Armagnac en Fête

Armagnac en Fête: The Celebration of Bas-Armagnac Landais

Armagnac en Fête is the flagship event of Bas-Armagnac landais. For over twenty years, on the last weekend of October, the magnificent Place Royale of Labastide-d'Armagnac hosts this event which celebrates the launch of the distillation campaign for armagnac, the oldest eau-de-vie in France.

The Place Royale: An Exceptional Setting

Labastide-d'Armagnac is one of the most beautiful bastides in the Southwest, founded in 1291 by King Edward I of England. Its Place Royale, lined with arcaded and half-timbered houses, offers an exceptional heritage setting for this terroir festival. The arcades, medieval houses, and church form a picturesque backdrop that transports visitors to the atmosphere of eternal Gascony.

An Exceptional Producers' Market

In the heart of the Place Royale, a producers' market brings together the best local artisans. Armagnac producers offer tastings and direct sales of their eaux-de-vie, from young Blanche d'Armagnac to the oldest vintages, as well as Floc de Gascogne, a Gascon aperitif made from grape must and armagnac. Producers from Sites Remarquables du Goût from all over France enrich the gastronomic offerings, alongside an Italian delegation from the international Cittaslow network, bringing their quality products.

Two Days of Entertainment and Shows

Armagnac en Fête offers a rich program of entertainment over two days: concerts, brass bands, street performances, craft exhibitions, guided tours of the bastide village, children's games, and cultural encounters. The festive and friendly atmosphere blends Gascon culture, music, and gastronomy in a spirit of sharing and discovery.

Gascon Gastronomic Meals

On Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, gastronomic meals are served under the arcades of the Place Royale, showcasing the products of the Gascon terroir: garbure, magret de canard, confit, pastis gascon, and of course, armagnac as an accompaniment and for the 'trou Gascon'. These convivial meals bring together producers, visitors, and locals in the warm spirit of Gascony.

Armagnac: A Living Heritage

Armagnac is the oldest eau-de-vie in France, distilled since the 14th century in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Bas-Armagnac, of which Labastide is one of the emblematic villages, produces the most renowned eaux-de-vie, from grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche. Traditional distillation using a continuous still and aging in Gascon oak barrels give armagnac its complex aromas of candied fruit, spices, and precious wood.