Find the details for all the public holidays in France 2025. On national holidays in France, most shops and public buildings and even tourist attractions can be shut. If you know where you want to visit, check in advance to make sure it’s open on a French public holiday.

There are special celebration days in France too, though not national holidays: Celebration days in France

Public Holidays in France 2025

• 1 January, Wednesday — New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An). Pretty much everything is closed on this day.
• 18 April, Friday — Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) – only in Alsace and Moselle, for the rest of France this is a normal working day.
• 21 April, Monday — Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – this a major holiday with almost everything closed for the day.
• 1 May, Thursday — Labour Day (Fête du Travail or Fête du Premier Mai) – another big holiday though you’ll find some shops open for half a day (generally food shops).
• 8 May, Thursday — Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945) Many shops open on this day, some for part of the time.
• 29 May, Thursday — Ascension Day (Ascension) A national holiday but not a major holiday.
• 9 June, Monday — Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
• 14 July, Monday — Bastille Day (Fête nationale, le 14 Juillet) – an excuse for a party right across France! Find out more about this important day in France, what it’s all about and how to celebrate in our Bastille Day Podcast.
• 15 August, Friday — Assumption of Mary (Assomption) Not a major holiday, with many shops open but an important day off for the French – it’s summer!
• 1 November, Saturday — All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) Plenty of shops open, some part time. This is a day of remembrance for loved ones lost and it’s traditional to place chrysanthemum plants at graves.
• 11 November, Tuesday — Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) A very important day of remembrance right across France. At 11.00 everything stops for a moment’s silent contemplation.
• 25 December, Thursday — Christmas Day (Noël). The night before is often the big deal with it comes to the Christmas meal with a long lingering dinner.
• 26 December, Friday — Saint Stephen’s Day (Saint Étienne). Only in Alsace and Moselle, the rest of France goes back to work.

When a national holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday in France, it is usually celebrated on that day not held over to a week day as in some countries – and there is no extra day off.

For the French 2025 is a great day for national holidays, only one falls on a weekend, the rest are generally perfect for “pont” weekends. Pont means bridge so where a national holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, it’s common in France for people to take the Friday or Monday off to create a 4-day weekend!

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There’s plenty going on across France this autumn – starting with la rentrée, the big ‘return’, back to work, back to school, and back to normal after the long summer holidays. It’s the season when the arts world gets a renewed lease of life and loads of new exhibitions start. And at the end of the autumn, we’re easing into the Christmas festivities!

National events in Autumn

31 October – Halloween – not as popular in France as it is in the US, but events seem to increase year on year – especially at theme parks, major attractions from museums in Paris to chateaux in the Loire Valley.

1 November – Le Toussaint, a national holiday, a day of remembrance of those who have passed. It’s traditional to put tubs of colourful chrysanthemums on the graves of loved ones.

11 November – Armistice Day, a national holiday to commemorate the end of World War I at 11am, November 11, 1918 in Compiègne, Picardy. Every town and village will honour those lost, laying wreaths at memorials and holding services of remembrance.

Beaujolais Nouveau – third Thursday of November (November 16, 2024), when the first wine of the season is released at 12.01 a.m., celebrated in France and beyond.

What’s New?

Photo cheese museum

Musée du Fromage, Paris – yes, cheese lovers, the first cheese museum in France opened in June – what could Brie better?!

23 November 2024 – reopening of the Matisse Museum in Cateau-Cambresis, northern France

What’s on in France autumn 2024?

 French Property show 19-20 October, 2024, Cheltenham, England

For anyone planning to buy a property in France or move to France, the French Property Show is an absolute must to help you make your dreams of a new life in France come true.

Rederie d’Amiens, October 6, 2024

An annual flea market that takes over the whole town with a whopping 5km of stalls. The second biggest flea market in France after Lille, which is the biggest flea market in Europe!

Honfleur, Normandy – Fete de la crevette, 12-13 October 2024

The shrimp festival held in this lovely port town is authentic, fun and charming, not to mention delicious! Sea shanties, pirate village, arts and crafts stalls, cookery demonstrations and of course seafood specialities, plus cheeses and other local produce. ot-honfleur.fr

Paris, Montmartre – Fêtes des Vendanges, 9-13 October 2024

This is one you definitely should not miss if you’re in Paris at this time. A harvest celebration of the wine made in the secret vineyard of Paris, with dance, food, fireworks and a lot of fun.

Étaples Herring Festival, 9-10 November 2024

In Étaples, Pas-de-Calais, near Le Touquet, the humble herring is celebrated. A huge street food event sees the fish cooked every which way – grilled, marinated or smoked. And it’s accompanied by a crispy chunk of French bread and a robust glass of wine. 9-10 November, 2024. www.etaples-tourisme.com

Nancy Jazz Pulsations Fest, 5-19 October, 2024

Non-stop concerts throughout the Nancy (Lorraine, northeast France) area and not just jazz despite the name: blues, rock, chanson française, electro, reggae, hip-hop and world music.

