Bastides en Fête

A unique event in France

Bastides en Fête is a major cultural and festive event celebrating the medieval bastides of Lot-et-Garonne and southern Dordogne. With 42 listed bastides, Lot-et-Garonne has the highest concentration of these fortified towns in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, founded between the 13th and 15th centuries. This festival, a national first, highlights this exceptional architectural heritage over a long weekend in October, during the school holidays.

Monflanquin, emblematic bastide

Monflanquin, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, is one of the most emblematic and best-preserved bastides in the region. Perched on a hill north of the Lot valley, the town features a characteristic grid layout with its central Place des Arcades and its right-angled streets. The Musée des Bastides, located in the heart of the village, retraces the history of these medieval new towns.

A rich and varied program

Tours and discoveries

Guided tours of the Musée des Bastides are offered by conference guides. A historical escape game immerses participants in an adventure to find Monflanquin's treasure, suitable for ages 7 and up. Guided tours with performances featuring troubadours and actors explore the world of medieval peasant life and herbalism.

Performances and entertainment

The program includes musical parades with the banda Les Verts à Pieds, street performances, theater, dance, and storytelling. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by tastings of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts on the Place des Arcades.

Markets and gastronomy

A market of local producers and artisans showcases regional know-how: wine, honey, chocolate, hazelnuts, prunes, duck, foie gras, as well as handcrafted jewelry and basketry. The "soupe des marcheurs" (walkers' soup), offered by the municipality, concludes Sunday morning in a friendly atmosphere.

Hikes and outdoor activities

Walking tours starting from the Place des Arcades allow visitors to discover the hilly landscapes around Monflanquin, with routes accessible to everyone.

Intrigue in the Bastides

The festival's common thread, "Intrigue dans les Bastides", is a large detective game in the form of a family rally that takes participants across the entire bastide territory. Treasure hunters can also participate in special Tèrra Aventura quests and collect exclusive event-themed badges.

Art exhibition

Throughout the weekend, art exhibitions take over the streets of the bastide, featuring canvas drawings by artist Maurine Larcher, creating a dialogue between contemporary creation and medieval heritage.