International Tahitian outrigger race, piano festival in Angers, Paco Tyson on Nantes boulevard, Cadre Noir galas in Saumur: 10 picks for the long weekend.
Five departments, 21 active festivals: Pays de la Loire offers a programme blending ocean and equestrian heritage, classical and electronic music, Loire Valley gastronomy and coastal street arts. Our pick this week: the Vendée Va'a in Les Sables-d'Olonne, a unique international Polynesian outrigger race in Europe — a spectacular format few people know outside the sailing world.
Vendée Va'a in Les Sables-d'Olonne (Vendée)
From May 13 to 17, the Vendée Va'a brings together top international Tahitian outrigger crews in Les Sables-d'Olonne for a legendary open-sea race. Unique in Europe, it features a cultural village on the seafront, Tahitian dance shows, live concerts and over fifty events celebrating Polynesian culture. Four days of Pacific atmosphere on the Atlantic coast — a rare chance to discover this ancestral sport.
Angers Pianopolis (Maine-et-Loire)
From May 13 to 17, Angers Pianopolis holds its fourth edition. Five days dedicated to the piano in all its forms: classical, jazz, film music, opera, contemporary music and concert-readings. Renowned pianists and emerging talents play in exceptional heritage venues — Greniers Saint-Jean, Ronceray Abbey, Centre des Congrès. A smart format that mixes registers and audiences, ideal for curious music lovers.
Paco Tyson in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
From May 15, Paco Tyson returns to Nantes for its new summer season. An electronic music festival founded in 2017 by C.H.I.C.H.I. and Sweat Lodge, it blends renowned international artists with young talents from local Western collectives. After several big-top editions drawing up to 20,000 festival-goers, the festival continues to embody the Nantes electronic scene. Season opening to watch — an essential name in French electronic music.
La Déferlante along the Atlantic coast (Loire-Atlantique / Vendée)
Since May 13, La Déferlante takes over thirteen seaside resorts from Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to La Tranche-sur-Mer. Entirely free, open-air programming: contemporary circus, street theatre, dance, music. In Pornic, the Jardin de Retz, Place Macé and Place du Môle host the first shows. A family-friendly format that has shaped Atlantic coast spring and summer since 1994.
Cadre Noir Galas in Saumur (Maine-et-Loire)
The Cadre Noir de Saumur Galas continue at Terrefort. Heir to a tradition born in 1815, the Cadre Noir is on the UNESCO intangible heritage list. Riders present haute école figures, leaps and long-rein work in galas choreographed to music. One of the world's most demanding equestrian shows, worth seeing once to understand what French riding looks like at its highest level.
Fête des Vins d'Anjou in Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Maine-et-Loire)
On May 16 and 17, the Fête des Vins d'Anjou et de Saumur takes over the Loire quays in Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Founded in 1960 by Layon winemakers, this popular festival gathers dozens of local producers for tastings, inductions by wine fraternities and concerts. A genuine winemakers' fair, without glitter, where you meet producers directly. To combine with a Loire-side walk.
Festival La 7ème Vague in Brétignolles-sur-Mer (Vendée)
On May 15 and 16, the Festival La 7ème Vague gathers thousands of festival-goers at the Parc des Morinières, just a few steps from the ocean. Eclectic programming — French chanson, reggae, electro, hip-hop, rock — in an exceptional natural setting. The 23rd edition in 2025 drew nearly 14,000 spectators. A mid-sized format that holds its own between major summer festivals and local events.
Sainte-Suzanne Medieval Festival (Mayenne)
On Sunday May 17, the Sainte-Suzanne Medieval Festival transforms the fortress courtyard of this medieval town listed among France's Most Beautiful Villages. Five companies recreate daily medieval life, with shows, demonstrations and games. Intimate format in an exceptional setting — ideal for those seeking medieval less massive than Sedan and closer to a living village.
La Roue Cool in La Gaubretière (Vendée)
Until May 17, the La Roue Cool festival closes its fourth edition. An entirely free, charity music festival: over sixty concerts under a circus big top, at the foot of a 45-metre Ferris wheel. All profits go to a charity. Varied, accessible programming — a young initiative born in 2022 that frankly deserves the trip.
Europajazz in Le Mans (Sarthe)
Europajazz continues its Pays de la Loire tour until late June, with a peak at the Royal Abbey of Épau. Founded in 1980, one of France's oldest jazz festivals — from 3,000 spectators at its start to over 40,000 in 2019. Several concerts this weekend in intimate venues: a sharp, educational format for those wanting to explore new contemporary jazz proposals.
Also worth a look in Pays de la Loire this weekend
More regional picks on our national agenda.