Salon du Chocolat, Paris, 30 October to 3 November 2024

The world’s leading chocolate companies and artisans will be at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. A must for chocoholics!

Coming up

8 December 2024 – reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris

Late November–December 31 – Christmas Markets take place all over France with the Paris

Christmas Paris lights likely to be switched on 24 November (TBC).

Lyon Festival of Lights 5 to 8 December, 2024 – one of the greatest light shows in the world.

The Perfect Paris Tour 6-12 April 2025 – join author (and editor of The Good Life France) Janine Marsh for a week in Paris to get to discover the most perfect, authentic and fascinating parts of the city of light.

Want more France?

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There’s loads going on throughout France this summer – not least the Paris Olympic Games taking place in July, August and September. Here’s our pick of some of the best events this season…

Major events France summer 2024

Fête de la Musique: 21 June, France’s national music day features everything from street parties to major concerts – pop to rock, jazz to classical and everything in between.

July 14: A national holiday in France, Quatorze Juillet as the French say, Bastille Day as English speakers call it, commemorates the French Revolution of 1789. Festivities begin the night before with firemen’s balls held in fire stations throughout France and continue into the next day. Pretty much every town and village holds a celebration party. Cities lay on major events including Carcassonne (photo above) and Paris where there are military parades on the Champs Elysées, plus fireworks displays.

Have a listen to our Bastille Day podcast – it’s full of fascinating and fun facts!

Tour de France: This year the 2024 Tour begins in northern Italy, with a 206km ride from Florence to Rimini on June 29th. And, because of the Paris Olympics, the race finishes not in the Champs-Elysees as it usually does, but with an individual time trial from Monaco to Nice on 21 July.

Assumption Day, 15 August – national holiday

Journées Européennes du Patrimoine – 21 and 24 September: European Heritage Days

Across the whole country, hundreds of historical buildings, famous monuments, Government sites and places of interest open to the public.

Major Anniversaries 2024

1124 | 900th anniversary of the birth of Aliénor d’Aquitaine

Eleanor of Aquitaine was married in Bordeaux aged 15. Shortly after her 17-year-old husband became King Louis VI of France. The marriage was later annulled, and she married English Plantagenet King Henry II and became Queen of England. They had 8 children including Richard the Lionheart. She died in 1204 and was interred at the Abbey of Fontevraud. Read our article: Follow in the footsteps of the Plantagenets in France 

August 1944 the Other D Day 80th Anniversary of Operation Dragoon – Le Var

Launched 70 days after the Normandy landings, Operation Dragoon was a crucial Franco-American military operation that took place on August 15, 1944. The primary landing sites were located in the Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. After these landings, Allied forces advanced up the Rhone Valley, executing a coordinated pincer movement to cut off and engage retreating German troops. This strategic manoeuvre culminated in a historic meeting with D-Day veterans in Dijon on September 12, 1944. Discover the 80^th anniversary events to commemorate Operation Dragoon.

150^th anniversary of Impressionism

Many museums in France will be celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism and the 5^th Normandy Impressionist Festival will run until 22 September. Details: Normandie-impressioniste.fr

What’s on

Bordeaux Wine Festival 17-30 June: A 4-day event celebrates the very best of the local vin, with tastings, tours and vineyard visits against the background of stunning Bordeaux. You can also enjoy live music, admire the tall ships docked on the Garonne and take part in activities.

Antiques Fair, Montreuil-sur-Mer, Pas de Calais 14 July: Every year on 14 July, a grand Antiques Fair takes over the while of the upper town.

Fête du Cognac, Cognac 25-27 July:  A major event to celebrate Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, Vins de Pays Charentais, culinary Charentais with street food stalls along the Marina Cognac plus music. lafeteducognac.fr

Olympic Games Summer 2024

The XXXIII Olympiad, Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from 26 July to 11 August. 19 days of competition which will generate billions of television viewers worldwide as 10,500 athletes compete in 329 events. Paris’ iconic landmarks will be transformed into sporting arenas, (some games will take place in other cities in France). This will be followed by the summer Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September in which 4,400 athletes are set to inspire in 549 events.

Soissons Bean Festival, Soissons, 27 September 2024

An hour by train from Paris, the city of Soissons will celebrate the famous white beans cultivated in the region since the 17th century when plague caused people to flee the area but returning months later, the beans grew and staved off famine. Gourmet market, local products, bean pavilion with cooking competition, free shows with demonstrations, fireworks display and parade.

We do our best to make sure the dates are correct but sometimes dates change, please check directly if you’re making a special journey for an event. 

Want more France?

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Love France? Have a listen to our podcast – everything you want to know about France and more!

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2024 marks the 80^th anniversary of one of the most crucial, but often overlooked, campaigns of World War II. Sometimes called ‘the other D-Day in France’ and considered to be one of the most successful amphibious assaults in history, the event took place in the Var, Provence, 70 days after the Normandy beach landings.

