Clos Mirabel: Festivals, Events and Local Celebrations
by Heather
2 minutes 59 seconds read.

It has been said that the French will celebrate almost everything: wine, lemons, films, jazz, lights, cheese, kites, and geese … even salt has its own special day. And why not!?

Festivals are an excellent way to explore, discover and experience new things while having fun and making new friends.

If you want to venture slightly off the beaten track for a more authentic and immersive French experience, then check out the following list of must-see, events, festivals and local celebrations – all within easy reach of Clos Mirabel Manor and Holiday Letsjust 12 minutes from Pau – South West France.

Pau Grand Prix – Historical Grand Prix
May 19th, 20th, 21st and the historical grand prix on May 27th and 28th
Every year, the city of Pau opens its gates to this world famous motor race. With 7 different stages, day and night races and single-seater cars raced by F3 champions and drivers from around the world, the Grand Prix of Pau is a real treat for fans of motor racing.
The Historical Grand Prix follows a week after the Modern Grand Prix and features a range of vintage racing cars competing on a tight street circuit. A must for classic car enthusiasts.

Tour de France, Pau
July 13th and 14th
On Thursday July 13th, the Tour de France arrives in Pau for two days. For the French, the Tour de France is cause for celebration. The streets will be lined with spectators all eager to be a part of the excitement and soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Jazz in Marciac
31 July to 16 August
For a fortnight every summer the small medieval town of Marcia in southwestern France plays host to one of the Europe’s most renowned jazz festivals. The central square of this small village features free music every day and there are artisan market stalls and food stalls set up under the medieval arches. The event draws more than 200,000 visitors a year and has attracted some of the world’s best loved jazz performers including Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock. The journey time from Clos Mirabel Manor in Jurancon to Marciac is approx. 1hr 20 mins but well worth it for a day or evening out to remember.

Festival Hestiv’Oc -Pau
August 18th to 20th
Wander round the historic heart of Pau and revel in 3 days of street performances and mouth-watering food. This annual celebration of the Occitan cultures and languages features over 300 musicians, dancers, singers, actors, and circus entertainers from across Southern France and Northern Spain to create an explosion of cultural creativity the whole family can enjoy.

Medieval Festivals
There are two medieval festivals that are guaranteed to transport you back in time.

Medieval Festival of Montaner(25.5 miles east of Pau) features medieval music, medieval cuisine workshops, staged sword fights, tournaments, introduction to medieval dances and much more.
July 8th and 9th July

Medieval Day at Sauveterre-de-Béarn
(32 miles west of Pau) includes re-enactments of medieval life, candle making and blacksmith workshops, medieval music and more.
July 29th

Fêtes de la Chapelle de Rousse
July 21st, 22nd and 23rd
Three days of wine and cheese tasting, live atmospheric music, children’s activities, traditional dancing, brass bands, folk music and more.

Of course, we can’t list all the local festivals, events and celebrations here – there just isn’t enough space – but if you’re interested in discovering some of the local culture during your stay at Clos Mirabel Manor and Holiday Lets we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

Please check all event details with organisers” websites before travelling.