Festival of the Asparagus

Festival of the Asparagus: Pontonx celebrates the pearl of the Landes

Every May 1st since 1995, the town of Pontonx-sur-l'Adour has paid tribute to the white asparagus of the Sables des Landes, an emblematic product of the Landes region with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This popular and gourmet festival has become an unmissable event for lovers of gastronomy and local products in the Landes department.

An exceptional farmers' market

The heart of the Asparagus Festival is its farmers' market, which brings together about forty stands of local producers and artisans. Under the Bienvenue à la Ferme (Welcome to the Farm) label, exhibitors offer a variety of Landes regional products:

• Asparagus from Sables des Landes: fresh, preserved, or prepared, asparagus are naturally the stars of the market
• Foie gras, confits, and magrets: the essentials of Landes gastronomy
• Wines and Armagnac: wine production from the Southwest
• Cheeses, honeys, and jams: artisanal flavors of the region
• Pastries and sweets: pastis landais, tourtières, and other delicacies

Activities for all ages

The Asparagus Festival offers a program of various activities from 10 am to 6 pm:

• Culinary demonstrations: chefs show different ways to prepare and enhance Landes asparagus
• Tastings: tasting of cooked asparagus and local products throughout the day
• Asparagus field tours by miniature train: a guided tour to discover asparagus cultivation directly from producers
• Gastronomic meal: lunch is served under the covered arena of Pontonx, in the heart of the village, with a menu featuring asparagus
• Giant asparagus omelet: the highlight of the day, the spectacular preparation of a giant omelet in the late afternoon, which has become the signature of the festival
• Musical entertainment: bands, choirs, and local groups liven up the village streets
• Children's activities: games, workshops, and fun activities

An event rooted in the territory

Organized jointly by the Pontonx Intercultural Association (AIP), the Chamber of Agriculture of the Landes, and the Town Hall of Pontonx-sur-l'Adour, the Asparagus Festival demonstrates the vitality of the associative and agricultural fabric of the Landes. The event contributes to the promotion of the gastronomic heritage of the department and the support of local agriculture, particularly the Sables des Landes asparagus sector, which accounts for more than 20% of national production.

3,000 to 3,500 visitors each year

The Asparagus Festival attracts between 3,000 and 3,500 visitors each year, coming from all over the department and beyond. It is a special moment for producers and consumers to meet, in a spirit of conviviality and sharing typical of Landes village festivals.