Overshadowed by Normandy, Operation Dragoon has been largely forgotten though never by those in the south of France where the event took place. This year, in honour of the 80 years that have passed, a raft of memorial events will take place in the Var and especially in the Golfe de Saint-Tropez – along the coast, in the picturesque villages and in historic towns.

History of Operation Dragoon

Launched on 15 August 15 1944, Operation Dragoon was a crucial Franco-American military operation with the primary landing sites were located in the Var, and saw allied forces team up with French Army Group B to liberate the south of France. It was a significant military success and hugely symbolic for the French, an event that is remembered every year. Thousands of French soldiers, including the remnants of France’s free forces, returned home for the first times in years to play a direct role in the fight to free Europe.

Some 450,000 Allied soldiers and more than 2,000 ships took part in Operation Dragoon, including 250,000 French fighters, with most of the rest from the USA. Following a series of coded messages from Radio London using seeming innocuous phrases such as “Nancy has a stiff neck” and “Gaby is going to lie down in the grass”, the assault was launched shortly after midnight on August 15. Resistance fighters in the south played a key role in harassing German forces as they fell back, helping the Allied soldiers to advance quickly. In less than two weeks, Provence was liberated.

Allied forces then advanced up the Rhone Valley in a coordinated pincer movement to cut off and engage retreating German troops. This strategic manoeuvre culminated in a historic meeting with D-Day veterans from Normandy in Dijon on September 12, 1944

Remembrance in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

Every year on 15 August, wreaths are laid and a minute’s silence observed in the towns and villages of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. Some impressive wrecks of warships sunk and planes shot down close to the beaches during these military operations have become important sites for scuba divers. Sometimes tank turrets reappear on the beaches after particularly rough seas and strong winds in winter, all bearing witness to the Allied Landings. Several towns along the coast saw actions and many of them have commemorative memorials and monuments.

La Croix Valmer

In the early hours of 15 August 1944, Allied troops arrived on the beach at La Croix-Valmer, now named “La plage du Débarquement” in their honour. Strategically placed, the beach served as a landing stage for the troops who later headed for the towns of Toulon and Marseille.

Ramatuelle/Saint-Tropez

In the southern part of the famous Pampelonne beach, the vines and reed hedges were destroyed to create an airstrip for a link to the island of Corsica and to North Africa. It would take many years to redevelop the site. The 3rd American Infantry Division landed at Pampelonne, while elements of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion liberated Saint-Tropez. In Saint-Tropez there are several monuments commemorating the landings and section of the coastal Promenade is named the Promenades des Marines Alliées in tribute to the naval forces who liberated the town.

Rayol-Canadel

A group of African commandos arrived on Canadel beach on the night of 14 to 15 August. Their mission was to destroy the batteries threatening the beaches where the Allied troops planned to land.  A monument commemorates this event on the beach. You can also visit the 220m² national necropolis, the smallest of the French national cemeteries, which contains the graves of 13 French soldiers who died alongside their leader climbing the cliffs of Cap Nègre.

Cavalaire

Troops of the American 3rd D.I. landed on the beach at Cavalaire. A monument is dedicated to them on the Promenade de la Mer. ‘It was the darkest day of my life’, Hitler said in the face of Allied breakthrough.

Sainte-Maxime

The beach at La Nartelle in Sainte-Maxime was the landing point for the 45th American D.I. Delta Force. The French 1st D.V. group, commanded by General Sudre, landed the following night. There are several memorials in the town which pay homage to Allied and French forces.

Key memorial sites in the Var

There are several memorial sites in the Var including the Draguignan American Cemetery, the final resting place of 861 American soldiers killed in Provence. Mont Faron Memorial, Toulon home to one of the largest and most important naval ports of France. The National Necropolis of Boulourisin Saint-Raphaël, last resting place 464 soldiers of the 1st French Army commanded by General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. The Mitan memorial in La Motte commemorates the parachute drop of 9000 American and British troops on August 15, 1944. 350 combat gliders carrying men and equipment were towed by C47 Dakota aircraft from bases in Italy. Their actions led to La Motte being the first village liberated in Provence.

80^th anniversary events to commemorate Operation Dragoon

A large number of events will take place to pay homage to Operation Dragoon in the Golfe de Saint-Tropez and wider Var area, including a commemorative ceremony in lively Cavalaire-sur-Mer on 15^th August, followed by an evening jazz concert and fireworks. On the same day commemorations will be held in the village of Grimaud and at Port Grimaud with remembrance ceremonies, concerts, and street food stalls. While in Saint-Tropez there will be all day events and ceremonies on 14 August to honour the liberation of the town

Multiple ceremonies, film screenings, exhibitions, dances, guided tours of key sites, concerts, conferences and commemorations will held throughout the department from late spring through the end of summer.

