Events of the year

The “Les Affranchis” festival is one of the major cultural events in the Vallée du Loir, dedicated to the street arts.

Created in 1993, it brings together dozens of companies every year in the streets of La Flèche and several other towns in the Pays Fléchois. Over the course of a weekend, more than 80 performances take place. The In and Off programme invites you to discover puppet shows, dance, circus, street theatre, brass bands, acrobatics, etc.

Organised by Le Carroi, the “Les Affranchis” festival is entirely free and attracts tens of thousands of spectators (around 50,000 festival-goers). As every year, the meeting point for the festival will be the Parc des Carmes, with its refreshment stands, food trucks and entertainment.

An event not to be missed

Head for the Bercé forest on 29 March 2026 for a total immersion experience on International Forest Day!

Dive into the heart of the majestic Bercé Forest on this day dedicated to nature and discovery! International Forest Day offers an exceptional programme to help you understand the close links between biodiversity, sustainable management, the timber industry and natural heritage: a guided walk led by an ONF forester, who will show you how to manage a forest while respecting its balance: the role of tree species, landscapes, relief, forest ponds… Each element tells a story.

You can also put on your walking shoes for an 8km hike through the heart of the massif, with explanations of the fauna, flora and forestry practices.

For the more inquisitive, the “Vis ma vie de bûcheron” (Live my life as a lumberjack) workshop gives you the chance to find out about felling, delimbing and skidding, and to talk to real professionals. The day continues at Carnuta, Maison de l’Homme et de la Forêt, with an immersive exhibition, including works by Dominique Mansion devoted to pollarded trees. A rewarding, family-friendly, natural and deeply inspiring event!

Get ready to thrill to the rhythm of the engines for the 23ᵉ edition of Marçon Classic, one of the largest motoring gatherings in the Greater West!

For two days, more than 1,200 vintage vehicles, vans, military vehicles, motorbikes, rare models and prestige cars meet on the banks of the Varennes lake in Marçon, in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Enthusiasts love the swap meet, which is packed with spare parts, miniatures, accessories and documents that can’t be found anywhere else. But one of the highlights of the event is the spectacular demonstration of amphibious vehicles, including the famous Dukw GMC from the 1944 landings, as well as amphicars capable of going from road to water in the blink of an eye!

On Saturday evening, the 60s and 70s show is followed by a magical aquatic fireworks display.

On Sunday, the traditional parade with commentary highlights some exceptional models: pre-war cars, popular vehicles, roaring American cars… The weekend attracts over 15,000 visitors, seduced by the warm atmosphere and the passion that drives the organisers and collectors. A driving, energetic and unmissable event!

The authentic charm of the Loir Valley is fully expressed through the Broc Markets, an unmissable rendezvous for keen bargain hunters and lovers of great finds!

Every 3ᵉ Saturday of the month, the centre of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir is transformed into a huge vintage market where around fifteen local second-hand dealers welcome other professionals who have come to unpack their treasures in the village squares.

There’s something for everyone: retro crockery, period furniture, delicate glassware, old posters, vintage toys, pop culture objects, rare books… The atmosphere is joyful, friendly and resolutely lively, supported by the shopkeepers and residents who are proud of their “antique village” identity.

The second-hand dealers themselves are playing the game, with many scouring their neighbours’ yards at dawn to find new items for their customers. You can wander around, chat and discover the craft shops and galleries that are breathing new life into the town centre.

It’s an authentic moment where you can feel the heart of the village beating, and where you almost always leave with something you’ll love!

It’s the perfect way to enjoy summer!

In June, the Gardeners’ Festival transforms the majestic gardens of the Château du Lude into a veritable botanical paradise. Nursery gardeners, horticulturalists, craftsmen and passionate exhibitors create an irresistible setting for all garden lovers.

Stroll around, discover rare varieties, leave with a thousand green ideas and a smile on your face. Workshops, demonstrations, local produce, a scented rose garden and discoveries for young and old… it’s the ideal event for celebrating plants in all their forms.

An elegant and inspiring interlude, 100% Vallée du Loir!