La Bastide Enchantée
The grand magical Christmas event in Villeneuve-sur-Lot
About La Bastide Enchantée
La Bastide Enchantée is the unmissable winter event in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Lot-et-Garonne. Every year, from early December to early January, the town center of this medieval bastide transforms into a truly magical Christmas village. An authentic Christmas market, a natural ice skating rink on Place Lafayette, rides, enchanting parades, a pyrosymphonic show, and a rich cultural program attract over 100,000 visitors from all over France.
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La Bastide Enchantée: Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Christmas Capital of the Southwest
Created in 2020 by the municipality of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, La Bastide Enchantée has established itself in just a few editions as the major winter event in Lot-et-Garonne and all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. For nearly four weeks, the historic heart of the medieval bastide transforms into a magical universe dedicated to the end-of-year holidays, attracting over 100,000 visitors from dozens of French departments and even from abroad.
An Authentic Christmas Market in the Heart of the Bastide
The La Bastide Enchantée Christmas market is spread across two emblematic sites in the town center:
- Place Lafayette: gourmet chalets offering local and seasonal specialties
- Parking Palissy: creator chalets with artisanal crafts, gift ideas, and local products
Visitors can stroll among the illuminated stalls, enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and Christmas treats, while soaking up the warm atmosphere of the decorated alleys of the bastide.
A Natural Ice Skating Rink on Place Lafayette
The centerpiece of the event, the natural ice skating rink, is set up on Place Lafayette, in the heart of the historic arcades. With over 215 m² of skating surface covered by a transparent roof, it offers a unique outdoor experience. Themed evenings are organized, including disco and neon nights, for the enjoyment of young and old alike.
Magical Shows, Parades, and Entertainment
The La Bastide Enchantée program is full of shows and surprises:
- Grand Christmas Parade: inaugural procession with street performers, magical characters, singers, and Santa Claus in a carriage
- Pyrosymphonic Show: a musical fireworks display set to Christmas and Disney tunes, fired from Parc Saint-Cyr
- Magical Parades: street performers with various themes each weekend (Toys, Disney Princesses, Frozen, Ice Dream Vintage, Batupagaï...)
- Illuminated Bike Parade: a procession of decorated bicycles crossing the town center
- Little Christmas Train: a free circuit to discover the festive town
A Paradise for Children and Families
La Bastide Enchantée reserves a special place for young visitors:
- Carousel and mini-train ride for toddlers
- Free face painting workshops to transform into a Christmas character
- Santa's House to meet the famous character
- Free pony rides during school holidays
- Electric ice karts for children aged 3 to 13
- Educational farm with animated workshops
A High-Quality Cultural Program
In parallel with the street entertainment, La Bastide Enchantée offers a cultural program in partnership with municipal facilities: shows at the conservatory, theatrical performances (The Little Prince, Aladdin...), activities at the media library, and concerts in the town's churches. Each edition enriches its program to offer an ever more complete and immersive experience.
Practical information — La Bastide Enchantée
Practical Information — La Bastide Enchantée
Location
The event takes place in the historic town center of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, mainly around Place Lafayette and the adjacent streets of the medieval bastide (47300, Lot-et-Garonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine).
Dates and Times
La Bastide Enchantée is held annually from early December to early January, for a duration of approximately four weeks.
- First period (before holidays): closed on Mondays; Tuesday to Friday from 2 PM to 7 PM; weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM
- School holiday period: daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
- Late openings: two special evenings until 9 PM with the Christmas market open in the evening
Prices
Access to the Christmas market, parades, street shows, and most activities is free.
- Ice rink: 3 euros (under 10 years old, 30 min) / 5 euros (10 years and over, 30 min) / Late openings: 7 euros (30 min) or 10 euros (1 hour)
- Carousel: 2 euros
- Mini-train ride: 2 euros
- Face painting workshops and pony rides: free
Access and Parking
Villeneuve-sur-Lot is accessible via the RN21 (Agen-Périgueux route) and the D911.
- Free parking in the town center for direct access to the event
- Exhibition center: 1,500 free parking spaces with free shuttles to the town center (the "Christmas Station")
- Free Elios bus: Monday to Saturday to reach the town center
- Santa's Shuttle: Sunday afternoons, special free shuttle
Accessibility
The town center of Villeneuve-sur-Lot is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Shuttles are PMR adapted.
Contact
- Organizer: Mairie de Villeneuve-sur-Lot (Town Hall)
- Phone: 05 53 41 53 53
- Website: www.ville-villeneuve-sur-lot.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach La Bastide Enchantée at the best price.
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Where does it take place — La Bastide Enchantée
Centre-ville de Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Place Lafayette, centre-ville, 47300 Villeneuve-sur-Lot