From the end of April, Mazamet plays host to a wonderful array of events… this round up, whilst not exhaustive, will give you a flavour of what’s taking place in 2019.
Floriales – April 26th-28th
Plant sale, themed garden planting and an international floristry competition – all just 200 metres from La Villa in the Jardin des Promenades.
A great time to buy your summer bedding plants & herbs…
….or just enjoy the beautiful blooms and stunning floral arrangements on display throughout the weekend.
Ask us for further information if you are staying with us this weekend.
Salon du Livre – May 12th
The 10th annual salon du livre (book fayre) is always an interesting event for lovers of the written word… book sale, guest writers and much more.
Taking place in the Palais du Congres, just a short 2 min stroll across the park from La Villa (and we often have the guest author staying with us!)
La Mérinos – June 14th
An evening running event for all ages, now in it’s 10th year (started the same year as La Villa opened in 2009). The race commences in the centre of town with various musical stages around the course.
If you fancy skipping dinner and putting on your running shoes – ask us for an entry form if you would like to take part in the race!
Fete de la Musique – June 21st
This is a national day of music in France and Mazamet celebrates in style with around 6 different pop-up stages in and around the centre of town.
An eclectic mix of musicians & bands perform from early evening – so after dinner pop up and enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps a little dance in the street.
Marche de Producteurs – July 1st – August 26th (each Monday)
One of the highlights of the summer is the Monday evening food market – enjoy around 15 different food stalls where you buy your dinner (and local wines) and then sit on a huge table for around 200 people
Don’t worry – the locals will budge up, even share a glass of wine with you – this really is France at its most friendly (and tasty!)
Fanfare sans Frontieres – July 12th & 13th
Not to be missed for the sights & sounds – an international competition of marching bands.
A parade of nations takes place in the centre of town as well as each of the bands performing their own special routine. If you are staying with us during this event, please ask us for the timings for the parade and best viewing point.
Féte Médievales – July 6th & 7th (TBC)
The wonderful medieval village of Hautpoul, perched on the side of the Montagne Noire, was the original community that formed Mazamet – dating back over 800 years. 
The fete celebrates the medieval period with stalls, artisans, a medieval banquet and the opportunity to wander around this fascinating village.
On the 9th July, the Office of Tourisme in Mazamet also organises a guided walk by torchlight commencing at 9pm, a wonderfully atmospheric walk which also takes place on July 16th, 23rd & 30th as well as August 6th & 13th (tickets are just 5€ and can be reserved at the office of tourism in the centre of town).
Bastille Day Fireworks – July 13th
Yes, we know Bastille Day is on July 14th… however (as nearby Carcassonne has one of France’s largest displays on the day itself) our local display takes place on July 13th at the stunning setting of the Lac des Montagnes.
We can help arrange transport (there is a free shuttle bus too) to the lake or go early and reserve your place, take a picnic or reserve dinner at the lakeside Chalet du Lac for a great vantage point (this is a very popular event with an estimated 5,000 + attending so talk to us about the best timings to arrive at the lake).
Rallye de Montagne Noire – July 26th – 28th 
The 40th year, screeches into town on July 27th. With more than 100 cars (from Porche to Subaru) – this is part of a national rally tour, this is a great event for petrol-heads. 
At the end of each race, taking place on the small roads of the Montagne Noire, the cars all park neatly in the Jardin de Promenades… a great change to see the cars up-close.
La Jalabert – August 18th
The annual cycle race, named after Mazamet’s own Le Tour de France yellow jersey winner.
The 150km race takes the competitors on the former training route of Laurent Jalabert himself, rising from 340 m to 1,120 m altitude as it passes over the Pic du Nore.
Vintage Car Rally – September 14th (TBC)
… and back to four wheels again in September (but more sedate than the rally!) – come and marvel and vintage cars dating back nearly 100 years.
The cars park up in the carpark adjacent to the Office of Tourism with a live jazz to add to the ambiance.
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This is just a snap-shot of the events taking place this spring & summer in Mazamet and we will update this blog again in the July o cover more events place during September & October. Even if your stay does not coincide with one of these events, there is always something to see and do either in town or a short distance away.
You can explore much more of what Mazamet has to offer on our website here – from championship quality golf, the wonderful weekly markets, exploring vineyards, medieval villages & mountain lakes, to our three UNESCO World Hertiage sites… and not forgetting the breathtaking new Passerelle which is open 7 days a week for free!
