Whether you call it late summer or early autumn – September has a lot going on
It’s a lovely time of year to visit our region – the sun is still warm, the nights a little cooler, yet everything is still open and there’s lots to see and do.
Weekly markets
The Marché des Producteurs in Mazamet packed up its beautiful produce last Monday, but our regular weekly markets still take place in Mazamet (Tuesday, Saturday), Aussillon (Thursday), Labruguière (Friday). Ask us for a list of markets further afield.
September 12th and 13th
Farmers of the Tarn welcome you onto their farms to share their passion and and let you have a glimpse into their daily life. While most events take place in Northwestern Tarn around Albi and Gaillac, the farms closest to Mazamet to open their doors are near Lacaune.
- Les Escargots de Barre is a snail farm. Escargot master Jérôme takes you to the heart of his snail farm: step into the the dryer and exceptionally into the processing room. You will learn everything there is to learn about the reproduction cycle of snails, their way of life and their diet. Guided tours and free tastings. Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 2pm / 5pm to 7pm.
Rue de l’église, 81320 Barre – +33 (0)6 08 16 54 13 – www.lesescargotsbarre.com - La ferme des Goutines is a Limousin cattle farm. Farmer Marie-Hélène invites you to discover her human-scaled venture where she not only rears cows for beef, but also produces cereal to feed her cattle. She will also talk to you about actions in favor of recycling, phyto / homeotherapy and her environment-friendly farming techniques. Tasting of farm products at the end of the visit. Sunday at 10.30am and 3.30 pm. Booking essential. Guided tours last 1.5 hours.
Les Goutines – 81530 Senaux – +33(0)6 30 31 12 55 – www.lafermedesgoutines.fr
Find our more in the official flyer for the event
September 15th
La Passerelle will be exceptionally closed for maintenance work between 9am and 7pm.
September 15th
‘Balade de Voiture Ancienne’ – the 3rd time this event has been staged in Mazamet; beautiful cars from MG’s to 1930’s Citroens take part in a 70km leisurely drive through the Montagne Noire before returning to Mazamet in the afternoon where they will be displayed in all their glory (in the car park in front of the Cathar Museum).
September 19th and 20th
“Les journées du patrimoine” (or Heritage Day) is a yearly event that offers opportunities to visit buildings, monuments and sites, many of which are not normally accessible to the public. In Mazamet, the Musée du Catharisme (Catharism Museum – rue des Casernes ) will hold an exhibition / demonstration entitled “Sheep and Wool in Medieval Languedoc” as well as free visits of the museum.
Closer to la Villa at the library (1 place du Marechal Leclerc, underneath the Apollo theater, 3pm, free entry), the art historian Sonia Servant will present her research and upcoming book on early 20th century architecture in the Mazamet bassin. She actually visited La Villa on two occasions to study the work of Mr. Fabre, La Villa’s architect.
Special event at the Apollo theater with a screening of two movies (Les Étoiles de Papier by Roger Souza and L’Occitanienne, le dernier amour de Chateaubriand by Jean Périssé followed by a debate and a meet & greet session with the cast and directors.
September 20th
A mere 3 minute drive from La Villa, the Sacred Heart of Bonnecousse church will host a reading and spoken words performance by Jérôme Pinel, accompanied by a violinist, an juggler and a light artist., free entry, limited space.
September 27th
The annual Vide Grenier (literally translated as “emptying the attic”) is a giant flea market that takes up nearly every street & side street of the centre of town (which is completely closed to traffic) from 9am to 6pm – over 250 stalls will have you rummaging for a Renoir or looking for a Lalique!
October – there’s still lots to see & do in October with the huge annual Chestnut Festival in St. Pons, the open farm Sunday in the Montagne Noire.. .and for those looking for something energetic, the second edition of the Passerelle Trail (remember to book your spot and claim your 3 B&B nights for the price of 2 + free spa deal) – we will update the blog & our E-Newsletter at the beginning of October with other dates & happenings.
