Highland Games of Bressuire
The Scottish strength games at Bressuire Castle since 2003
About Highland Games
Scotland at the heart of the Bressuire Bocage
Since 2003, the Highland Games of Bressuire have transported the public into the world of traditional Scottish strength games every year. These games, whose origins date back to the 11th century in Scotland, once brought clans together for tests of strength, skill, and courage. In Bressuire, this millennia-old tradition is revived in the spectacular setting of the medieval castle, creating a striking dialogue between French architectural heritage and Celtic culture.
The AJEF (Association Sportive des Jeux d'Écosse en France), created in 2005 and based in Bressuire, organizes this event which has become a benchmark in the world of Highland Games. The association is affiliated with the IHGF (International Highland Games Federation) and the sports federation UFOLEP, guaranteeing the sporting seriousness and international scope of the competitions.
Spectacular events and an exceptional setting
The Highland Games events are fascinating for their raw and impressive spectacle. The caber toss, the main event, sees athletes throw a trunk over five meters in the air. The hammer throw, the stone put, and the weight throw (weight for distance and weight for height) complete a program of events that require exceptional strength and technique.
The competitions are held in several categories — men, women, masters, lightweights — attracting athletes from all over Europe and the world. Bressuire has hosted European championships and IHGF international competitions on several occasions, confirming its status as a stronghold of the Highland Games on the continent.
A complete Celtic festival
Beyond the sporting competitions, the Highland Games of Bressuire offer a complete immersion into Celtic culture. Scottish pipe bands make their bagpipes and drums resonate through the town's streets and around the castle. Scottish and Irish dancers present traditional dance demonstrations, adding grace and elegance to the raw power of the strength events.
The festive atmosphere, gastronomy, Celtic craft stalls, and the conviviality of the "Bockers de Bressuire" — the affectionate nickname for the organizers and volunteers — make this weekend a unique moment where Brethistory meets the Highlands, where the ramparts of Bressuire echo the Scottish castles.
Highland Games — edition 2026
The Highland Games of Bressuire 2026 take place on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at Bressuire Castle. On the program: Women's European Championship (10 athletes from 7 countries selected by the IHGF), Men's International Open (9 athletes from the United States, Europe, and France), UFOLEP French Championship Category B, and Light & Master trophies. Celtic rock concert by Esskalibur on Saturday evening, 6 international pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dances, Celtic market.
Women's European Championship and International Open at the Castle
The Highland Games of Bressuire 2026 take place on June 13 and 14 at Bressuire Castle with a top-tier international sports lineup. The AJEF is organizing this 25th edition (anniversary of the Highland Games in Bressuire) around five major competitions.
Five Competitions on the Program
- Women's European Championship — 10 athletes from 7 European countries selected by the IHGF (International Highland Games Federation), 8 events
- Men's International Open — 9 athletes from the United States, Europe, and France, 8 events
- French Open — UFOLEP Category B — 8 French competitors
- Highland Games France Trophy — Light category (athletes < 90.7 kg)
- Highland Games France Trophy — Master category (athletes 40 years and older)
Traditional events include the caber toss, hammer throw, stone put, weight for distance, and weight for height.
Celtic Entertainment
Six international pipe bands will animate the weekend: Aquitaine Highlanders, Askol ha Brug, Continental Caledonia (France), Fraserburgh RBL, and Troon Blackrock (Scotland). Dance demonstrations will be provided by the Gordon School of Dancing (Scotland) and the Nantes Irish Dancing Academy (France).
On Saturday, June 13 at 9:00 PM, a Celtic rock concert by Esskalibur at the castle.
An Anniversary to Celebrate
The 2026 edition commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Highland Games in Bressuire, 30 years of Celtic entertainment at the castle, and 35 years of friendship between Fraserburgh and Bressuire. A special exhibition is planned for the occasion.
Programme Highland Games 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the site and Celtic village
- Morning — French Open UFOLEP Category B events, Light and Master trophies
- 1:00 PM — Start of Women's European Championship and Men's International Open competitions
- Throughout the day — Pipe bands (Aquitaine Highlanders, Askol ha Brug, Continental Caledonia, Fraserburgh RBL, Troon Blackrock), Scottish dance demonstrations (Gordon School of Dancing) and Irish dance demonstrations (Nantes Irish Dancing Academy)
- 9:00 PM — Celtic rock concert by Esskalibur at the castle
- Until 12:00 AM — Entertainment and Celtic village
Sunday, June 14, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the site and Celtic village
- 1:00 PM — Resumption and finals of competitions (Women's European Championship, Men's International Open, UFOLEP, Light and Master trophies)
- Throughout the afternoon — Pipe bands, Celtic dances, demonstrations
- Late afternoon — Awards ceremony and closing
- 7:00 PM — Site closes
Celtic Village (both days)
- Market of Celtic products and crafts
- Tales and legends
- On-site catering
- Exhibition for the 25th anniversary of the Highland Games in Bressuire
Highlights Highland Games 2026
- 25th anniversary of the Highland Games in Bressuire
- IHGF Women's European Championship (10 athletes, 7 countries)
- Men's International Open (9 athletes US/Europe/France)
- UFOLEP French Championship
- 6 international pipe bands (France and Scotland)
- Esskalibur concert (Celtic rock) Saturday 9 PM
- 25/30/35 year exhibition (Highland Games, Celtic entertainment, Fraserburgh-Bressuire friendship)
Prices Highland Games 2026
Practical information — Highland Games
Practical Information
Access
The Highland Games take place at Château de Bressuire, within the medieval enclosure (GPS coordinates: 46.841821, -0.499271).
- By car: Bressuire is 60 km from Niort (D948), 70 km from Poitiers and 30 km from Thouars (D938bis). Parking lots with free shuttle service available during the event.
- By train: Bressuire SNCF station (TER Thouars-Bressuire line).
Accessibility
The site is accessible to people in wheelchairs, with reserved spectator areas. Adapted pricing for visitors with disabilities.
On-site services
- On-site catering (Celtic village)
- Market of Celtic products and crafts
- Animals accepted (must be kept on a leash)
Security
Enhanced controls at the entrance: sharp or blunt objects prohibited, mandatory deposit at the locker if applicable.
Contact
- AJEF — Association Sportive des Jeux d'Écosse en France
- Address: Maison des associations, BP 80, 79302 Bressuire Cedex
- Phone: 05 49 65 19 88
- Official website: highlandgames-france.eu
- Facebook: Highland Games France
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Where does it take place — Highland Games
Château de Bressuire
Château de Bressuire, BP 80, 79300 Bressuire