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Festivals
In the Charente you can have fun all year long on the rhythm of numerous festivals and events. Musicians, dancers, balloonists, horsemen, comedians, gourmets… They come from various places and they fill the posters of several festivals, which shape the Charente as a real feast.
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International comic book festival
Coupe d’europe de montgolieres
During the first weekend of August, the annual four-day European Ballooning Championship takes place in Mainfonds. It is certainly an indispensable spectacle for highflyers. (www.hotairballoneuropeancup.com)
Musique métisses
During the first weekend of June, there is a wonderful three-day festival in Angouleme with world music and groups from all kind of places. They provide you with a colourful and festive atmosphere. (www.musiquemétisses.com)
Circuit des remparts
From September 18 till 20, the streets of Angouleme are transformed into a true race circuit. During a three-day festival, all kinds of races are organised on the ancient city walls with old race cars and old timers. Again, the contestants come from all kinds of places and they provide the city with a wonderful show. (www.circuit-des-remparts.com)
Blues passions
The annual music high mass in France is held during the five-day music festival Blues Passions in Cognac. From July 21 till 26, the festival holds the better blues musicians and world’s best rock, pop, dance, techno, soul, … musicians. Great artists like Keziah Jones, Massive Attack, Zucherro, Iggy Pop, Status Quo have already performed there. (www.bluespassions.com)
Garden nef party
A two-day music festival in Angouleme during the third week of July, where there have already been gigs of groups such as Muse, Placebo, LCD Soundsystem. Recommendable to every rock fan!
(www.garden-nef-party.com)
La fete du cognac
Next to the Blues Passions Festival, the city of Cognac has a lot more to offer to make this feast an exceptional popular festival. From July 10 till 12, the city celebrates with music and dance. Moreover, all sorts of activities are organised amongst others a ritual in honour of all the beautiful things that the drink cognac has given tot his region. (www.lafeteducognac.fr)
Festival du film francophone
The festival of the French film is held in Angouleme from August 26 till 31.
The French cinema has already launched several excellent films onto the market such as Bienvenue chez les ch’tis and Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain … (www.filmfrancophone.fr)
Festival de confolens
Confolens’ trump card is the annual Festival of Confolens. The city owes its nickname of cité vivante for the greater part to this international show, which takes place from September 10
till 16.
The festival combines edifying international art and music to a marvellous six-day feast, which entices numerous spectators and partygoers from all sorts of places.
Other music groups such as Urban Trad, Tri yann are also to be found on the programme. For further information and a more elaborate programme, visit our website or: www.festivaldeconfolens.com
Gastronomades
Whoever likes good food and whoever wants to learn more about the famous French kitchen is friendly invited at the gastronomic festival in Angouleme from November 27 till 29. French top chefs are ready to teach you all about the art of cooking. (www.gastronomades.fr)
Festival de L’accordéon
Our village is transformed into a gigantic accordion festival every year. Accordion players and admirers from all over the world gather at Lesterps for a great feast during the third weekend of July. Click on the following link to get a taste of the atmosphere in the streets of Lesterps: www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2jutd2Kons
Piano en valois en Charente
In October and November, 16 piano concerts are organised with music of world’s most famous composers such as Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, … This festival is spread over the Charente, going from Cognac, Exideuil, Ruffec to Angouleme. Whoever likes classical music should definitely be there!(www.piano-en-valois.fr)
Litératures Européénnes
From November 19 till 22 an European Literature Festival takes place, where the most famous European authors are granted with various book awards. (www.litteratures-europeennes.com)
Fête médiévale
On the fifth of July, there is a medieval feast in the streets of Dignac. (www.fete-medievale.cad-dignac.info)
Les Sarabandes des bouchauds
The streets of St Genis d’Hiersac are transformed into a fairy tale during three days. All kinds of music and theatre groups provide the city with a true popular feast. (www.lapalene.fr/page.php?page=les_sarabandes)