Download the app ‘Var1944’ and discover the past via archived images superimposed in real time images: https://var1944.var.fr/fr/app

Find all of the events by visiting local tourist offices or online at www.golfe-saint-tropez-information.com/fr/animation

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2024 promises to be a bumper year for major events from the Paris Olympics to the re-opening of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame…

Major EVENTS Spring 2024

The Good Life France Spring 2024 magazine is out! It’s totally free and you can read/subscribe (for free) here: magazine.thegoodlifefrance.com

Nuits des Musées 18 May 2024

All over France on a weekend in mid-May on the Nuits des Musées – hundreds of museums, churches and Government offices open their doors to the public and offer free entry from nightfall until 1.00 a.m. Many of them put on special exhibitions and demonstrations in this unique annual event. Why not enjoy a magical moonlit museum tour!

Our Festivals of France podcast covers some of the biggest, best and quirkiest events in France – from pig squealing contests to giant strawberry tarts, and giants!

Tour de France 2024

29 June – 21 July 2024

For the first time in the race’s history the Tour de France won’t be finishing in Paris as the city will be preparing for the Olympic Games. For 2024 the route embarks from Florence, Italy, on June 29 and features four high altitude panoramic finishes as the race crosses the Alps twice, races through the south of France including Nimes, Gruissan and Pau, Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Champagne before ending with a dazzling Monaco to Nice time-trial!

Paris Olympic Games

26 July – 11 August 2024

More than a million visitors are expected to attend the Olympic Games in France! It’s the third time that Paris has hosted the Modern Games (1900 and 1924). The majority of events will take place across the heart of the city with iconic landmarks – from the Eiffel Tower to the Place de la Concorde – being transformed into sporting arenas. Some events – like football – will take place in stadiums around France including Lille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Note that travel in Paris during this time will be affected, and hotels, restaurants etc are likely to be super busy. Find out more: paris2024.org/en

Major Anniversaries

150 years of Impressionism

2024 is the 150^th anniversary of Impressionism and there will be exhibitions and events in Normandy, Paris, Ile-de-France and Hauts-de-France.

The Eiffel Tower celebrates 135 years

She was only supposed to be there for 20 years – but this grand old dame is now one of the most popular monuments in the world and has stood for 135 years wowing millions. (Have a listen to our Eiffel Tower podcast to discover some of its most fascinating secrets).

80^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings

There will be events throughout May-August 2024 in Normandy and in Pas-de-Calais. At La Coupole Historic Centre and 3D planetarium near Saint-Omer, there will be an exhibition dedicated to the liberation of the region which will run from June 2024 – June 2025. calais-cotedopale.co.uk

Regional Events

International Kite Festival, Berck-sur-Mer, Pas de Calais

20-28 April 2024

10 days of kite flying on the beach of Berck-sur-Mer on the glorious Opal Coast. This is no ordinary kite festival – be prepared to be totally wowed by the sight of hundreds of kites, from ginormous to weird. calais-cotedopale.co.uk

Amiens Rederie, Picardy

21 April 2024 

The second biggest flea market event in France (Lille Braderie in September is the biggest).  Thousands flock to the flea market in the shadow of the famous Cathedral of Amiens. It’s a great day out and you may just find the bargain of the year if you go early in the morning! Details: somme-tourisme. com

International Garden Festival, Loire Valley

24 April – 3 November 2024

All over France gorgeous gardens will burst into bloom but if you’re seriously into glorious green-fingered beauty head to the International Garden Festival at the Chateau de Chaumont, Loire Valley. Kew Gardens meets Chelsea Flower show with a lot of French flair. Stunning permanent gardens, contemporary art exhibitions, a beautiful, historic chateau and each April, the opening of the International Garden Festival. www.domaine-chaumont. fr/en

Cannes Film Festival

14-25 May 2024

11 days of glitz and glamour under the warm spring sun as the movie elite head to the south of France.

Roland Garros French Open

20 May – 9 June, 2024

Stars of the tennis world descend on Paris to take part in the French Open, one of the four Grand Slam events of the year

Bordeaux Wine Festival

27-30 June, 2024

Celebrate the legendary wines of Bordeaux at this feel good, fun festival along the banks of the River Garonne in the centre of the city. Tall ships in port, music and great street food make this more than a great wine tasting event.

Chopin Festival Paris

1 June – 1 July, 2024

If you’re in Paris in June, head to the Parc de Bagatelle for a Chopin concert in the Orangerie – a true Paris experience. Frederic-chopin. com

And finally, a little further ahead, the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame is still on track for December 8, 2024.

Want more France?

Discover more fabulous destinations in France with our free magazine The Good Life France

Love France? Have a listen to our podcast – everything you want to know about France and more!

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For the French any excuse to celebrate is a good idea, this is after all the country that invented the phrase joie de vivre. France is proud of its heritage, culture and history and this is reflected in the many, many festivals and events that are held in every part of France from music to art, from dance to theatre, food and wine events, carnivals, street art, sports and much more. Janine Marsh shares some of her favourite fantastic and weird festivals in France.

