Festival of Chestnut and Sweet Cider
The autumn festival of roasted chestnuts and artisanal cider in Rouergue
About Chestnut Festival
Over fifty years of autumn tradition
Since the 1960s, the Festival of Chestnut and Sweet Cider has brought together the inhabitants of Ségala and visitors every autumn around a product that has marked the history of this territory: the chestnut. In this region with a harsh climate, the castagna ("chestnut" in Occitan) was long an essential food resource when cereals were scarce. Families would gather around the fire to roast chestnuts and share moments of conviviality.
Roasted chestnuts and artisanal cider
On the day of the festival, from 10 am, the roasted chestnuts will fill the medieval bastide with their aroma. Nearly a ton of chestnuts will be used to delight visitors, served piping hot in paper cones. The artisanal sweet cider — about 2000 liters — perfectly accompanies this autumn tasting.
Market of producers and entertainment
A market of local producers and artisans will be set up under the arcades and on the bastide's square, offering specialties from the Aveyron region. In the morning, a famous breakfast with tripoux will delight the earliest gourmets. Throughout the day, brass bands, folk groups, and street shows will animate the festival in a joyful and popular atmosphere.
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue, a medieval setting
Founded in 1281, the royal bastide of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue offers an exceptional setting for this autumn festival. Its arcaded square, medieval streets, and half-timbered houses provide an ideal backdrop for celebrating the traditions of Ségala. The Regional Chestnut Conservatory in Rignac ensures the preservation of historic tree varieties.
Chestnut Festival — edition 2026
Chestnut Festival 2026
The Festival of Chestnut and Sweet Cider returns on October 25, 2026, in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue, on the last Sunday of October. As every year, nearly a ton of roasted chestnuts and 2000 liters of artisanal sweet cider will be offered to visitors. The market of local producers and artisans will be set up under the arcades of the bastide. In the morning, the traditional breakfast with tripoux will delight the gourmets. Brass bands, folk groups, and street shows will animate the day.
Programme Chestnut Festival 2026
The Chestnut and Sweet Cider Festival takes place on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, from 10 am to 5:30 pm, on the Place des Arcades and in the streets of the bastide of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue.
- From the morning — the chestnut roasters get to work: nearly a ton of roasted chestnuts and 2000 liters of artisanal sweet cider are offered to visitors throughout the day.
- Morning — traditional tripoux breakfast.
- From 10 am — market of local producers and artisans (around forty exhibitors) set up under the arcades of the bastide.
- All day long — musical and folk entertainment by traditional music and dance groups (usually Les Rossignoles, Banda Bono and the folk group Lo Bourreïo d'Olt), brass bands and street performances.
A hiking trip with roasted chestnuts is usually organized the day before (Saturday afternoon).
Highlights Chestnut Festival 2026
- Nearly a ton of roasted chestnuts and 2000 liters of artisanal sweet cider
- Traditional tripoux breakfast
- Market of local producers and artisans (around forty exhibitors)
- Folk groups and brass bands in the royal bastide, a Most Beautiful Village in France
Prices Chestnut Festival 2026
Practical information — Chestnut Festival
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place on the central square and in the streets of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue (12800), Aveyron.
- By car: From Rodez (35 km), follow the D911 then the D997. From Albi (60 km), follow the D999 then the D997.
- Parking: Free parking at the entrance of the village.
Opening Hours
Full day on the last Sunday of October, from 10:00 AM. Breakfast with tripoux in the morning.
Prices
Free admission. Tasting of roasted chestnuts and sweet cider.
Contact
- Town Hall of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
- Website: www.sauveterre-de-rouergue.fr
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Where does it take place — Chestnut Festival
Place centrale et rues de la bastide de Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
Place centrale de la bastide, 12800 Sauveterre-de-Rouergue