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 great festivals and celebrations. Let’s take a look at some of them.
These are some of the most famous festivals in Aquitaine, France (please note that we have tried to get the most accurate dates available, however this is subject to the information provided on the relevant websites)
1. Bayonne Carnival – City Center, Avenue du Mar & eacute; chal-Leclerc, February 17-18, 2013
This carnival is led by cute kindergarten children, who parade proudly 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 the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux, March 4, 2013
Each year Bordeaux Carnival has a different theme, but one thing remains the same each year: it’s a great opportunity to party, fun for families, and a time to dress up. If you have children with you, there are many activities and parades for them, plus the carnival includes aperitifs, workshops and shows.
3. International Festival of Religious Music, Lourdes, from March 15 to 31, 2013
This takes place in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, on Avenida Monsignuer-Th & eacute; ace. Groups from all over France and abroad come to perform religious and sacred classical music.
4. Agen Carnival – City Center, Re Andr & eacute; Gide, March 31-April 1, 2013
Welcoming spring, this is an opportunity to dress up and enjoy the festivities on the streets. It’s a family affair, so if you have kids with you, they will 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 (pending 2013)
-The days of the terroir
These are two days of pure and absolute gastronomy! Taste great local produce like nuts, truffles, pork products, and much more.
It is also a perfect opportunity to learn to do interesting tasks like pressing walnut oils, making jam or carving a goose. You can come home with new skills!
There are also workshops for children, they can also 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 oozing throughout the city, you can enjoy jugglers, dancers, actors, musicians and much more.
7. Biarritz Ocean Festival – Avenue Edouard VII, June 16-23, 2013
If you feel like it, you can swim across Biarritz as part of this festival! But other than that, there are a lot of activities during this festival. Check out the street theater, 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 sense of taste for wines, this festival should never be off your itinerary. Not surprisingly, the Bordeaux Wine Festival has become famous among French wine lovers and those from other countries. Join 300,000 other visitors for this grand celebration on the banks of the Garonne.
You must get the pass for the tasting as this opens up the possibility to choose from around 400,000 different wine samples and you can even get started in the art of wine tasting, not just the old ones. "hit it back" tasting method!
When night falls, enjoy the absolutely magnificent fireworks.
9. Arcachon Bay Oyster Festival: June, July and August
As the name suggests, 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 fair 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 permits, visit the oyster beds.
10. The 7th Sanguinet Jazz Festival – July 25-28, 2013
A famous festival held in Sanguinet, it presents a spectacular concert of jazz musicians from different parts of the world. It typically 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 (usually July to mid-August)
A great and beautiful musical event, as visitors can enjoy music in castles, country houses and abbeys in this area. With concerts and performances in a variety of music genres such as rock, classical, jazz and funk, it has become one of the most important music festivals in Europe.