It’s impossible to know just how many cultural events take place in France each year – it is a vast and diverse spread. Some events are huge like the fabulous Nice Carnival and the deliciously deranged Nuit Blanche in Paris, Le Mans 24-hour car race, Cannes Film Festival, Marciac Jazz Festival, and Lyon’s Festival of Lights to name just a few. Others are strange, and quirky.

There are festivals where you can eat yourself to a standstill, or where you’ll have so much fun, you’ll want to go back year after year (Dunkirk Carnival that’s you!). It feels like everything is an excuse to celebrate, to have a bit of a party, for people to get together and share in the fun of honouring something from the humble chickpea to Bastille Day. Truffles, eggs, fruit, bread, onions, pumpkins, wine, champagne, beer – you name it, if you can eat or drink it, there’s probably a festival honouring it in France! Some festivals might only attract a few people, some may attract hundreds of thousands!

Nice Carnival

Nice Carnival is a wonderful feel-good event – one that blows the winter cobwebs far away. It’s held in February, and if that time of the year you’re used to grey skies, rain, sleet or snow, freezing cold, then you arrive in Nice to blue skies, people eating outdoors in T-shirts, relaxing on the beach, it’s such an uplifting feeling.

And then just down the road at around the same time is the Menton Lemon Festival where huge sculptures and the parade floats are created from oranges and lemons – around 145,000 kgs (320,000 lbs!).

Tour de France

The Tour de France has been called the Greatest Free Show on Earth. It’s watched by more than 3 billion people worldwide – not just for the cycling, but for the scenery of France! Did you know that the late, great Freddie Mercury of Queen wrote “Bicycle Race” in 1978 inspired by the Tour de France?

Fete de la Musique

The Fete de la Musique is held every 21 June, the day of the summer solstice, and features hundreds and hundreds of free music concerts all over France. There are professional musicians and amateur musicians taking part and every kind of music from accordion to Electro, choir to operas and everything in between. Most of the performances are open air – in streets and parks, museums, train stations and even in shops.

Cannes film festival

Where the beautiful people go to see and be seen. Cannes isn’t all glamour and glitz though, if you go there, make time for the old town which is just lovely, winding hilly roads lined with pastel-coloured houses and little cafes, which lead to a hilltop castle with wonderful views over the city and the sea, plus a fabulous market.

Dunkirk Carnival

The Dunkirk Carnival isn’t your average carnival. There are no grand floats – but instead giants walk among the crowds and there’s singing and dancing. It’s said to be the noisiest carnival in France – because there’s so much singing. And kissing, there’s a lot of kissing going on, la bise, the greetings kiss on the cheek, and everyone does it – you’re not strangers here, you’re Carnival friends! And everyone dresses up, so you see all sorts of fun sights. It goes on for a few weeks, with dances in the town hall at weekends and then on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday there’s a big parade in the town where the giants are and the singing and dancing takes place and at the end of the day the Mayor of Dunkirk chucks a load of smoked herring to the crowd from his balcony at the town hall and everyone tries to catch one to take home for their tea!

Meet a giant

And talking of giants I have to tell you about one of the weirdest fetes I’ve been to – the baptism of a new-born giant! In the north of France, we have huge giants that attend carnivals and events. Created around a wicker basket, they’ve been around for centuries and used to be biblical figures but now there are all sorts from Romans generals to fishermen. They get married and they have babies! A few years ago, in Gravelines on the coast of northern France, a giant called La Matelote gave birth to a baby and the town held a huge party for her. There were bands, the mayor made a speech and so did the local beauty queen which was a bit unexpected but very French. Then the mayor welcomed the midwife to make a speech and she announced that the baby weighed 12 kg (26.5 lbs) and was 2.32 m (7.6 feet) tall and everyone cheered. The baby was carried out by 6 strong men, she was wearing a long dress and full make up and had her long blonde hair curled and a priest then conducted a blessing and scattered holy water over the crowd and then she was paraded round the town and the crowds all followed her. The giants attend many of the northern French festivals and carnivals!

Giant omelette festival

In Bessières, Haute-Garonne, near Toulouse, every Easter Monday, it’s not chocolate eggs that take centre stage but real ones! 15,000 of them! They are made into a giant omelette, it’s so big it takes 50 volunteers to make it, one and half hours just to break the eggs, and they stir it with a telephone pole in a giant frying pan! Why do they do this? Well Napoleon Bonaparte stayed a night with his army close by. He stayed in a local inn and the innkeeper made him a delicious omelette. Napoleon was so impressed, he ordered the townspeople of Bessières to gather all the eggs in the village to make a gigantic omelette for his army the next day.

Biggest strawberry tart in the world

Who can resist a giant strawberry tart? Every second May, there is a Fete de la Fraise, everything strawberry and they make an 8 metre (almost 27 feet) wide tart that uses 800kg (almost 1800 pounds) of strawberries. I don’t think I could eat a whole one.

The French claim to be responsible for the delicious, sweet taste of strawberries! The common woodland strawberry was known in Roman times and grown in Europe since early days, but it was much later that the sweet red strawberry will know today was cultivated.

