Greenway Cultural Itinerary

Four Stages of Open-Air Performing Arts Across the Landes Countryside

Held every September during the European Heritage Days (Journees Europeennes du Patrimoine), the car-free railway greenway linking Mont-de-Marsan to Bas-Armagnac becomes a traveling stage for contemporary circus, street theater, and Gascon gastronomy.

Stage 1 - Saturday & Sunday 09:30

Mont-de-Marsan: Square des Forsythias & Place Saint-Roch

Midouze Riverbanks Opening Concerts & Sunday Morning Departure

Festivities begin on Saturday evening in Mont-de-Marsan with traditional Gascon folk dances (Le Bal Populaire de la Lande Profonde), funk-groove concerts (Snawt), and Romani swing (Romano Dandies).

"On Sunday at 09:30 at Square des Forsythias, stilt-walking ringmaster Monsieur Manitout welcomes cyclists alongside community frescoes created with artist Marc Paramelle."

Co-produced with OARA (Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Performing Arts Office), the peloton sets off along the shaded greenway.

Start: Mont-de-Marsan 09:30 Departure
Stage 2 - Sunday 10:45

Bougue: Esplanade de l'Ancienne Gare

Aerial Circus & Street Theater at the Former Railway Station

After pedaling through pine forests and rural trails, cyclists gather at 10:45 on the grassy esplanade of the former railway station in Bougue.

"Featuring Entre biceps et paillettes by Cie Deux Dames Au Volant (aerial circus 7 meters high) and Babylloon by Cie Monkeystyle."

Families enjoy high-flying acrobatics and physical comedy before continuing eastward toward Villeneuve-de-Marsan.

Morning Stop: Bougue 10:45 Show
Stage 3 - Sunday 12:00 to 15:00

Villeneuve-de-Marsan: Arenes, Alambic des Arts & Village Gourmand

Local Farm Producers Market, Circus Workshops & Arena Shows

Welcomed by the Pierre Blanquie school brass banda, riders pause for a three-hour midday celebration around the Villeneuve-de-Marsan bullring (Arenes) and Alambic des Arts.

"Dine at the Village Gourmand with local Landes farm producers while enjoying La Famille Martoche (Cie Cramoisie), La Folle Allure, Petrolina & Mascarpone (Cie Ahoui) and AFCA circus workshops."

Visitors also pedal the Banque Alimentaire Mix'Cyclette smoothie bike, play giant wooden games, and tune up bikes with AQM and Mont 2 Roues.

Midday Hub: Villeneuve-de-Marsan 12:00 - 15:00
Stage 4 - Sunday 15:30 to 18:30

Arthez-d'Armagnac: Domaine Departemental d'Ognoas

Heritage Days Armagnac Cellar Tours, Magic & Finale Concert

The route culminates at the historic 540-hectare Domaine Departemental d'Ognoas in Arthez-d'Armagnac, home to Gascony's oldest continuous Armagnac alembic still (dating from 1804).

"15:30 free guided cellar tours, 16:00 burlesque magic El Famoso (Cie Doun) and juggling Tu Viens (Cie Toi d'abord), followed by the 17:00 finale concert with VLAD or Romano Dandies."

At 18:10, dedicated shuttle buses equipped with bicycle trailers transport tired cyclists and their bikes back to Mont-de-Marsan.

Grand Finale: Domaine d'Ognoas 15:30 - 18:30