August 2010 (Date to be fixed)
For two days, the Bastide town of Monflanquin's tiny population of 800 inhabitants swells to around 20,000 as the walled medieval city hosts an atmospheric festival, Les Journées Médiévales, in celebration of its glory days in the Middle Ages.
Enjoy a pint in the "medieval" tavern, join in the street parties, watch films evoking medieval times and some spectacular falconry, jousting and fireworks. Great fun for all the family.
Spectacle de la Bastide de Monflanquin
Each Tuesday throughout July and August, there is the "Spectacle de la Bastide de Monflanquin", commencing around 9pm
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.
Sat 5th & Sun 6th July
A medieval weekend at the Chateau de Bonaguil. Join in the party atmosphere and enjoy activities ranging from Medieval cookery, music, jousting, lots of exhibitions and more. Great fun for the whole family.
July 2010
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).
17th July 09
'Primero la Gente' - A rock - Reggae -Ska group, performing at 'Place de l'Hotel de Ville' in the small village of Laroque Timbaut in the Lot et Garonne. A rhythmic sound, explosive brass section, shake it all to the ska sauce. Reggae or rock is a spicy dish that is eaten at will ! Live music from 10pm onwards - entry is free.
26th June 09
Reggae concert at 'La Tannerie' bar, Agen, Lot et Garonne. Influenced by soul, funk or rock, 'Highlights' is composed of five local musicians who draw their inspiration from the roots of reggae of the 70s.
With a taste for composition, the group currently has fifteen original titles delivering a simple message of love and unity!
20th June 09
Fête de la musique. Music festival at Avenue Michel Ricard (Le Passage d'Agen) in the town of Agen. Free entry to this festival of music, which shows off local musicians and amateur groups.
1st May to 7th June 09
Exhibition of Photography at the Musée de Gajac at 'La Rue des Jardins', Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Lot et Garonne. The exhibition runs from 1st May to 7th June. The Museum occupies the site of a majestic old mill located on the banks of the river in the heart of Villeneuve-sur-Lot. It houses an important collection of art and this exhibition of photography is one of numerous exhibitions held at the museum throughout the year.
10TH May 09
The Orchestre de chambre de l'Ecole de Musique de la CCV, invite you to an evening of classical music, with the enphasis on Léopold Mozart et Sergueï Rachmaninov. The concert takes place at the Chapelle des pénitents blancs, which is situated in the rue de l'écluse, Villeneuve-sur-lot, Lot et Garonne.
11th April 09
Bordeaux Big Band Jazz Ensemble. At the Espace d'Albret in Nérac, Lot et Garonne.
The musicians of Bordeaux Big Band Jazz Ensemble invite you to a concert marked by the swing of the West Coast, particularly the years 1955 to 1965.
The 17 musicians from the Big Band offer a trip back to the time of the Terry Gibbs Dream Band, Quincy Jones and the unforgettable Olover Nelson.
The concert will be followed by an authentic beef in the tradition of jazz clubs, open to all and involving musicians from the Big Band. All jazz lovers are invited to taste the joys of improvisation during an evening which combines professional musicians and amateur enthusiasts.
13th & 14th March 09
Carnaval de Tonneins, Lot et Garonne
A local parade of 1,200 musicians and singers gather in the streets, in the centre of Tonneins for a musical spectacular, with a firework finalé produced by the unique musical performers 'Les Commandos Percu".
24th February 09
After the success of "Stars of dance in France" (1999-2000) a selection of 10 star dancers from around the world and 10 members of the corps de ballet Opera Kiev, present a show, composed mostly of classical dance, dance neo-classical, but also more modern pieces like the fabulous Tango blind and the Flame in Paris, among others at the Théâtre Municipal Ducourneau at Agen, lot et garonne.
13th February 09
Flamenco por el mundo - A theatrical show of flamenco music and dance performed by 8 musicians and 2 dancers, on stage at the centre culturel at Fumel, Lot-et-Garonne
20th and 21st December 08
An exhibition of french "Chocolat Art"
You are invited to the 'Galerie des Tanneries' at Nérac, to observe the creation of chocolate masterpieces.
Demonstrations are held Saturday and Sunday with artist Pyropat. The artists will share their creative chocolate appetite.
You may consume with the eyes only !
20th December 08
At 9pm at 'La Tannerie', 20 Rue de Cajarc, Agen, Lot et Garonne.
Classical pianist Jacques Dor recites music on the theme of Christmas.
20th December 08
At 8.30pm at the Théâtre Georges-Leygues (Villeneuve Sur Lot) Sergio Piterbarg presents an original Christmas concert.
A show to enjoy for the whole family during the Christmas period.
Sergio proposes a new journey with seperate choirs of men and women.
28th November to 21st December 08
At the 'Gallerie des Tanneries' at Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne, an exhibition of a dozen artists offering a wide range of arts from: painting, sculpture, ceramics, lithography, raku, creative jewellery and more...
You may purchase original and unique pieces from the artists, superb gifts for Christmas!
Opening times: Every day 2pm-6pm
1st November 08
At Tournon d'Agenais an evening of celebration of Blues music from 8pm. Featuring the following artists GREAT JAM’S SESSION (USA/Fr/All)
with
Karl W. Davis : vocal.
R.J. Mischo : vocal, harmonica.
Nico Wayne Toussaint : vocal, harmonica.
Mister Tchang : vocal, guitar.
Nico Duportal : vocal, guitar.
Abdell ‘B’ Bop Bouyousfi : double bass.
Pascal Delmas : drums.
Chris Rannenberg : piano.
Roby ‘Super Sax’ Edwards : saxophone.
SEAN CARNEY BAND (USA) + guest
Sean Carney : vocal, guitar.
Bill Stuve : bass.
Eric Blume : drums.
9th October 08 to 5th January 09
François Sternicha is a painter, sculptor and also specialises in black and white photography and mixed media. when he combines all his talents he prepares magnificent 'mounted pieces' of great originality. Exhibiting at 'La Tannerie', Rue de Cajarc, Agen.
1st September 08 to 30th June 09
Every Monday through to Thursday at 23 Rue Etienne Marcel in the centre of Villeneuve-sur-lot, be entertained by American tap dance and body rhythm (percussion equipment).
1st September to 31st December 08
Talented artist of great sensitivity, Martine LEBRUN exhibits at 1, Place Sainte Foy, Pujols, ( 5 mins from Villeneuve-sur-lot) - from 10am daily. An artist said to pick out the intimate authenticity of the human being and expressing his own emotions in his work.
September 2008
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.
2nd and 3rd of August 08
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.
26th July 08
