Chestnut Festivals in Provence
Traditions, Markets and Local Delicacies
🌰 Chestnut Festivals 2026: an Autumn Tradition in Provence
Every year, from October onwards, chestnut festivals bring Provence to life on autumn Sundays. These popular events celebrate local expertise, organic farming and regional cuisine through markets, entertainment and tastings.
The most famous? The festival in Collobrières, known as the “chestnut capital”, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Chestnut Festival in Collobrières
Held in the heart of the Massif des Maures, the Collobrières Chestnut Festival takes place over three weekends in October. More than a hundred local producers and craftspeople gather for the occasion, offering candied chestnuts, jams, chestnut creams, craft beers and even liqueurs with woody aromas.
The market aisles are lined with wooden chalets, Provençal music fills the streets and the Place de la Réunion is transformed into a large gourmet area.
Chestnut Festival in Revest-du-Bion
In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Revest-du-Bion hosts its own Chestnut Fair every year, showcasing local products and offering the perfect opportunity for autumn walks.
From forest walks and honey stalls to artisan charcuterie and blueberry tarts, this Sunday event celebrates the authenticity and flavours of the Montagne de Lure region.
See you on 26 October 2026!
The Ardèche Castagnades: Traditions and Local Expertise
Further north, the Ardèche Castagnades have been celebrating the Ardèche chestnut for more than 20 years. In villages such as Joyeuse, Antraigues and Saint-Pierreville, craftspeople and chefs showcase countless ways to enjoy chestnuts, including creams, flours, beers and seasonal dishes.
It is also a great opportunity to discover production workshops and educational farms open to visitors. The festivities will take place from 3 October to 15 November 2026.
Chestnut Festivals in the Var
In the Var, chestnuts take centre stage in Solliès-Toucas, La Garde-Freinet and Bormes-les-Mimosas. Markets fill the village squares, bringing together local tourism organisations, craftspeople and producers.
Expect a friendly, family atmosphere where visitors can enjoy traditional chestnut celebrations, a glass of mulled wine and freshly roasted chestnuts.
Access and Parking at Chestnut Festivals
Most towns and villages provide temporary car parks and free shuttle services from designated areas outside the village centres. For Collobrières, for example, visitors can travel by Tram-Train from Toulon, followed by a shuttle service to the village centre.
Chestnut Festivals and Autumn Treats
If you are travelling through the Drôme or Vaucluse, don't miss the Saint-Pons Chestnut Festival, combining gastronomy, craft exhibitions and cooking demonstrations.
It's a wonderful opportunity to taste the famous chestnut soup while enjoying the atmosphere of a traditional Provençal fair.
See you on 24 and 25 October 2026 in the streets of Saint-Pons-de-Thomières!
Mini FAQ
Where are chestnut festivals held?
All across Provence! From Collobrières to Revest-du-Bion, as well as Saint-Pons and La Garde-Freinet, villages throughout the region celebrate chestnuts on weekends in October.
When is the Collobrières Chestnut Festival?
The Collobrières Chestnut Festival generally takes place on the last three Sundays in October. In 2026, head to Collobrières on Sundays 11, 18 and 25 October!
When is the Cagnes-sur-Mer Chestnut Festival?
It takes place on the last weekend of October, often alongside a craft market and family-friendly entertainment organised along the promenade.
Where can you go for a walk around the chestnut festivals?
Take the opportunity to explore the forest trails of the Massif des Maures or enjoy panoramic walks around Revest-du-Bion. Some festivals, such as those in the Ardèche, even combine hiking and food tastings!
🏠 Where to Stay in Marseille ?
Want to extend your autumn getaway after discovering the chestnut festivals in Provence? Make the most of your trip by staying at one of our two residences in Marseille.
Located in Marseille's 2nd arrondissement, ResidHotel Marseille Vieux Port is ideal for staying in the heart of the city. Further south, our Marseille Grand Prado aparthotel, in Marseille's 8th arrondissement, offers a convenient base close to the Prado beaches.
Two convenient places to stay and make the most of your time in Marseille!
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