There are many interesting events in the area during the year, among them:

Easter

Bach a Paques. St Maixent l'Ecole hosts a celebration of the music of J S Bach performed by internationally recognised performers. The main concert is held in the beautiful Abbey Church

Fete de la Musique (June 15th)

St Maixent, Niort and many other towns celebrate the longest day with musicians of all genres playing in the streets in with a real party atmosphere link

Bastille Day (July 14th)

The French national holiday is celebrated with various events and super firework displays.

Festival of childrens folk music and dance (Second Week in July)

St Maixent holds its annual festival of childrens folk music and dance. Invited groups from all over the world perform in the streets on the opening Saturday and in various venues in the town throughout the week.

Last week in July

Jazz festival in the nearby town of Melle

Cognac Blues Festival (27th July to 1st August)

Featuring international artists - no details yet but 2009 featured BB King  link 

Fete du Lambon (First Weekend in August)

A weekend of music and enterteinment at the nearby leisure lake, culminating in a spectacular firework display over the lake with musical accompaniment as only the French can do it!

International festival of wildlife films (Beginning of November)

International festival of wildlife films with many wildlife related workshops and trade stands link