festivalauvillage.free.fr
Festival des Arts de Rues
Bouille-Saint-Paul, July 3 & 4
Something for all the family as performers take to the streets and the stage determined to make you laugh. There’s a picnic with music on the Sunday. www.bouillez.net
Festival des Jeux
Parthenay, July 7-18
This town is famous for its games festival which sees more than 3000 games, from medieval to traditional and modern, being played by children and adults of all ages. You can watch or join in the fun, which is free. www.jeux-festival.com
Festival des enfants du monde
Saint Maixent-L’Ecole, July 10-16
Singers, dancers and instrumentalists – all children – from Armenia, Austria, Bachkortostan, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Basque lands, Spain, Peru, Russia and Brittany will stage concerts across the week. There will also be stands, exhibits and street events of interest to children and adults. The events and two concerts are free on the 13th. Don’t miss the Irish and Breton dancers on the 16th, or the after-concert fish and chips. There is a fireworks display on the 10th. www.rife.asso.fr
Festival Artout Arts
Thouars, July 13-17
A mix of music from around the world from reggae to rock. All concerts are free. www.theatre-thouars.com
Boulevard Festival du Jazz
Melle, July 22-24
Three days of concerts in theatres, cafés, churches and gardens with everything free of charge. http://www.ville-melle.fr
Fête des bateaux fleuris
Saint Maxire, July 25
The Marais Poitevin dresses up in its finery for this atmospheric and fun festival that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Daytime events include magic shows and live music. The decorated boats take to the water at 4.30pm, turning on their lights at 10pm. www.bateauxfleuris.com
De Bouche a Oreille
Parthenay, July 26-31
A long-established festival that features French and international performers. The concerts are held throughout the town in varied venues from churches to gardens. www.metive.org
Festival Lumières du Baroque
Celles-sur-Belle, August 24-29
If you love Baroque music, then this is the festival for you. Five concerts of internatunally renowned artists, performed in the beautiful abbey in the town. Composers include Bach, Telemann and Pachelbel. www.mensasonora.com/
VIENNE FESTIVALS
Festival Latino
La Roche-Posay, June 18-20
Three days of the latin beat with concerts and plenty of opportunities to dance! www.larocheposay.com/
Summer evenings at Normandoux
La Carrière, Normandoux, July 5-August 27
Once a mine and now an open-air cinema, during the summer it also becomes a venue for not just film but also live music, dance, opera and contemporary dance. http://www.lacarrieredenormandoux.com
Les Heures Vagabondes
July 10 to August 27, throughout La Vienne.
This ‘itinerant’ music festival features a very broad range of modern (ie non-classical) concerts, including jazz/funk/African duo Toure Kunda at Quinçay, July 10; all-girl singers and multi-instrumentalists Face à la Mer at Civaux on July 13; saxist Mano Dibango at Vivonne on July 16; and Murray ‘Say It Ain’t So, Joe’ Head at Couhé on July 29. Check local listings or visit www.cg86.fr
Medieval festival
Angles sur Anglin, July 13-14
Considered one of the most beautiful towns in France, this weekend the Vienne town goes back in time. Have fun with jousting tournaments, games, music and dancing. www.anglessuranglin.com
La Cléf de la Cité
Lavausseau July 16-18
Fans of chamber music will enjoy this music from the past in the beautiful surroundings of the former Chapelle de la Commanderie. http://clefdelacite.free.fr
The Magic Flute
Montmorillon, July 20-21; Civray July 25; Châtellerault July 28-29
This troupe of professional young singers at the beginning of their career will this year perform this famous Mozart opera; http:// www.figarosifigarola.com
Au Fils du Son
Civray, July 30 & 31
This seventh edition of the rock/folk/blues festival will star Sanseverino, Pony Pony Run Run and Pigalle, to name but three. Food, drink, bio stands and free camping available. Entry from €15 a day pre-sold, to €18 on the door, or €28 for both days. www.lechmiseverte.com
Festival des Claviers en Poitou
Bonneuil-Matours, July 3 - August 14
Held in the lovely Château de Crémault on the banks of the river Vienne, this music festival, now in its 11th year, features classical music by a number of different composers. For more information telephone 05 49 85 16 77 or email claviersenpoitou@gmail.com (English is spoken)
Festival du livre
Angles sur Anglin, August 14-16
More than 20,000 descend on this beautiful village to celebrate the book, with street performances, crafts, book sellers plus events for children. www.anglessuranglin.com
Updated for 2010
FESTIVALS IN THE CHARENTE & CHARENTE-MARITIME