Périgueux: highlights of the 135th edition of the Saint-Georges Festival

92 rides and attractions are expected there every afternoon until nightfall (for the schedule, read below). "It's the biggest funfair in the department," emphasize the volunteer organizers of the Saint-Georges committee. What's special about the 2025 vintage? It was a little more complicated to organize because of May 1st, in competition with other events (like the Latière in Saint-Aulaye ). "With this public holiday, and busy fairground workers, we'll have fewer thrill rides. It must be said that we've done very well in recent years with exceptional rides in France," points out Sandra Meloni, vice-president.

There will still be plenty to satisfy a wide audience: from the Rafale, "the big caterpillar, ancestor of the Saint-Georges Festival" to thrilling rides like Le Pulsion, a 45-meter arm that spins in circles at 110 km/h, with an acceleration of 5 G, or the Dropzone, a large swing that rises to 40 meters and the Black Dream, a sort of super octopus with XXL articulated arms. Not to mention the car scooters, a dozen rides for the youngest and the eternal duck fishing.

Free fishing pass

Every day has its highlight, starting with the fireworks display on Friday, May 2, one of the first of the season in Périgueux, the Châteaux en fête display having been canceled on April 19. It will be launched at 10:30 p.m. from the Quais de l'Isle, in front of the Ibis hotel, where the public will be asked to stay away from the barriers.

Saturday 3rd will be musical, thanks to the strolls of the Bagad de Bordeaux, and Sunday morning, dedicated to the traditional fishing competition, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. "We already have about thirty children, and fifty adults ready to register. But it will be possible to do so up until the last minute, from 7:00 a.m., for the youngest and adults, on the quays," explains Alain Delmont, president of the Approved Association for Fishing and the Protection of the Aquatic Environment (AAPPMA) of Périgueux.

No fishing license is required; exceptionally, the departmental federation will issue a free pass. Each child under 14 will win a prize. Adults will be judged and rewarded based on the weight of the fish caught (bloodworms and other fish are prohibited). The principle adopted for adult fishing is "no kill," which consists of returning the fish to the water. Children may keep them if they wish.

Grand Prix cycling

The final highlight, followed by the roadside, is the Saint-Georges Cycling Grand Prix on Monday, May 5. The organizer, the Périgueux Dordogne Cyclo Club, is counting on 30 to 40 riders, aged between 19 and 50. The competition is aimed at regional and national Elite, Open, and junior riders. The 2 km circuit in the Saint-Georges district will be secured at all intersections "by volunteers and friends of volunteers," emphasizes Christine Bercouzareau, president of the club. Bib collection is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Les Mondoux, rue du Général-Morand, with a start at 3 p.m.

The entire spirit of the neighborhood is expected to vibrate during these five days. Organizers warn that there will be slightly fewer snails (only one stand) than usual due to the summer heat and a drop in the number of farmers. The public will find a refreshment point in front of the presbytery, with the help of the Brasserie artisanale du Périgord.

Finally, the charitable spirit remains. The neighborhood committee, which also organizes two garage sales per year, donates its surplus funds to the three neighborhood schools (Maurice-Albe-Les Barris, Les Mondoux, and La Calandreta) in Lamaison24-Songtsen, as well as to the community social action center (CCAS). A migrant family, housed by a private individual, was also able to benefit from a financial boost in 2024.