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Favourite events in the Loudunais region
There’s something about events in the Pays Loudunais that feels like coming back for more. There’s always something going on. Every season has its share of festivities. So, after coming here so many times with my friends, we’ve almost got to know all the nooks and crannies. Between the laughter, the discoveries and the encounters, it’s become our cultural playground.
Discovery evening with the Invitation des vignerons
It all started one summer evening, with the Invitation des vignerons. We were a bunch of friends, a bit epicurean, a lot curious. The setting? Loudun’s Tour Carrée lit up, hanging garlands, live music and that irresistible aroma of local produce. With a glass of wine in hand, we wandered between the stands, chatting to the producers, tasting and laughing. Claire, who hardly ever drinks, ended up falling in love with a local dry white. Julien, for his part, discovered that he was a talented dancer as soon as the band started playing a catchy tune. That evening, we promised ourselves we’d come back the following year, just to relive the friendly, festive atmosphere.
A breath of theatre with the Lug'en scènes festival
A few weeks later, the atmosphere changed with Lug’en Scène. Camille was the one who told us about it. She loves theatre ! We didn’t really know what to expect, but we were blown away. The alleyways were transformed into open-air stages, with actors appearing out of nowhere and laughter flying. In fact, we saw one play in the open air, sitting on bales of straw with the stars as spotlights. This mix of simplicity and creativity is everything we love. We came out of there smiling, a little moved, completely elsewhere.
Once upon a time there was the Loudunais Children's Book Festival
In the autumn, another tradition brings us together: the Festival du livre jeunesse. This is more of a family affair. I often go with my sister and her children. The little ones love listening to the storytellers, making their own bookmarks and meeting the illustrators. The atmosphere is joyful, full of colour and imagination.
While they’re devouring stories, we’re discovering authors we didn’t know before. Emma, my niece, even had her first book signing this year. She still talks about it with stars in her eyes.
The Prix Renaudot for secondary school students and young people, a flagship event in the Loudunais region
And then there’s a moment I always look forward to: the Prix Renaudot des lycéens et benjamins. It’s not a mainstream event, but it has a real place in the hearts of the people of Loudun. And with good reason: it was here in Loudun that Théophraste Renaudot, the man considered to be the father of French journalism, was born. So seeing local and national youth perpetuate this spirit of openness and curiosity through reading is obviously something special!
Last year, Lucas, the son of a friend, was one of the students on the jury. He told me how much the experience had affected him. Reading, debating, comparing ideas with other young people from different backgrounds… it opened doors for him,” he says. He now talks of books as friends you meet by chance and never forget. Listening to him, I realised that this prize is not just a literary competition: it’s a real springboard for awakening a passion for words.
Here, the Prix Renaudot des Lycéens et Benjamins raises the profile of the region. It’s a reminder that Loudun is not just a land of history, but also a place that inspires future generations. It’s further proof that in the Pays Loudunais, culture is never static: it’s passed on, invented and lived.
The Pays Loudunais celebrates conviviality all year round
What I love about the Pays Loudunais is its ability to bring people together. You can come for a drink, a show, a book or just a stroll, but you always end up meeting people who are passionate about what they do. No two events are alike, but they all have one thing in common: conviviality. It’s this relaxed, sincere atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again.
So if you’re looking for a destination where every weekend can be a discovery, set your sights on the Pays Loudunais! Here, festivities, culture and good humour are never far away. And if you see me at the next Invitation des vignerons, come and say hello, I’ll probably be raising a glass to life!
