Villeneuve-sur-Lot puts on its clothes of light to celebrate the end of year celebrations. “The whole city gets into Christmas time with varied activities, designed for all ages”confides Béatrice Vaquier, assistant for commercial and tourist attractiveness, who ensures that the festivities once again delight visitors to the famous Bastide. This year again, the Bastide is doubling its imagination to immerse visitors in an enchanting universe.
A launch under the sign of magic
Saturday December 7 at 7 p.m., Place Lafayette, the mayor and his municipal team will officially inaugurate the Bastide Enchantée. The ceremony will mark the start of four weeks of celebrations punctuated by activities, shows and surprises for young and old. For Béatrice Vaquier, this event is a cornerstone of Villeneuvoise life: “La Bastide Enchantée is an opportunity to strengthen ties in our town while attracting visitors. We want to offer an unforgettable experience through a rich and varied program. »
A Christmas market between delicacies and crafts
The Christmas market, rue Lakanal and place Lafayette, will welcome visitors from December 7 to 31, with extended hours during school holidays. Between wooden chalets, artisanal creations and sweet or savory treats, it is an ideal place to find unique gifts or warm up with a hot chocolate. Two nights, on December 21 and 28, will extend the experience until 9 p.m. Magical entertainment for young and old The streets of Villeneuve-sur-Lot will come alive with strolls by artistic companies and enchanting shows: Les Fanfarfadets, on December 7 and 8, will open the ball; the singer Carol of the Belles, on December 23 and 24, will bring a musical touch; the Batupagaï, a batucada full of energy, will close the festivities on January 4 and 5. Young and old will also be able to admire the Great Christmas Parade on December 7 at 6 p.m. and the spectacular pyrosymphonic fireworks display on December 21 at Saint-Cyr Park.
Highlights and returns: ice rink, karting and educational farm
The ice skating rink, a star attraction, is “his big comeback” Place Lafayette with a surface area of 215 m² under a transparent ceiling. Two theme evenings are planned: a disco evening on December 21 and a fluorescent evening on December 28, promising memorable moments. Another new feature this year: an electric kart circuit on ice. Designed for children aged 3 to 13, this activity will take place in the Libération car park. Lovers of local wildlife, for their part, can visit an educational farm, where horses, dwarf zebus and other animals will welcome visitors, with workshops supervised by a specialized keeper.
The businesses at the heart of the party
Local merchants are also participating in the excitement by offering “La Hotte du Père Noël”. This operation, organized by the Union of Merchants and Artisans Villeneuvois (UCAV), will allow customers to try their luck to win prestigious prizes, such as a trip to Sri Lanka or jewelry from Tahiti. How to participate? Scratch cards will be available from local merchants in the city with draws on December 15, 22, 29 and January 5.
Ease of access and small tram
To promote access to the city center, the Elios bus network will be free from Monday to Saturday, and a special “Santa Claus” shuttle will run on Sunday afternoons. The parking spaces at the exhibition center are also strongly recommended by the City. Also, the little Christmas tram returns from December 24 to January 3, excluding public holidays. More information on departure times and locations on the tourist office website. So whether it is to skate under a starry ceiling, follow a festive parade or simply stroll through the Christmas market, Villeneuve-sur-Lot promises an enchanted break for the holidays.
