Fêtes de Mimizan
The local festivals of the 'city of the current' between ocean and forest
About Fêtes de Mimizan
The Fêtes de Mimizan are the annual local festivals of this seaside resort in the north of the Landes, nicknamed the 'city of the current'. For six days at the end of August, Mimizan celebrates its Landes traditions with a program combining Landes races in the arena inaugurated in 1970, election of the festival queen, official opening with the handing over of keys and opening of the bodegas, concerts and entertainment, a grand parade through the town center, and a final fireworks display at the Moulin Neuf stadium. An authentic festive event on the Landes coast.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fêtes de Mimizan at the best price.
Sponsored link
The Fêtes de Mimizan: the 'city of the current' celebrates
The Fêtes de Mimizan are the major annual festive event in Mimizan, a town of over 7,000 inhabitants located on the Landes coast, at the mouth of the Mimizan current. Nicknamed the 'city of the current', Mimizan is also a popular seaside resort whose beaches and natural setting between the ocean and pine forest attract thousands of holidaymakers every summer.
The Mimizan Arena
The Mimizan arena, inaugurated on June 28, 1970, with a concert by Eddy Mitchell and a formal Landes race, is the venue for the bullfighting shows that traditionally open the festival. The formal Landes races, a reference race that aficionados follow throughout the season, are the highlight of the bullfighting program. Sport and art with deep roots, the Landes race has been inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage since June 2020.
The Festival Program
The Fêtes de Mimizan take place over about six days at the end of August, with a well-established traditional schedule:
- The formal Landes races in the arena kick off the program
- The election of the festival queen at the Le Parnasse theater, a festive and convivial moment
- The official opening on Thursday at 7 PM in front of the town hall, with the handing over of keys and the opening of the bodegas
- Entertainment, concerts, and bodegas on Friday with a festive atmosphere in the streets
- The grand parade on Saturday evening at 9:30 PM, a large procession of decorated floats through the town center
- The festival fireworks display on Sunday at 10:30 PM at the Moulin Neuf stadium, a spectacular grand finale
A Popular and Family Festival
The Fêtes de Mimizan embody the spirit of Landes village festivals in its most authentic form. The bodegas and estanquets run by local associations are the beating heart of the festival, places of conviviality where locals and holidaymakers meet. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, blending Landes traditions with a relaxed seaside vibe.
Mimizan, Land of Culture
Beyond its beaches and forest, Mimizan is also a land of culture with its priory listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on the paths of Santiago de Compostela. The Fêtes de Mimizan are part of this heritage richness, perpetuating the festive and bullfighting traditions that define the cultural identity of the Landes coast.
Practical information — Fêtes de Mimizan
Access to Mimizan
By Car
Mimizan is located 110 km south of Bordeaux and 70 km northwest of Mont-de-Marsan, accessible via the D626 from Mont-de-Marsan or the D652 from Biscarrosse. Free parking is available around the town center of Mimizan-Bourg and near the arena. During the festival, a special traffic plan is implemented in the town center.
By Bus
The XL'R network serves Mimizan from Mont-de-Marsan and neighboring towns. In summer, additional shuttle buses connect Mimizan-Plage and Mimizan-Bourg, facilitating travel between the coast and the festival center.
By Bike
Mimizan is accessible via the cycle paths of the Landes coast, including the Vélodyssée which runs along the Atlantic coast. Bicycle racks are available in the town center.
Festival Venues
The festivals take place mainly in the town center of Mimizan-Bourg, with bullfighting shows at the municipal arena inaugurated in 1970. The official opening takes place in front of the town hall. The queen's election is held at the Le Parnasse theater. The fireworks display is launched from the Moulin Neuf stadium. The bodegas and estanquets are set up in the streets and squares of the town center.
Schedule
The formal Landes races open the festivities on Tuesday evening at 9:30 PM in the arena. The election of the queen takes place on Wednesday evening at Le Parnasse. The official opening of the festival is on Thursday at 7:00 PM with the handing over of keys and the opening of the bodegas. Entertainment and concerts liven up Friday. The grand parade is scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 PM. The fireworks display concludes the festival on Sunday at 10:30 PM at the Moulin Neuf stadium.
Prices
Access to street entertainment, bodegas, concerts, and the parade is free. Bullfighting shows in the arena are paid. Tickets are available at the Mimizan Tourist Office and at the arena ticket offices on the day of the shows.
Food and Drink
The bodegas and estanquets run by local associations offer a variety of food based on local Landes products: foie gras, magret, confit, chipirons, and local specialties. Restaurants in the town center of Mimizan-Bourg are also within walking distance.
Safety and Recommendations
- A first aid station is set up within the festival perimeter
- Water points are available for refreshment
- The festivals take place outdoors, remember to protect yourself from the sun
- Pets are not allowed in the arena
Contact
Mairie de Mimizan
24 avenue de la Gare, 40200 Mimizan
Official website: www.mimizan.fr
Tourist office: www.mimizan-tourisme.com
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fêtes de Mimizan at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Fêtes de Mimizan
Arènes de Mimizan et centre-ville
Centre-ville de Mimizan-Bourg, 40200 Mimizan