In 1714, Amédeé François Frézier, an explorer, mathematician and naval military engineer of Louis XIV was sent to South America to spy on the Spanish who had ports there. He returned to France with some strawberry plants from Chile and gave them to the gardeners at the King’s Royal Gardens in Paris. The fruit was white, quite large “as big as a small egg” said Frézier and not particular tasty. The Paris gardeners sent the plants to Brittany where they were cross bred with other berries grown around the town of Plougastel near Brest. They produced the succulent tasty strawberries we know and love today.

Chickpea Festival

The humble chickpea or as the French say pois chiche gets its own festival in France! In Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume in Provence, each year there is the Fête des Pois Chiches organised by the Confrérie du Pois Chiche de Rougiers – the brotherhood of the chickpeas! Chickpeas are what socca is made of, like a superfood in the south of France, and at the festival you can get everything chickpea from chickpea chips and pancakes to tapenade and even chickpea wine. And you can also get truffles at the festival because the town of Rougiers, where the brotherhood comes from, is also famous for its truffles.

Son et Lumière – sound and light shows

Son et lumières take place all over France. In Chartres the great Gothic cathedral is lit up, as is the wonderful Cathedral of Amiens in the north and Orleans in the Loire Valley. And many castles also feature sound and light shows after dark in the summer. At Azay le Rideau in the Loire Valley, you feel like you’ve gone back in time as soft music drifts on the air and floats on the moat and the castle is awash with colour. And in Blois also in the Loire Valley the spectacular son et Lumiere at the castle tells the history of the building, of its dark past and royal residents.

Pig squealing contests

Cri de Cochon – pig-squealing – contests are held each year. Its human competitors imitate amorous pigs, suckling pigs and pigs on their way to pig heaven. Of course, the contestants are also dressed for the occasion, complete with ears, tail and teats. But there can only be one winner and often it is a man called Noël Jamet, a native of Normandy, whose impressions of a breastfeeding pig, complete with small toy piglets, are legendary: so much so that he is available for squealing at weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. We are in a completely new dimension of contests here…

Mad Marathons in France

The Marathon du Medoc runs through the Médoc vineyards of Bordeaux, where people dress up in wacky costumes – you might spot Asterix Le Gaulois, Bart Simpson or Ewok from Star Wars (they have a new theme every year!). But even more unusually, the marathon includes twenty-three wine stops and dégustations (the French word for tasting) stops along the route, offering delicacies such as the fattened paunch of pig at the halfway mark and Cap Ferret oysters at the 38-kilometre stage, and as you approach the 39-kilometre point you’ll spot a roadside sign of a cow – but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s an indication of a cattle grid: it means that there are steaks on offer! Spectators thrust cheese and ice-cream cornets at you and cups of Lillet, a fruit liqueur made close by in Podensac.

Training for the Marne Valley half marathon race sounds fun. They give you glasses of Champagne instead of water!

Chicken Beauty contest

The Mademoiselle Poule and Monsieur Coq contest is where chickens and cockerels compete for the title of most beautiful. My neighbour Jean-Claude was going to enter one of his chickens and it is a really pretty chicken called Princesse, but she has a foul temper (sorry for the pun) and so he had to withdraw because the contestants have to be well behaved too!

Snail festivals

Snail lovers will rejoice if they visit the picturesque town of Osenbach in Alsace at the very end of April. The annual escargot festival is a serious affair here, so much so that the town even has its very own brotherhood dedicated to the humble mollusc. People come from far and wide for this two-day event with highlights including traditional music and dance, local beer tastings and the all-important snail tastings. The festival also features a traditional snail race, which takes place on a custom-built course.

Rouen Armada

The Rouen Armada is held every few years, and ships come from all around the world to Rouen in Normandy, along with 8000 sailors. The whole city takes on a festive air, the streets are decorated with flags and there are free concerts and fireworks. Next one June is 2027.

Check out our events guides in France.

Janine Marsh is the author of  several internationally best-selling books about France. Her lastest book How to be French – a celebration of the French lifestyle and art de vivre, is out now – a look at the French way of life.

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The post The best Festivals in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

There’s plenty going on throughout the cold months in France! Wrap up warm and check out our pick of some of the best winter festivals and events in France…

National Events

25 December Christmas Day – National Holiday
1 January New Year’s Day – National Holiday
2 February – La Chandeleur/pancake day
14 February Valentine’s Day

Major Events

Christmas markets

This year the Christmas markets are back in full swing in France – full of festive, fabulous fun. Be aware that as part of the energy savings plan being encouraged in France Christmas lights are generally going to be turned off earlier than usual for instance in Paris where the Christmas display lights will be switched off at 11.45 pm instead of the usual 2am.

