Fêtes de Tartas
Four days of festivities in the heart of the Landes with Landes races, flower parade, races and concerts
About Fêtes de Tartas
Every second weekend in July, Tartas celebrates its local festival over four days of intense festivities. This historic town in the heart of the Landes, at the confluence of the Midouze, offers a varied program combining Landes races in the arena, a musical flower parade, the Foulées des Fêtes, a UFOLEP cycling race, Basque pelota competition, concerts, popular dances and fireworks. The Harmonie Tarusate and the bandas liven up the streets of this sub-prefecture of the Landes in a warm atmosphere.
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The Fêtes de Tartas: Festival in the Heart of the Landes
Tartas, a sub-prefecture of 3,200 inhabitants located at the confluence of the Midouze in the heart of the Landes department, celebrates its local festival every second weekend in July. For four days, from Friday to Monday, this historic town founded in the Middle Ages transforms into the capital of celebration, welcoming thousands of festival-goers from all over the Pays Tarusate and beyond.
Landes Races and Bullfighting Spectacles
The Tartas arena hosts the bullfighting highlights of the festivities. On Friday evening, a Landes festival race kicks off the events in the arena, featuring heifers and jumpers facing Landes cows. On Sunday, a cocarde competition continues the taurine tradition, while toro ball (bull ball) shows add a fun touch accessible to all. The art of the Landes race, inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage, has been practiced with passion for generations.
The Musical Flower Parade: The Climax of the Festivities
The musical flower parade on Saturday evening is the most spectacular moment of the Fêtes de Tartas. This parade of floats beautifully decorated with flowers winds through the town's streets, accompanied by orchestras and musical groups that get the spectators dancing. Associations, age groups, and local businesses compete in creativity to present the most original and flower-filled floats, in an explosion of color and music.
The Foulées des Fêtes and Sporting Competitions
On Friday evening, the 18th Foulées des Fêtes launch the festivities with a 7 km foot race through the streets of Tartas, preceded by the Foulée des Pitchouns for children at 6 PM. On Saturday afternoon, the UFOLEP cycling race attracts cycling enthusiasts, while the Basque pelota final and pétanque competitions complete the sports offerings. Scooter races add a fun and popular touch.
The Harmonie Tarusate and Concerts
The Harmonie Tarusate, the town's historic musical ensemble, gives a concert on Saturday morning in the central square. The evenings are enlivened by free concerts and popular dances in the town squares. Bandas parade through the streets, while the estanquets (food stalls) offer food and musical ambiance until the early morning. The grand fireworks display on Sunday evening illuminates the sky above the Midouze.
Fair, Estanquets, and Conviviality
A grand fair takes place throughout the festival, with rides, attractions, and stalls for all ages. The estanquets, these typical open-air food stalls of the Landes festivals, offer grills, tapas, and local specialties in a friendly atmosphere. The line fishing competition on Saturday morning offers a moment of relaxation by the Midouze, while children's games and street entertainment punctuate the four days of celebration.
Practical information — Fêtes de Tartas
Practical Information
Dates and Times
The Fêtes de Tartas are held every year on the second weekend of July, from Friday to Monday. Activities begin on Friday at 6 PM with the Foulée des Pitchouns and continue until Monday evening.
Prices
- Street entertainment, flower parade, concerts: free
- Landes races: from €8 to €15
- Foulées des Fêtes: registration from €5
- Meals at the estanquets: à la carte
Access
By car: Tartas is located on the D824, 20 km north of Dax and 30 km south of Mont-de-Marsan. Free parking on the outskirts.
By train: Tartas SNCF station, served by TER trains from Dax and Mont-de-Marsan.
Accommodation
Hotels, B&Bs, and campsites available in Tartas and the Pays Tarusate. Booking recommended.
Practical Tips
- Traditional white attire and red scarf
- Registration required for the Foulées des Fêtes
- Park on the outskirts and walk to the center
- Bring warm clothing for outdoor evenings
Safety and Regulations
An enhanced security system is in place during the four days of festivities: first aid station, Red Cross, and law enforcement. The routes for the flower parade are secured and marked. Access to the arena is controlled during the Landes races. The Foulées des Fêtes comply with the standards of the French Athletics Federation with refreshments and marshals on the course.
Food and Drink
The estanquets offer grills, tapas, fries, and drinks throughout the day. Bars are set up near the arena, in the town squares, and along the flower parade route. Outdoor meals under tents are available by reservation. The grand fair also offers varied food options with local product stands and food trucks.
Contact
Pays Tarusate Tourist Office: 05 58 73 37 84
Tartas Town Hall: 05 58 73 41 14
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fêtes de Tartas at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Fêtes de Tartas
Arènes de Tartas
Centre-ville et Arènes, 40400 Tartas