Le Chant d'Oiseau ~ Bienvenue!
"Thanks for making our first foray into France such a memorable one! Fabulous area, good food, good wine and we've met some lovely people. Hope to see you all soon. " Paul & Jackie.
What's On
This is just a small selection of what's happening in 2010 in Mouliherne and surrounding towns and villages. There are many, many more events that
are announced as the year unfolds. Please bookmark this page, and keep checking back regularly as we add more. Although we do try to verify the dates
and times of events, we cannot guarantee things will not change, so please do keep checking back for updates!
July
1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th.
Avoine Zone Blues.
The small commune of Avoine celebrates 10 yearsyet to be announced, but rest assured, with past acts including such artists as Alvin lee
(Ten Years After), Dr. Feelgood, Status Quo, Bill Wyman, John Mayall and others, you will not be disappointed! Tickets available from the Mairie d'Avoine. Call Mairie d'Avoine on 02 47 98 11 15.
See the website at Avoine Zone Blues! See you there!
4th.
Fete du Village
Pretty local village, St. Philbert du Peuple throws open its doors to welcome visitors. Lots going on with stalls, displays, vide grenier etc.
Great fun in a very pretty setting.
4th.
Fete des Lavoirs. Longue-Jumelles.
Each year, on the first Sunday of the month, the pretty local commune of Longué decorates the commune 'lavoirs', or wash-houses. Used by the
homeowners and villagers, these unique buildings served as meeting-places, as well as launderettes! There are exhibitions, arts & crafts, displays,
static and otherwise. The day ends with a fantastic fireworks display.
7th.
Visite de Village - Montsoreau.
Be guided around an ancient walled town, constructed of tuffeau between river and cliffside. The village of Montoreau has a history stretching
back more than a thousand years! Discover, with your guide, this fascinating town of many levels. Troglodyte dwellings abound, and the views across
the rooftops down to the river below are stunning. Bring your camera!
6th.
Pique-Nique.
Club des Aines Ruraux - Mouliherne.
10th.
Cochon Grillé.
The traditional hog-roast at the Plan d'Eau at Mouliherne. Along with dancing to live music and fireworks. Part of the Bastille Day celebrations!
11th.
Concours de la Peche.
Sponsored by our local Centre de Secours (Sapeurs Pompiers). This annual competition is held along the banks of the River Lathan, within the Plan d'Eau at
Mouliherne.
10th-14th.
50th Anniversary of the 'International Fete de la Rose'. Doué la Fontaine
If you're a lover of the rose, then this is not to be missed! A weekend of floral displays, exhibitions and floral art sculptures held in the
underground caves of the Roman Arena. Colour, fragrance, art and joie de vivre! What could be better?
See the website at Journées de la Rose
13th.
Loire en Fete! Saumur.
As a prélude to Bastille Day, why not join us on the banks of the Loire in Saumur all day long? Exhibitions, craft displays, wine tasting, brocantes, vide greniers. Concerts, music, laughter, wine and boats!
The celebrations continue into the night here and at Montsoreau, further along la Loire!
14th.
Fete Nationale!
Bastille Day! The day when every French man, woman and child takes to the streets to celebrate in style! Communes large and small organise parties,
fireworks, hog roasts, music, song and dance. Mouliherne has a 'bal danse' by the waterside at La Louisière. (Held on the 10th this year). Or, you can
join the crowds in Saumur on the bridge, or take a more gentile position, with a picnic, sat on the grassy banks by the chateau, overlooking the town
and the fireworks below! Magnifique!
17th & 18th. Saumur.
Carrousel de Cadré Noir. Saumur
This two-day event is held in the famed arenas of the Cadré Noir in Saumur. Prepare to be entralled at the displays of horsemanship by the French Cavalry.
There's also an armoured vehicle display by the Armée Blindée Cavalrie. Always well attended with close to 10'000 visitors over the weekend to see over 80 horses,
30 vehicles and much, much more. The website is here.
18th.
Fete Médiévale de Brain sur Allonnes
Discover a medieval world in the forests of Brain Sur Allonnes. A full day from 10am-8pm, with battles, jousts, costumes, re-enactments,
refreshments, music, pony rides, food & drink, sports and much, much more!
24th/25th.
Grand Prix Retro!
