Festival of Plants and Nature

The Festival of Plants and Nature in Marcilhac-sur-Célé

Each year in May, the charming village of Marcilhac-sur-Célé, nestled in the Célé valley in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, hosts the Festival of Plants and Nature. Driven by the association Olterra and the villagers, this festive and popular day celebrates the link between humans and the plant world in a remarkable heritage setting, at the foot of the remains of the former Benedictine abbey.

A lively market in the heart of the village

The Place des Platanes, the beating heart of Marcilhac, is transformed for the occasion into a large open-air market bringing together local producers, nurserymen, artisans, and gardening enthusiasts. You'll find vegetable plants, herbs, flowers, shrubs, heritage seeds, local produce, and garden-related crafts. The exchange tables allow everyone to bring, trade, or acquire seeds, cuttings, and plants, in a spirit of sharing and knowledge transfer.

A rich program for young and old

Beyond the market, the Festival of Plants offers a varied program that emphasizes the discovery of nature and conviviality:

• Nature bike rides: Vélo Bota (botanical ride), Vel'ornitho (bird watching), and Vélo Géo (geological discovery), accessible from 8 years old, to explore the natural riches of the Célé valley
• Children's workshops held throughout the day, combining creativity and environmental awareness
• Demonstrations of aromatic and medicinal plant distillation
• Storytelling and shows: nature stories, shows for young audiences, and open-air artistic performances
• Traditional music and dance: aperitif concert, djembe initiation, and traditional dance to end the day with music

An event rooted in the territory

The Festival of Plants and Nature is more than just a plant market. It is part of the initiative of the association Olterra, committed to culture, social connection, and care for living things in rural areas. Olterra manages the Rural Community Center of Marcilhac-sur-Célé throughout the year, offering outdoor activities, hiking, canoeing, climbing, and cultural events.

The village of Marcilhac-sur-Célé, with its Romanesque abbey, limestone cliffs, and the Célé river flowing through it, offers an ideal setting for this day dedicated to nature. The event contributes to the local dynamic and the attractiveness of this preserved rural territory, at the crossroads of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route (GR 65 variant via the Célé valley).

Free and open to all

Admission is free and open to all. A refreshment stand and light catering on-site allow you to fully enjoy the day. The festival runs from 10 am to 7 pm, with activities scheduled throughout the day.