Fête de la Myrtille de Saint-Sylvestre

The wild blueberry, treasure of the Monts d'Ambazac

The Fête de la Myrtille de Saint-Sylvestre celebrates an emblematic fruit of the Limousin: the wild blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), which grows naturally on the granite moorlands and under the forest canopies of the Monts d'Ambazac. Between 400 and 650 meters above sea level, the acidic soils and the undergrowth of oaks and beeches provide an ideal habitat for this small, flavor-packed blue-black fruit. Blueberry picking, practiced for generations by the inhabitants of Saint-Sylvestre and neighboring communes, is a summer tradition deeply rooted in local culture.

A gourmet market dedicated to the small blue fruit

The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of a producers' and artisans' market that takes over the village of Saint-Sylvestre. About twenty exhibitors offer the best of blueberries in all its forms: blueberry pies, artisanal jams, coulis, syrups, liqueurs, sorbets, and pastries. Local producers also showcase the riches of the Limousin terroir: honeys from the Monts d'Ambazac, farm cheeses, cured meats, Limousin apples, and dried mushrooms. The catering area allows for tasting a rustic meal on-site, featuring blueberries in traditional and creative recipes.

Hikes and discovery of the Limousin nature

Saint-Sylvestre is a paradise for hikers, with nearly 75% of its territory covered by forest. The Fête de la Myrtille offers guided hikes through the marked trails of the Monts d'Ambazac, discovering the picking spots and the remarkable flora of these high-altitude moors. Hikers cross landscapes of heather, ferns, and granite formations, testifying to the ancient geological history of this massif. Workshops on responsible picking educate young and old on best practices to preserve this fragile resource.

A village with remarkable heritage

Once the land of the Order of Grandmont, founded in 1125 by hermits following Étienne de Muret, Saint-Sylvestre preserves an exceptional historical heritage. The archaeological site of the Grandmont abbey, the remains of the old uranium mines—visited by Pierre and Marie Curie in 1900—and the rural granite architecture make this village a place steeped in history. The Fête de la Myrtille is part of this tradition of a territory that has always lived in symbiosis with its surrounding nature.

Family entertainment and conviviality

The festival is designed for all ages. Children can participate in creative workshops centered around blueberries, traditional wooden games, and pony rides. Folk music groups and local singers entertain the village throughout the day, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The evening continues with an outdoor rustic meal under the lime trees in the village square, where guests share local specialties in an authentic village festival spirit.