Held in the town centre of Le Puy Notre Dame, not too far from Saumur. This is a great day out for the family. Organised around a closed course in the town centre,
you'll see famous builds like Bugatti, Morgan, Darmont, Bentley, BSA and many others race around the track in a quest to become the champion. More than
37 départements are represented, as well as overseas visitors! Lots of other stuff happening too.
August
31st/1st.
Fete du Village!
Organised by the local village of La Breille les Pins, the villagers present their annual village fete. Lots to see & do, with displays, stalls, refreshments,
animations and of course, a vide grenier!
4th/5th.
Les Grandes Tablées du Saumur-Champigny.
Organised by the Ville de Saumur, this annual event is a record breaker! In 2005, 2 km de tables, 3 tonnes de champignons, 3000 bouteilles de
Saumur-Champigny, 1 tonne de myrtilles, 50 litres d'huile de noix, 7000 verres, 800 mètres de baguettes et de pains au champigny, 5 tonnes de
charcuterie, 2 hectares de place, 4 500 couverts, 7 000 personnes.... These days, the Grande Tablée is held over two days as the popularity of the summer
spectacular has increased. To find out more, contact 0241 40 20 60.
6th.
Evening Market - Turquant
The troglodyte village of Turquant hosts their annual 'Marché à la belle Etoile'. Starts at 6pm until late. A great setting, with houses carved from the
creamy tuffeau overlooking the Loire.
15th.
Foire ux Vins - Bourgueil
Everything to do with the grape! The picturesque village of Bourgueil is dominated by the market selling everything from bottles, to vines, to corks!
15th
Fete de la Chasse
The Annual Fete de la Chasse at Chateau du Breil, Parc du Lathan, Breil. A fantastic day out for all the family!
September
2nd
Concours Pétanque
Local pétanque (or boules) teams compete at the boules pitches at the plan d'eau La Louisiere. Bring a picnic, soak up the friendly rivalry, and
enjoy the day.
4/5th.
Marché des Vins de Saumur.
The annual Fete des Vins held in the Place de la République in Saumur. Come and join the throngs as they sample the delights of the area. Buy your
commemorative glass, and have it filled at over 40 stalls. Taste your way around la Loire!
18/19th.
Journées Patrimoines Européennes
Many of the private chateaux, country homes and residences open their doors in France, and of course in this region. To visitors, this is an
opportunity to be guided around the places not normally open to the public.
26th.
Vide Grenier - Vernoil.
Over 200 stalls set out in the centre of the village. Lots to see & do. Come and enjoy the late summer sunshine and take home a bargain or two!
26th.
Vide Grenier - St. Philbert du Peuple.
Over 200 stalls set out in the centre of the village. Lots to see & do. Come and enjoy the late summer sunshine and take home a bargain or two!
October
3rd.
Vide Grenier - Vivy.
Over 300 stalls set out in the centre of the village. Lots to see & do. Come and enjoy the late summer sunshine and take home a bargain or two!
9th/10th.
Endurance Cavaliers Randonneurs.
A tough course across open countryside as well as the village welcomes horseback riders as well as runners and cyclists.
10th.
Randonée Vins & Champignons. Saumur
Discover hidden Saumur along trails and tracks, fields and roads! For cyclists and walkers! A lovely day out in real France, for all the family!
15th.
Live concert. Mouliherne
As usual, on the Friday before our annual Apple Fair, Bernard at le Bar Central organises a live music evening held at the Salle des fetes in the
village. Always good fun, and there's usually a meal too! Ticket only, available throughout the village commerces.
16th & 17th.
Annual Foire au Pommes!
Saturday & Sunday, usually the third weekend in October, and dedicated to all things apples! There's apple fritters (delicious),
apple juice, extracted before your very eyes using an ancient 'pressoir', that tastes out of this world. Lots to see and do, with a street market, bands
playing, a fairground and much, much more. On the sunday, the whole of the village is given over to a 'vide grenier', or carboot sale. Come and grab a
bargain, a reminder of France, and a great weekend out!
November
21st.
Cyclo-Cross.
A chance to get 'down and dirty' on your bike! A selection of cross-country courses across the commune.
December
18th.
Noel des écoles
Pére Noel (or Santa Claus) makes a visit to the local primary, and junior schools!
Le Chant d'Oiseau is the place to rest awhile, recharge your batteries and unwind. Hope to see you soon!
À bientôt!
Stu & Syb Bradley. Le Chant d'Oiseau.
