The Abbaye de Fontfroide, a historic site near Narbonne in the Aude region of Occitanie, France, is preparing to launch a new cultural event designed to showcase the artistic talent of the region. “Made In Occitanie,” scheduled to take place from June 12th to 14th, 2026, will bring together artisans, producers, and creators for a three-day celebration of local craftsmanship.
The event, announced on January 29th, 2026, aims to provide a platform for artists working in a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. Organizers are seeking to highlight the “savoir-faire” – the skill and artistry – that defines the Occitanie region. According to Rogier Fackeldey, the Abbaye de Fontfroide’s communication manager, the goal is to “make the art shine in all its forms within our site.”
An open call for applications was issued on January 27th, 2026, with approximately 80 spaces available for artists. As of February 5th, 2026, the Abbaye has already received over 200 applications, a response Fackeldey described as “stupefying.” The deadline for submissions is February 15th, 2026.
The Abbaye de Fontfroide itself holds significant artistic importance, having served as inspiration for painter Gustave Fayet. An exhibition, “L’Abbaye de Fontfroide dans l’œil de Gustave Fayet,” ran from March 20th to November 30th, 2025, showcasing Fayet’s work created on-site, including watercolors and drawings that capture the architecture and surrounding landscape. The exhibition featured approximately thirty large-format reproductions placed at the locations where Fayet originally created his art.
“Made In Occitanie” builds on the Abbaye’s existing commitment to the arts, as demonstrated by the annual Marché d’Art & Création. The most recent iteration of this market took place on November 29th and 30th, 2025, featuring nearly thirty artists and artisans from Occitanie. The market offered visitors the opportunity to view and purchase unique pieces, interact with the creators, and support local art.
This year’s market included live demonstrations from several artists. Painter AZBA created a large-scale fresco on canvas, showcasing his “street art” style, while sculptor David Vanorbeek worked with recycled metal to create a nature-inspired sculpture. Aurelie Malbec, a local illustrator, offered live sketches of visitors and the surrounding environment.
Organizers anticipate over 10,000 visitors to the inaugural “Made In Occitanie” event. They are seeking a diverse range of artists, including painters, ceramicists, potters, vintners, and practitioners of “art brut” – outsider art. The aim is to represent two to three artists per category and department within the Occitanie region, maintaining a regional focus for this first edition.
Artists interested in participating are asked to submit their applications via email, including visuals of their existing work. A pre-selection process will be conducted internally, and selected candidates will be contacted directly to complete a formal application and discuss logistical details. The email address for submissions is provided by the Abbaye de Fontfroide.
The event schedule includes a preview evening on Friday, June 12th, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, followed by full days on Saturday, June 13th, and Sunday, June 14th, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Further information, including contact details (04 68 45 11 08) and a link to the Abbaye de Fontfroide website, is available to the public.
