What Happens in France in September: Events, Festivals & Key Dates

September in France is La Rentrée – time for the French to head back to school and back to work after the long summer holidays. But the holiday season isn’t quite over – in fact, this is a fabulous time to book a bargain visit to France. In September, you can often book a long weekend or a fortnight’s holiday for a fraction of the July-Aug prices – and poolside peace and quiet is almost guaranteed!

Here in the gorgeous Charente, the weather is still beautiful, and there are lots of events to take place throughout the month. The first weekend in September is usually packed with events throughout France.

In our area, there are show big showjumping events for horse lovers, such as the National Concours Hippique at Val d’Auge, ten minutes away from us here at Mons (16). The Horse-drawn Carriage Riding Competition at Verdille is hosted by France’s National Champion, Patrice Bagilet.

The Brocantes are still in full swing, and Sigogne hosts their annual Frairie which is a huge brocante and fair with live music and food. There are also ‘Fetes de la Terre’ like the one in Douzat, which celebrates local produce and the end of the summer.

Arcachon celebrates the end of Summer with a Festival on the 17^th – 22^nd of September called Les Cadences, and there are street shows, dancing, and a whole programme of events.

There are some quirky local events, too, such as the Soap Box Car Races at Vaux Rouillac. The town is turned into a racetrack for soap box cars, and there is food and other fun festivities!

Food Festivals

September is traditionally the grape harvest in the Charente, known as Les Vendanges, with wine and Cognac Festivals, sales and tastings taking place to celebrate the harvest.

Locally, we have our annual Jam Festival at Saint Fraigne, as well as the last of the Artisanal Farmers markets.

Journées de Patrimoine

The two “Journée de Patrimoine” days in mid-September (21^st and 22^nd) are held throughout France to celebrate French and European Heritage. Cultural attractions and places of historical and cultural interest open their doors to the public for free, and they host plenty of events, exhibitions, and other activities. Here, in Rouillac, there are also events at the local Roman Amphitheatre – Les Bouchauds.

Coup de Chauffe 2024, Cognac

This festival is celebrating thirty years of success this year. It sets the centre of Cognac alive with street performances, shows and a whole weekend of the Arts and Creativity in the centre of Cognac.

Circuit des Ramparts, Angouleme

This fabulous and highly prestigious multi-faceted car race around the centre of Angouleme dates from 1939 and is hugely popular. Along with the competitions, rallies, and rides, there are classic car displays and other family festivities. We found ourselves caught up in the classic car circuit one year, much to the amusement of all spectators!

There’s plenty to see and do in September in France – let us know what you’re up to in the comments and bon voyage!