🎼 The autumn leaves drift by…
The leaves begin to change colour and the days get cooler… but don’t feel nostalgic, these things can be a blessing for cyclists! Getting on your bike without the downside of excessive summer heat can help you enjoy the contemplative side to cycling all the more. No more danger of sunstroke stopping you in your tracks! No excuses now! You can pedal along peacefully, but also indulge in attending some wonderful events that take place in autumn along the cycle route.
Coup de Chauffe (Cognac) / 4 to 6 September 2026
An extravagant spirit of sound spreads across the town of Cognac, known first and foremost for its golden-coloured liqueur… but thanks to this festival, the place comes alive via street performances, dance, song, theatre and more. Visitors watch astonished and mesmerized as the town becomes entirely dedicated to the arts.
Les Journées du Goût et de la Gastronomie (Sarlat) / 27-28 September
Sarlat Town and Sarlat Tourist Office put terroir producers to the fore during this event where such tasty specialities as local lamb or salardais potatoes appear centre stage!
Circuit International des Remparts (Angoulême) / 19-21 September
A big draw for fans of classic cars, the Circuit International des Remparts transforms Angoulême into a giant automobile museum, where car buffs can revel in the display of historic vehicles, including racing cars. The Circuit International des Remparts trail through town has remained the same since its first edition, back on 2 July 1939. Also on the programme: related exhibitions in town across the three days; the Elégance en Automobile competition; the Rallye International de Charente; and exhibitions of cars dotted around town.
Le NAMMA - Salon des Métiers d'Art (Terrasson) / 17 to 19 October
This is a major rendez-vous for those keen on high-end craft, featuring 60 selected craftspeople. The event celebrates men and women, such as glassblowers, leather-workers or jewellers, among others, who make use of their dextrous skills to fashion truly creative objets d’art, with awards given out too. Entrance is free, and visitors can marvel at the craft talents on display. During this fair, Terrasson-Lavilledieu’s craftspeople open their stalls and encourage you to wander around the historic centre admiring their works.
Fascinant Week-end (Cognac) / 16 to 19 October
In Charentes, while the vineyards are known to be central to the creation of that world-famous grape liqueur, cognac, they also produce IGP (Protected Geographical Identification) Charentais wines and the fortified wine, pineau des Charentes. Around the region, sites that have received Vignobles & Découvertes accreditation offer visitors a particularly warm welcome during the Fascinant Week-End, demonstrating local traditions and know-how during this focused wine tourism event.
Le Ban de la Distillation (Cognac) / 24 to 26 October
To mark the beginning of the cognac distillation period, the Grand Cognac area puts on an exceptional celebration. As well as savouring tastings, enjoy a whole host of events celebrating age-old skills, with concerts, shows, talks, gatherings, exhibitions, tours and more, offering you wonderful insights into the fascinating world of cognac-making.
Rue des Métiers d’Art Fair (Nontron) / 24-26 October
At this open-air fair putting creativity to the fore, a host of craft creators will demonstrate their skills to you, in the fields of decoration, tableware, jewellery, fashion accessories and more, displaying unique pieces or pieces only made in small runs.
Les Gastronomades (Angoulême) / 28 to 30 November
Foodies come from far and wide to this gastronomic gathering, to meet artisan producers, chefs and other keen amateurs. Covering the theme from farm to fork, this event promotes not just high-quality produce from Charente and the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, but also those who make it, including small famers, livestock breeders and craft producers.
Festival du Film (Sarlat) / 4 to 8 November
This film festival began with the aim of getting secondary-school pupils interested in the 7th art. Down the years, while still transmitting a love of cinema to young people, it has opened up to a wider public.