Read our ultimate guide to Christmas in France

Picardy: Parc Asterix theme park | 23 December 2023 – 7 January 2024

Parc Asterix (35km north of Paris) opens from 23 December 2023 – 7 January 2024 and puts on a Christmas show including circus acts, illusion, and Santa’s Village. Find out more: parcasterix.fr/en

Lyon: Festival of Lights | 10-12 December 2023

The people of Lyon will, as they have since 1852, light candles and put them in the windows of their homes and the city puts on a spectacular light show. It all started when the residents of Lyon placed candles in coloured glasses on their windowsills to celebrate the installation of a statue of the Virgin Mary on the Fourvière Hill. fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en

Sarlat Truffle Festival, Dordogne | 20-21 January 2024

big truffle market tales place mid-January in the enchanting medieval town of Sarlat, Dordogne. Expect to indulge in truffle flavoured gourmet specialities, music and festivities including workshops. And take home a couple of truffles, you can get them at a good price at the market. Details: sarlat-tourisme.com

Comic Festival, Angoulême, Poitou-Charentes | 25-28 January 2024

The Festival International de la Bande Dessinée (Comic Festival) in Angouleme draws huge crowds of fans. Competitions for amateurs and enthusiasts, meet the professionals, watch them work and ask questions. The famous comic museum is an absolutely must see for all fans of the art. bdangouleme.com

Calais Wine and food fair | 2-4 February 2024

Pas de Calais Wine and Food Fair. A weekend extravaganza at the Forum Gambetta. Wine producers from all over France converge to present their wares supported by regional food producers. Get free tickets and a personal tasting glass here: salon-des-vignerons.com

Nice Carnival | 17 Feb-3 Mar, 2024

Processions, flower parades and flower battles, rock, pop, fireworks, and giants. Over a million people flock to Nice to join in the fun heralding the start of spring. One of the most glamorous of all the French carnivals. nicecarnaval.com

Menton Lemon Festival 17 Feb – 3 Mar, 2024

This amazing fruity festival features immense structures built with thousands of lemons and oranges. It’s one of the most popular festivals in the region and attracts many thousands of visitors from all over the world. fete-du-citron.com

Spring starts 20 March, 2024 – don’t miss the spring issue of The Good Life France Magazine – subscribe here for free!

Tour de France 2024 will take place from 29 June to 21 July starting in Forence Italy and ending in Nice! The first time in its history that it will end outside of Paris due to the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Paris.

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We take a look at what’s on in France 2024…

National Holidays in France November

1st November La Toussaint – All Saints’ Day. All over France, pots of chrysanthemums are placed on graves as loved ones who have passed on are remembered.

11th November Armistice – commemorative services will be held all over France in honour of those who lost their lives in World War I and other wars.

More on public holidays in France

National Events in France in November

Beaujolais Nouveau: the new season’s wine arrives on the third Thursday of November each year and the festivities start at midnight on Wednesday. Cafés, bars and restaurants all over France encourage a taste!

What on in France in November

Beaune: Wine Auction (Burgundy). 17 November 2024. Created in 1443 the former charitable hospital Hospices de Beaune is now a museum. During its long existence, many donors bequeathed vineyards to the Hospices. In 1859 for the first time the wines of the new vintage from these holdings were sold at auction. Now the hospices de Beaune wine auction is a major moment of Burgundian pageantry and the focal point for launching the new vintage. Les Trois Glorieuses – considered to be one of the greatest wine auctions in the world is for those who are serious about wine. It’s also a great chance to enjoy tastings as various producers hold an open house for trying the latest vintages. You’ll need to buy tickets for the tastings event. You can book online at www.beaune-tourism.com

Etaples: Herring Festival – Fête du Hareng Roi. Every year on the banks of the River Canche in the town of Etaples the humble herring is celebrated. Cooked every which way – grilled, marinated or smoked. And it’s accompanied by a crispy chunk of French bread and a robust glass of wine. A huge party, delicious food, and an authentic festival. 9-10 November, 2024. www.etaples-tourisme.com

Rouen – Salon Gourmand: 8-10 November 2024. Enjoy a taste of France’s gastronomic heritage in Rouen. The fair showcases traditional products, specialities and wines from some 250 exhibitors from all around Normandy and further afield. www.salongourmandrouen.com

Annecy Wine and Food Festival. Wine and gastronomic exhibition with tastings galore. 8-10 November, 2024. www.salondesvins.org

Please check on the websites we’ve included for dates and details, things do change from time to time so it’s best to be sure!

Read more about all the national holidays and days that are celebrated in France here.

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Spring officially starts on March 20, 2025 and festivals and events, as well as blossom, bursts into life all over the country. We take a look at some of the top events in France in March …

What’s on in France in March?

