Events in our area

In order to give you, our guests, an idea of 'What's Going On', in the area around Valmar, we have put together a list of upcoming events, such as musical, cultural, art, exhibitions, sporting events and others.

Check back here regularly to see new additions and to see if there's anything you fancy.

For Art lovers

There are more than a dozen art exhibitions to visit in the area that are being held throughout the summer months.

An example of one is at:

The Museum Albert Marzelles - 15 rue Abel Boyé 47200 Marmande.

Between 12th October 2007 and 30th August 2008.

A presentation of the collection of portraits of the Museums drawings, paintings and photographs of the XIXth and XXth century.

To see details of other art exhibitions click here The text is in french, but you can easily translate it by copying it and pasting it here

1st January to 31st December 08

Art of a more contemporary style can be seen at the Workshop of Corinne Vilcaz , which is situated at Chemin de Massanès, in Villeneuve-sur-lot. An impressionist, working with oils and watercolours, his favoured subjects are flowers, fruits, marine and the city of Venice.

His workshop is open to the public every weekday from 3pm to 7pm except Thursday and weekends are by appointment.

1st June 08

On Sunday 1st June 2008 The World famous American basketball team, The Harlem Globe-Trotters appear at the 'Centre Omnisport', which is situated at Temple-sur-lot and less than ten minutes drive from 'Valmar'. For further details click here

13th and 14th June 08

"Le Festival de la Chanson Poétique du Vieux Pujols"

A festival of song, set in the medieval village of Pujols, a fifteen minute drive from your holiday accommodation.

Talented Pierre Delorme, accompanied by his friend, the virtuoso Thierry Réocreux, form the group Poemelodies They will be leading 12 artists performing their version of "poetic song" over the course of the two days.

A very pretty setting in a village known as one of "Les plus beaux villages de France".

20th June 08

From 10pm onwards, in the 'Rue de La Ville' in Fumel Town Centre, enjoy another live performance of 'The music and songs of Villeneuvois'. Songs of ploughing and harvest and french traditions. A festive atmosphere - The Real France !

20th June to 14th September 08

At the Musée de Gajac at Villeneuve-sur-lot

Universally known contemporary artist, Claude Viallat exhibits a selection of his work.

28th June 08

Jean-Claude Dupoux, an Agen-native guitarist, plays at 'La Tannerie', 20 Rue Cajarc, in Agen.

With a Traditional background, Jean-Claude plays with a variety of techniques right up to current pop.

'La Tannerie' is a well known haunt in Agen for live entertainment and regularly receives artists performing "Jazz", "Blues", "Swing", "Song" and "Classical music". Visit their website for up-to-date details.

14th July 08

National Day of July 14th is celebrated across France. If you're lucky enough to be in France on this day, you can expect to experience great festivities wherever you are. Villeneuve-sur-lot is of course no exception and celebrations take place in the town centre throughout the evening. Song and dance, provided by live entertainers and food and drink, will be the order, with local and often international musicians performing on both banks of the river Lot. Another opportunity for you to join in the fun, the french way. The festivities culminate in a pyrotechnic bonanza, lighting up the night sky.

Every Sunday throughout June, July & August 08

Jardin des Nénuphars - the world famous waterlillies nursery

Visit the 'Jardin des Nénuphars', the National water lillies nusery and gardens at Le Temple-sur-Lot, a ten minute drive from Valmar and from 9pm each Sunday, you can enjoy a concert of jazz, rock, classical or other music.

Whilst at Valmar telephone 00 33 (0)5 53 01 33 66 to find out what's on the following Sunday.

July and August 08

AgenMmusic Festival

Agen welcomes the summer with a two-month outdoor music festival, taking place every Tuesday night in July and every Tuesday and Friday night in August (from 9pm onwards), at the 'Place de la Mairie'. With concerts from jazz and folk to French chanson and brass bands, this free, open-air celebration, has something for everyone. Full details of the programme are posted on the Office de Tourisme website as soon as they become available.

Spectacle de la Bastide de Monflanquin

Evening fête at Monflanquin

Each Tuesday throughout July and August, commencing 8th July, there is the "Spectacle de la Bastide de Monflanquin".

Evening festivities in Monflanquin, another Bastide village designated as one of "Les plus beaux villages de France" and accompanied by "Janouille la Fripouille", a local folklore character, dressed in a medieval 'jester' type costume.

"Janouille la Fripouille" is also the character that will take you on a 'poetic and humourous' guided tour of the sights of Monflanquin by day and tells stories of its fascinating and animated history.

26th July 08

La fete medieval a Monflanquin

Fête médiévale à Gavaudun

Set against the back-drop of the fortified XIIIth century Chateau de Gavaudun the 'Fête Médiévale à Gavaudun', brings you a day of medieval celebration. As well as displays throughout the day, there will be exhibitors of crafts, arts and old trades: a shoeing marshall, a basket maker, jewellers, a stone mason, a pottery maker and others, either selling their products or conducting demonstrations of their know-how. The streets of the village turn medieval, with blazons, flags, animals and even a tavern turns back the ages.

The castle and its imposing keep are open to visitors and entry is free. In the evening a convivial and animated meal (book tickets in advance for reservation) takes place in the centre of of the village, followed by a concert of medieval music and a spectacle of fire.

26th July 08

Prune-pit spitters Festival (Yes you did read that correctly !)

The Lot et Garonne is renowned for its fruit produce and it's prunes in particular. So don't be surprised to hear that there is actually an annual event that takes place in the nearest small town to your holiday accommodation - Sainte-Livrade-sur-lot.

Each year the 6,000 + inhabitants of the town, gather together to compete in the art of spitting prune stones. Around 100 participants take part and there are separate competitions for adults and children.

So if you don't fancy projecting the stones of these delicious fruit yourself, why not turn up to watch anyway. As always the event is turned into a joyous festival. (And it's only a 5 minute drive from Valmar Gite).

2nd and 3rd of August 08

Street Festival at Miramont-de-Guyenne

Le festival des Arts de la Rue Miramont

The first weekend of August plays host to a festival, celebrating street performance and art at Miramont-de-Guyenne.

This annual event, now in it's 14th year, takes place in the centre of town, where performers entertain throughout the weekend, with colourful displays of song, dance, theatre and music. A great weekend for all ages.

September 2008

The origins of the prune

Once every two years, traders, craftsmen, restaurateurs and, above all, the producers get together to celebrate Agen's prune harvest.

There are events every afternoon and evening around Agen, throughout the festival, with plenty of opportunities for the general public to taste the many ways in which the prunes are worked into delicious dishes. Pork and prunes, prunes stuffed in their skin, prune liqueurs and much more are laid out for you to enjoy. Every self-respecting gourmand knows that the prunes from Agen are the finest money can buy.

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