Summer Jazz, Food & Wine 2022

• Gers, Marciac: Jazz in Marciac, 22July to 6 August - Arguably now the best jazz festival in Europe. Takes place under the ‘Chapiteau’ in the charming village of Marciac in Gascony. Internationally renowned, and attracting world-famous performers, this festival began 30 years ago, when a local teacher organised a one-off concert. As it grew, it totally transformed the character of this sweet village, between Pau and Auch - and the local school even offers a specialist jazz education. International acts appearing in the main marquee this year include James Blunt, but savour the atmosphere around the village with all the free concerts.
   

• Aquitaine, Bayonne: Fêtes de Bayonne, 27 July - 31 July Five non-stop days of fiesta in the Basque city of Bayonne. Over a million participants come each year to enjoy traditional Basque food and music, to see the bulls running through the streets and other spectacles. Events for all ages and tastes. Wild stuff!

• Lot, Cahors: Blues Festival, 12 to 17 July - Celebrating 38 years; the oldest Blues Festival in France, it has attracted the biggest names in blues music.

• Equestria  19 to 24 July - The town of Tarbes has a long equestrian tradition, and every summer hosts an equestrian show at the exceptional site of the National Stud Farm. What makes Equestria different is the fact that it is not a horse fair but a friendly family festival, dedicated to equestrian art in all its forms. Over 300 horses and around 500 players from the arts and the equestrian world gather during the day, in the various sand rings and avenues of the Equestria festival. The “Night of Creations" gala is the highlight of the festival. Every night, it features a skillful blend of newly created equestrian performances and other more established acts, which flourish in this daring show.