© Saint Emilion Jazz Festival
© Jurade de Saint emilion
© Sooruz Lacanau Pro
© SeeBordeaux.com
© Bordeaux marathon
What's On in Bordeaux in 2017
The biggest & best events being held in Bordeaux this year
As you can imagine, many of the main events that happen in the Bordeaux and Gironde region are wine related. From the planting and tending of vines to the harvest of grapes and celebrating the newest vintages.
But that's not all this beautiful west-coast area has to offer. In fact, one of the biggest events of the calendar is the Soöruz Lacanau Pro which is a stage in the professional surfing world championship. The best surfers in the world come to compete in Lacanau before continuing on the series of world championship qualifiers. Taking place in August this is one event not to miss!
January
The year starts off with the richness of gastronomy and one product in particular - the truffle. Celebrating the black gold of the region the town of Saint Emilion hosts a weekly market where you can try, taste, buy and of course sample some truffle-heavy dishes...mmmmm.
Also in January, prepare to rock your socks off with the Bordeaux Rock festival. Now in its 13th year this annual festival will showcase a selection of local and international artists at various venues across the city.
February
Jumping straight into February one of the city's favourite events takes place, the Jumping International de Bordeaux. Bringing some of the world's top horses and riders, the International Jumping of Bordeaux has staged this World cup event for more than 30 years. A wonderful show is guaranteed!
March
January's theme of running and wine continues in March with the Fete les Vins kms in Saint Emilion. With an 11km and a longer 21km option, both races will finish at Chateaux Soutard in Saint Emilion, but many pit stops and tastings at various chateaux are planned along the route!
April
Spring is in the air and the town of Blaye chooses this time to celebrate with a Spring Wine Fair within the walls of the beautiful citadel. With around 80 winegrowers from the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opening their doors...and their bottles...for visitors to come and taste their wines in a wonderful atmosphere.
And lest we should forget our running partners this month, the Marathon de Bordeaux will keep us on our toes! Both the full and half marathon courses lead runners along the Garonne river, through the centre of Bordeaux. They traverse the sprawling vineyards, and return through the historic heart of the city, passing by places rich in heritage.
June
Held each year on the third Sunday of June the Fete de Printemps (Jugement du Vin Nouveau) in Saint Emilion is a wonderful festival to be a part of, with processions, wine tastings and many local arts, crafts and produce on display and for sale. It is followed up at the end of the harvest with its sister celebration, the Ban des Vendanges.
July / August
The summer months in Bordeaux are all about sipping rose wine in the trendy parts of the city, and of course, music! From jazz to dance music and hip hop to funk there is something to suit every taste. Amongst the music festivals is Jazz O Lac and the Saint Emilion Jazz Festival.
Throughout the summer a visit to the town of Castillon-la-Bataille is a must. On various dates in July and August a two-hour re-enactment of the Battle of Castillon takes place, complete with horses, weapons, stunts, special effects ad explosives! Great fun for all the family to enjoy, this is considered to be one of the biggest spectacles in the region.
September
The Autumn Festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The Jurade, the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town, parade through the town in their red robes. A wonderful festival to be a part of, with processions, wine tastings and many local arts, crafts and produce on display and for sale.
If you fancy stretching your legs whilst enjoying your wine then the Médoc Marathon is THE event for you. It winds its way through over 50 vineyards of this special region. A fun, fancy dress occasion with a bit of running (or jogging...) plenty of wine!
December
The year comes to an end in style with the annual Christmas markets. Most towns and villages will host their own, but there are none better than the Grand Marche de Noel in the heart of the city of Bordeaux. Where to pick up a last minute gift, to visit Santa Claus or just to drop by for a glass of vin chaud, the Bordeaux Christmas market has it all.
Sprinkled throughout the year are of course, balls, gala dinners, music concerts, traditional festivals and some of the biggest and best wine events in the world...we might not get an invite for all of these!
For a full list of events in Bordeaux throughout 2017 then check out our Events Calendar.
