Festival of Plants and Nature
Nature in celebration in the heart of the Célé valley
About Festival of Plants
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.
Festival of Plants — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the Plant and Nature Festival was held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm, on the Place des Platanes in Marcilhac-sur-Célé. A market of nurserymen, producers and artisans, plant and seed exchange tables, workshops, naturalist walks, shows, a nature parade and a traditional dance with Quercy Trad' Orquestra animated this free day organized by the Olterra association.
2026 Edition — Saturday, May 9, 2026
The 5th edition of the Plant and Nature Festival took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm, on the Place des Platanes in Marcilhac-sur-Célé. Organized by the Olterra association and the village residents, this day brought together nurserymen, producers, artisans, naturalists, and artists around plants and nature, within the heritage setting of the former Benedictine abbey.
Market and Exchange Tables
The market hosted nurserymen and plant producers, as well as artisans offering birdhouses, ceramics, basketry, felted wool, leather, origami, jewelry, jams, syrups, herbal teas, and honey. The exchange tables allowed visitors to bring and trade plants, seeds, cuttings, and garden tools.
Demonstrations, Walks, and Workshops
Skill demonstrations (woodturning, basketry, pottery), guided naturalist walks, and practical workshops for all ages punctuated the day, in a family-friendly and convivial atmosphere.
Shows and Music
An aperitif-concert at noon, storytelling, a nature parade in the late afternoon, and an evening concert with Quercy Trad' Orquestra concluded this edition in the festive and musical tradition of the village.
Admission and all activities were free (voluntary participation for some walks and workshops). Refreshments and catering on site: Noémie Bab'el Bouch, Pizz' and Love, and falafel plates from the Olterra association.
Programme Festival of Plants 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Place des Platanes, Marcilhac-sur-Célé
Market of nurserymen, producers and artisans all day long (10 am-7 pm), exchange tables for plants, seeds and cuttings, skill demonstrations (woodturning, basketry, pottery), photo exhibition and association stands.
Naturalist Walks
- 10 am-11:30 am — Ornithological walk with Thomas Bontemps
- 11 am-12:30 pm — Biodiversity discovery walk with Dominique Rombault
Activities, Workshops and Shows
- 12 pm — Aperitif-concert
- 1 pm-3 pm — Botanical printing workshop with Elisabeth and Francesca
- 2 pm-3 pm — Seed bomb workshop with Percia
- 3 pm — Show / storytelling with Thomas Bontemps
- Throughout the day — Barrel organ with Carine
- 4:30 pm — Nature parade
- 6 pm — MPF Concert
- In the evening — Traditional dance with Benoit Pradines and Quercy Trad' Orquestra
Catering on site
Noémie Bab'el Bouch, Pizz' and Love and falafel plates from the Olterra association. Refreshment stand run by Olterra.
Highlights Festival of Plants 2026
- 5th edition of the Plant and Nature Festival
- Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm, Place des Platanes
- Free admission
- Market of nurserymen, producers and artisans
- Exchange tables for plants, seeds and cuttings
- Naturalist walks (ornithology, biodiversity)
- Botanical printing and seed bomb workshops
- Traditional dance with Quercy Trad' Orquestra in the evening
Prices Festival of Plants 2026
Practical information — Festival of Plants
Practical Information
Access
By car: Marcilhac-sur-Célé is located 30 km northwest of Figeac and 55 km northeast of Cahors. From Figeac, follow the D13 towards Cabrerets via the Célé valley. From Cahors, take the D662 then the D41 via Conduché.
Parking: Free parking near the village center.
Location
Place des Platanes, village center of Marcilhac-sur-Célé (46160).
Hours
From 10 am to 7 pm. Activities (bike rides, workshops, shows) are scheduled throughout the day. Some activities, such as botanical bike rides, require prior registration.
Prices
Free admission. All activities are free. Refreshment stand and light catering on-site.
Contact
- Organizer: Association Olterra
- Phone: 05 81 24 32 09
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.olterra.fr
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walks.
- Bring your plants, seeds, and cuttings for the exchange tables.
- Bike rides are accessible from 8 years old; personal bike recommended.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Plants
Place des Platanes
Place des Platanes, 46160 Marcilhac-sur-Célé