Situated in the heart of the French Atlantic coast, the Charente-Maritime is the premier tourist destination in France for French travellers. Visitors to France are also discovering its many charms and in summer there’s a whole wealth of fabulous festivals to enjoy.
Main events in Charente-Maritime
Charente-Maritime has gorgeous beaches for seaside holidays, Royan and the Ile de Ré are two really popular places. You can take a city break at Saintes or La Rochelle or relax in beautiful countryside such as the Marais Poitevin or Cognac Country.
Charente-Maritime has more wellness centres (six) than any other French ‘department’ and a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Local gastronomic delights include fabulously fresh oysters, mussels, sea salt and tasty pineau des Charentes. With a Mediterranean climate of around 300 sunshine days a year this is the perfect place to get out and about and enjoy the festivals and fetes that take place throughout the summer
International Film Festival: La Rochelle 30 June – 9 July 2017
The 42nd International Film Festival is held in La Rochelle. In 2012, 82,429 spectators watched 389 performances of 142 long films and 61 shorts.
The Francofolies – La Rochelle:12 – 16 July 2017
The 33rd edition of the popular “Francos” will welcome the usual sprinkling of international and national guests including young talent starting out on the road to fame and fortune. This year’s festival will include Julien Doré, DJ Snake, Soprano, Renaud, Black M and much much more.
Saintes festival: Saintes – 14 – 22 July 2017
The classical music Saintes Festival will take place in the Abbaye aux Dames in the centre of Saintes. The concerts feature music from the present day back to the Renaissance.
Abbey of Fontdouce Festival Saint Bris-des-Bois: 17 – 21 July 2016
The Abbey of Fontdouce Festival features classical, piano and jazz music in an astonishing historic venue with some of the biggest names in the business. The setting is exceptional and very beautiful with surrounding vineyards and gardens. An eco-festival has taken place at the same time for the last four years.
Surgères Brass Festival: 20 – 23 July 2017
After a successful first outing last year, this prestigious and popular brass instrument festival, the Surgères Brass Festival, takes place in the surroundings of the castle.
Violin Sur Le Sable: Royan 21- 30 July 2017
One cannot fail to be seduced by the classical music, the sandy beach, the symphony orchestras, the stars, the operatic voices, the dancing – the Violin on the Sand is a unique experience. The audience is seated on the beach facing the ocean under the stars to listen to beautiful music. This al fresco “concert hall”, now in its 30th year, welcomes 50,000 guests every night and starts at 22h.
Summer Sound Festival: Rochefort – 3-6 August 2017
The Summer Sound Festival was voted the third best festival in France in 2015 and the most important electric music festival in the south-west. In the lovely setting of the historic Corderie Royale, there are 32 hours of exceptional concerts taking place featuring both domestic and international talent.
Motte à Siecq Festival: 25-26 August 2017
The Motte à Siecq Festival has something for everyone, both young and old. There are shows and workshops taking place in the shadow of the old chestnut tree wood that pays testament to the myths and mysteries of the past. Beautifully decorated and lit this festival has an intimacy and conviviality that makes it quite exceptional.
Fort Boyard Challenge: 16 – 17 September 2017
The 12th edition of the Fort Boyard Challenge, sponsored by the French World Windsurfing Champion, Antoine Albeau, is a long-distance windsurf trek that brings together 200 participants poised to defy the mythical Fort Boyard. Alongside, are contests for paddle boarding and the outrigger canoe.
Additional Sports Events 2017
Tour of Ile de Ré: 26 – 28 May 2017
World Championship Beach Ultimate: 18 – 24 June 2017
European Cup of Hot-air Ballooning: 3 – 5 August 2017
Poitou-Charentes Cycling Tour: 22-25 August 2017
For loads more details of what to see and do in the area check out the website for www.france-atlantic.com
