Summer’s here and the main season of special events commences next weekend – making Mazamet THE place to be in the summer of 2018.
La Mérinos – June 8th 
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 2nd – August 27th (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 6th & 7th
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 7th & 8th
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 10th 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 17th, 24th & 31st as well as August 7th & 14th (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 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).
Le Tour de France – July 22nd
This will be one of the highlights of 2018 for sure. The 15th stage of Le Tour (on route between Millau & Carcassonne) will pass right through the streets of Mazamet.
We took this picture in 2007 when Le Tour last appeared in Mazamet and it really is a spectacular event – not just to see the peloton flash by, but the “caravan” that precedes the riders with the sponsors, team coaches and lots of freebies! (we sold out for this weekend in just six hours last October – if you are staying with us, we will let you know about road closures and the best vantage points in advance).
Rallye de Montagne Noire – July 27th – 29th
From two wheels to four, the annual Rallye, now in its 39th 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.