From La Charité's literary festival to the Morvan gourmet days, via Rolling Saône and the Arnay-le-Duc medieval fair: 10 picks for the long weekend.
From the Côte-d'Or to the Territoire de Belfort, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté spreads its Ascension long weekend highlights across the entire region. The literary festival in La Charité (a UNESCO book city) plays off against the great Morvan gastronomic gatherings, while the Saône, the Jura and the Yonne offer their share of music, traditions and local festivities. Our pick this week: the Aux Quatre Coins du Mot Festival — a committed literary programme in one of France's finest book cities.
Aux Quatre Coins du Mot Festival in La Charité-sur-Loire (Nièvre)
From May 14 to 17, Aux Quatre Coins du Mot celebrates the 21st edition of its spring gathering. Organised by the Cité du Mot in this UNESCO-listed city, the festival offers performances, concerts, literary encounters, exhibitions and events across the heritage venues of the Loire town. Both sharp and accessible programming — one of France's most distinctive literary festivals.
Grand Morvan Gourmet Days in Saulieu (Côte-d'Or)
From May 14 to 17, the Grand Morvan Gourmet Days take over the Halle Jean Bertin in Saulieu. For more than 30 years, this gastronomic fair has gathered around 90 exhibitors over 6,000 m²: local producers, cheesemakers, charcutiers, winemakers, brewers. Tastings, cooking demonstrations, workshops and live music fill four days. A must to discover the diversity of the Morvan and Burgundy terroirs.
Festival Rolling Saône in Gray (Haute-Saône)
From May 14 to 16, the Rolling Saône Festival takes over the Halle Sauzay in Gray. Since 2008, this music event has welcomed up to 6,500 spectators per night under a monumental hall on the banks of the Saône. Eclectic programming: rock, pop, electro, French chanson, hip-hop. Run by 160 volunteers in a family spirit — one of Franche-Comté's main popular festivals. Excellent value for a festival of this scale.
Medieval Fair in Arnay-le-Duc (Côte-d'Or)
On May 16 and 17, the Arnay-le-Duc Medieval Fair transforms this Burgundian town between Auxois and Morvan into a vast medieval camp. Costume processions, street performances, traditional craft stands, animal demonstrations and period catering enliven the town centre and Arquebuse park. An immersive family format, to pair with a tasting of Auxois wines.
Chansons en Fête Festival in Salins-les-Bains (Jura)
From May 14 to 16, the Chansons en Fête festival celebrates singer-songwriter chanson in Salins-les-Bains, a UNESCO-listed Jura thermal town. Organised by L'Oreille en Fête since 2009, this intimate festival offers three days of concerts and encounters around French chanson, highlighting established and emerging songwriters. The format stays very accessible: small venues, proximity to artists.
Grange ta Cour in Tournus (Saône-et-Loire)
On May 15 and 16, Grange ta Cour takes over the Préau des Arcades in Tournus for its seventh edition. Created in 2019 by the Foin d'Enfer association, this small music festival blends professional and amateur artists over two evenings: four concerts per night, from rock to blues, funk to French chanson. Local catering and bar round out the experience in a friendly, typically Burgundian setting.
Vézelay Vineyard Open Days (Yonne)
On May 16 and 17, the winemakers of the Bourgogne Vézelay appellation open their cellars at the foot of the UNESCO-listed "eternal hill". During these Vézelay Vineyard Open Days, visitors walk the vines, enjoy guided tastings and meet the seven estate producers. Mineral Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs to discover in a spectacular heritage setting.
Gougère Festival in Flogny-la-Chapelle (Yonne)
On Sunday May 17, Flogny-la-Chapelle becomes the world capital of the gougère. This small Yonne town, which claims the birth of the famous cheese-puff in the early 19th century, hosts more than 40 food exhibitors, a public gougère competition, the inductions of the Guild of Gougère Tasters and a family funfair. Free entry — gourmet folklore at its finest.
Loire Fair in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire (Nièvre)
On May 16 and 17, the Loire Fair animates Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire with a popular river festival run by the Gabarriers du Haut Val de Loire. Flea market, sailing in traditional boats, singing boatmen parade, model boat exhibitions, wooden games, marquee meal and free entry to the Loire Museum. A warm, heritage-focused format — worth a visit if you like river festivities.
La Belge Quinzaine in Belfort (Territoire de Belfort)
From May 15 and for two weeks, La Belge Quinzaine celebrates Belgian culture in Belfort. Artisan beer, gastronomy (fries, waffles, carbonade), Flemish and Walloon music, popular traditions: the town tunes into our flat-country neighbours in a festive, friendly format. An unusual event in eastern France, at the crossroads of cultures.
Also worth a look in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté this weekend
More regional picks on our national agenda.
