Les Jeudis de Gourdon

Summer Evenings in the Heart of the Medieval Town of Gourdon

Since the summer of 2020, Les Jeudis de Gourdon have enlivened the town of Gourdon every Thursday evening. This small medieval town is perched on a hill overlooking Quercy Bouriane in the Lot department. From early July to late August, the town center is reserved for pedestrians and transforms into a true open-air stage, offering residents and vacationers a festive and free weekly event.

A Lively Route from Place Charles de Gaulle to the Bandstand

The route of Les Jeudis de Gourdon extends from Place Charles de Gaulle to the bandstand, passing through the squares and alleys of the historic center. Starting at 7 PM, artists parade through the streets: brass bands, wandering musicians, stilt walkers, quirky characters, and street troupes create a joyful and surprising atmosphere. Bars and restaurants along the route participate in the event by hosting concerts and activities on their terraces.

A Rich and Varied Program Each Week

Each Thursday offers a different program, carefully curated to provide a renewed experience throughout the summer:

• Musical Parades: brass bands like La Granja, Brazilian music groups, acoustic duos, and local ensembles fill the town with music.
• Street Shows: street theater companies, clowns, magicians, puppeteers, and acrobatic jugglers perform in the squares and at crossroads.
• Zumba and Dance: the bandstand regularly hosts open-air zumba sessions, open to everyone, which have become a very popular part of the evening.
• Interactive Activities: giant wooden games, karaoke, musical blind tests, and creative workshops allow young and old to participate actively.
• Concerts: local and regional bands perform on Place de la Poste and in the town center's establishments, offering rock, French chanson, world music, and variety acts.
• Visual Arts: giant bubble shows, artistic unicycles, and visual performances punctuate the evenings with poetic and magical moments.

A Friendly and Family Atmosphere

The spirit of Les Jeudis de Gourdon is based on friendliness and sharing. The event is entirely free, allowing everyone to enjoy the activities freely. Families particularly appreciate the children's shows and wooden games, while adults gather around the concerts and lively terraces. Food stalls and food trucks complement the offerings of the town center's restaurants, serving local specialties and street food to enjoy throughout the evening.

An Event Supported by the Mairie de Gourdon

Launched in July 2020 as a summer novelty by the Mairie de Gourdon, Les Jeudis de Gourdon quickly won over the public and became an anticipated event of the summer in the Lot region. Each year, the program is renewed with new companies and artists, while retaining the flagship activities like zumba at the bandstand and musical parades. The event helps to revitalize the town center of Gourdon during the summer season and to showcase the architectural heritage of this beautiful town in Quercy.