Chestnut festivals in Ardèche 2026,
dates, villages and programme

The Castagnades, Ardèche’s chestnut festivals

The chestnut is Ardèche’s emblematic fruit — it even holds a protected designation of origin (AOP). Every autumn, the villages of the Monts d’Ardèche take turns to celebrate it at the Castagnades: huge perforated pans over open fires, producers’ markets, chestnut spread, jams, chestnut beer and flour, music in the streets. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is joyfully village-style.

The 2026 edition, the 27th, is a special one: the Ardèche chestnut AOP, granted in 2006, turns 20. The festivals run from 10 October to 8 November, in a different village each weekend.

The 2026 chestnut festival calendar

Dates	Village	From the Mas
10 – 11 Oct	Saint-Pierreville	≈ 55 min
11 Oct	Jaujac	≈ 30 min
16 – 18 Oct	Privas	≈ 30 min
17 – 18 Oct	Joyeuse	≈ 35 min
18 Oct	Désaignes	≈ 1 h 30
22 – 24 Oct	Saint-Laurent-les-Bains-Laval-d’Aurelle	≈ 1 h 25
23 & 25 Oct	Saint-André-Lachamp (folk ball on the Friday evening)	≈ 50 min
24 – 25 Oct	Antraigues-sur-Volane	≈ 50 min
25 Oct	Chalencon	≈ 1 h 10
31 Oct – 1 Nov	Vesseaux	≈ 15 min
7 – 8 Nov	Joannas	≈ 40 min

Approximate driving times from the Mas, in Lussas. Detailed programme and opening times for each festival at castagnades.fr.

Which one to choose from the Mas?

The nearest is Vesseaux, a quarter of an hour away, on the weekend of 31 October, right in the October half-term: the perfect family outing, with children coming home with fingers blackened by hot chestnuts. Privas, over three days, lets you pick your moment. Jaujac and Joyeuse, half an hour away, pair well with a wander through the surrounding villages. For the furthest, such as Saint-Pierreville or Désaignes, plan a full day out.

Lou Pisadou, served generously

There is one name every Ardéchois knows: Lou Pisadou, the region’s chestnut cake. It comes from the Occitan pisar, “to beat” — dried chestnuts were once beaten to free them from their shells. Traditionally, a shortcrust base, chestnut cream and pieces of chestnut: a simple, comforting cake, made for autumn.

At the Mas, Louise makes it herself. No secret recipe, no magic formula — just the generous gesture of someone who loves to welcome guests. It arrives at teatime, after a walk or a chestnut festival, in slices nobody holds back on.

The autumn lounge

As the days draw in, the lounge changes mood. Candles lit from late afternoon, the soft glow of wall lights on the stone walls: this is where everyone gathers at the end of the day, a cup of tea and a slice of cake in hand.

And on the table, autumn foliage bouquets that Louise cuts and arranges herself. She gathers them in the countryside around the Mas, with Pongo at her side, from whatever the season has to offer.

Discover the Mas’s living spaces on the Living page.

A cosy weekend, with the whole family

A day at a chestnut festival or on the trails of the Coiron plateau, an evening in the lounge, a dinner prepared by a private chef if the mood takes you: autumn at the Mas is lived without a schedule, at your own pace.

And if your dog is part of the family, they are welcome too — simply let Louise know in advance. Pongo already knows every sunny spot in the house.

Your questions about the chestnut festivals

When are the 2026 chestnut festivals?

From 10 October to 8 November, in eleven villages of the Monts d’Ardèche. Saint-Pierreville opens the season on 10–11 October and Joannas closes it on 7–8 November.

Are the Castagnades free?

Yes, entry is free. You only pay for what you eat or buy on the spot: roasted chestnuts, local produce, meals.

Which festival is best with children?

Vesseaux, on 31 October and 1 November: it falls during the October half-term, about fifteen minutes from the Mas. Privas, over three days, also lets you choose your moment.

Where to stay during the chestnut festivals?

Le Mas de Louise is an 8-suite family house in Lussas, at the foot of the Coiron plateau. It is rented for exclusive use only, for up to 15 guests. Vesseaux, Privas, Jaujac and Joyeuse are all under 40 minutes’ drive.

To plan your stay, see our availability and rates, or contact Louise directly.