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 1 - 9
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
Nuits Romanes
2 July – 27 August
Throughout the summer, the Romanesque churches, abbeys and châteaux of the Poitou-Charentes become atmospheric venues for a series of cultural events including instrumental and choral concerts, dance, theatre and even circus acts.This year’s opening performance is at Saint-Hilaire church in Melle in the Deux-Sèvres. It begins at 9pm and stars the Orchestra Ars Nova along with pupils from the National Circus School at Châtellerault. http://nuitsromanes.poitou-charentes.fr
Festival des Arts de Rues
Bouille-Saint-Paul
July 2 & 3
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 Ludique International
Parthenay, July 6-17
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 9-15
Singers, dancers and instrumentalists – all children – from around the world will stage concerts across the week. There will also be stands, exhibits and street events of interest to children and adults. There is a fireworks display on the 13th. www.rife.asso.fr
Festival Artout Arts
Thouars, July 12-16
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 18-23
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 31
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 25-30
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
VIENNE FESTIVALS
Festival Latino
La Roche-Posay, June 17-19
Three days of the latin beat with concerts and plenty of opportunities to dance! www.larocheposay.com/
Nuits Romanes
2 July – 27 August
Throughout the summer, the Romanesque churches, abbeys and châteaux of the Poitou-Charentes become atmospheric venues for a series of cultural events including instrumental and choral concerts, dance, theatre and even circus acts.This year’s opening performance is at Saint-Hilaire church in Melle in the Deux-Sèvres. It begins at 9pm and stars the Orchestra Ars Nova along with pupils from the National Circus School at Châtellerault. http://nuitsromanes.poitou-charentes.fr
Summer evenings at Normandoux
La Carrière, Normandoux, July 11 - August 26
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 1 to August 26, throughout La Vienne.
This ‘itinerant’ music festival features a very broad range of modern (ie non-classical) concerts. Check local listings or visit www.facebook.com/lesheuresvagabondes.
Medieval festival
Angles sur Anglin, July 16-17
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 15 - 17
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
Au Fils du Son
Civray, July 29 & 30
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.lachmiseverte.com/civray
Festival des Claviers en Poitou
Bonneuil-Matours, throughout the year.
Held in the lovely Château de Crémault on the banks of the river Vienne, this music festival, now in its 12th year, features classical music by a number of different composers. For more information...
Festival du livre
Angles sur Anglin, August 13-15
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 2011
FESTIVALS IN THE CHARENTE & CHARENTE-MARITIME