Sarlat: Perigord, Geese Festival Fest’Oie. From 1-2 March 2025, this famous annual festival takes place in the picturesque town of Sarlat and celebrates all things goose! Noisy flocks of geese honking through the medieval city, foie gras tastings, workshops and demonstrations. en.sarlat-tourisme.com

Provence, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes Maritime, Festival of Violets 1-2 March, 2025. The whole village smells of violets, there are farmers markets, and a violet parade with a battle of the flowers! Held annually first weekend in March. tourrettessurloup.com

Limousin, Limoges: Puces de la Cité. A very lively market with over 100 antique dealers. Held every 2nd Sunday of the month www.tourismelimoges.com

Nantes Carnival Time

The Nantes carnival is fun and fabulous (Loire-Atlantique) and takes place in March 2025 – dates TBC. While you’re there, don’t miss a trip to Les Machines de L’Ile – steam punk meets the imagination of the great French writer Jules Verne as a giant elephant roams the streets and rides made from enormous shellfish cause open-mouthed wonderment. www.nantes-tourisme.com

Côte-D’Azur, Nice: Les Printemps des Poètes,dates TBC. People in Nice go potty for poetry each March. This annual festival sees, and hears, recitals over a two week period in bars, theatres, clubs and cafés all over town. www.printempsdespoetes.com

Pas de Calais, Le Touquet: Car Rally, 13-15 March 2025. The inaugural round of the French Rally. Championship is held annually in Le Touquet. It’s a crazy car rally through the countryside and along the coast of Pas de Calais. More than 150 rally drivers converge on the lively seaside resort of Le Touquet for this one www.letouquet.com

Lagouile, Midi-Pyrénées, Aveyron: La Trace du Fromage March 2025 date TBC. A truly amazing cheese tasting event. www.tourisme-aveyron.com

Aquitaine, Bayonne Ham Fair: 10-13 April, 2025. For more than five centuries, the Bayonne Ham Fair has attracted gourmets to a festival of authentic regional produce. There’s also an omelette and ham competition!

Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis: Banlieues Bleues, 14 March – 11 April 2025. Jazz, blues and world music in districts all over Paris. uk.tourisme93.com/banlieue-bleue-festival

Gers, Le saint Mont, Vignoble en Fete, 29-30 March  2025. Winegrowers demonstrate their knowledge and products to visitors. Held annually, last weekend of March. www.mairie-saintmont.com

Please note: We check every website for dates and details personally but changes do happen from time to time – please check website for confirmation. 

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We look at some of the top events in France in February from celebration days to festivals, fairs, carnivals and more…

Celebration days in France in February

La Chandeleur – Pancake Day in France: 2 February 2025. La Chandeleur or Crêpe Day is the day in France when people traditionally eat crêpes and drink cider! Here’s how to make the perfect French pancake/crêpe.

La Saint Valentin – Valentine’s Day in France: 14^th February 2025.

Events in France in February

Alpes Maritimes: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Mimosa Festival 12-16 February 2025. Spring is in the air and in Mandelieu-La-Napoule millions of sweet smelling Mimosa flowers known as “yellow suns” bloom. Parades, processions, singing and dancing, this joyous event signals the end to winter in the south of France. www.ot-mandelieu.fr

Enduropale, Pas de Calais: 7-9 February 2025. Fast paced, wild bike racing on the beaches at Le Touquet, Stella and Merlimont. This is a fun packed weekend in which thousands of bikes and hundreds of quad bikes are involved in a race circuit on the beach. It’s noisy and exciting. More than 150,000 people turn up each year to watch and cheer the racers on. www.enduropaledutouquet.fr/

Calais: 31 January – 2 February 2025. Pas de Calais Wine and Food Fair. A weekend extravaganza at the Forum Gambetta. Wine producers from all over France converge to present their wares supported by regional food producers. Get free tickets and a personal tasting glass here: www.salon-des-vignerons.com

Granville: Normandy, Granville Mardi Gras, 28 February – 4 March 2025. Celebrated since 1872, this carnival began as a feast prepared by the wives of fishermen leaving to catch cod, just like the Dunkirk Carnival. These days it’s all about fun and having a good time. There are parades, all night drinking, wearing masks and making friends as thousands arrive for this very popular five day event. www.carnaval-de-granville.fr

Dunkirk: Carnival – throughout February and into early March, Dunkirk bursts into song and dance with locals and visitors for the carnival. This has to be one of the loudest and most fun carnivals in Europe especially when the Mayor throws herrings off his balcony into the crowds! www.dunkerque-tourisme.fr

Nice: Nice Carnival 15 February – 2 March 2025. Processions, flower parades and flower battles, rock, pop, fireworks and giants. Over a million people flock to Nice to join in the fun heralding the start of spring. One of the most glamorous of all the French carnivals. www.nicecarnaval.com

Menton: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Lemon Festival of Menton 15 February – 2 March 2025. This amazing fruity festival features immense structures built with thousands of lemons and oranges. It’s one of the most popular festivals in the region and attracts many thousands of visitors from all over the world. www.fete-du-citron.com

Please note: We check every website for dates and details personally but changes do happen from time to time – please check websites for confirmation.

Want more France?

Discover more fabulous destinations in France with our free magazine The Good Life France

Love France? Have a listen to our podcast – everything you want to know about France and more!

All rights reserved. This article may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translated) or redistributed without written permission.

The post Top Events in France in February appeared first on The Good Life France.