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.

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A look at some of the top events in France in January – just because it’s cold out doesn’t meant there’s nothing going on!

National holidays and Celebration days in January in France

New Year’s Day 1st January is a national holiday in France

Celebration day: La Fête des Rois. It’s traditional to eat a special cake called the Galette des Rois on 6th January, the day of the Epiphany. You’ll see these scrumptious cakes in every patisserie in France. Inside the cake a lucky charm is hidden – the fève, and the person who finds the charm in his or her slice of cake, is crowned king or queen for a day! If you want to make one at home, here’s a recipe for Galette des Rois

Top Events in January in France

Aude: Carnival de Limoux from mid January to Easter! It’s the longest carnival in France and has been going for around 700 years! Taking place at a town 30km from Carcarssonne, the carnival features each weekend, fecos and goudils (masked people) who dance and perform in the city’s main square and a set parade with different themes. 19 January – 30 March, 2025. Details: en.limouxin-tourisme.com

The Sales – Les Soldes d’Hiver. The annual winter sales, which are set according to law, take place from 11 January 2025 for up to 8 weeks. What better excuse for a spot of shopping. You’ll find bargains galore in big stores, shopping outlets and small independents throughout the country. The price drops get bigger towards the end of the sales period.

Avignon, Provence – Horse Passion: 15-19 January 2025. Horses are put through their paces with show jumping events, polo, dressage and carriage driving. It all takes place in the lovely city of Avignon. Details on: www.provenceguide.co.uk

Sarlat Truffle Festival, Dordogne: A big truffle market tales place over the weekend of Date TBC January 2025 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. While you’re there, why not try a spot of truffle hunting yourself, it’s huge fun! Deatils: www.sarlat-tourisme.com

Paris, Chinese New Year in Paris 29 February 2025 – join in the fun and celebrations in this beautiful city, celebrating the year of the dragon, with a colourful parade through the Quartier Chinois stretching between the Place d’Italie and the Porte de Choisy in the 13th Arrondissement. Metro: Place d’Italie. en.parisinfo.com

Angoulême, Poitou-Charentes: 50th edition of the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée 30 January – 2 February 2025. This homage to comics, much loved by the French, draws huge crowds of fans to the vibrant, arty city of Angouleme. There are competitions for amateurs and enthusiasts and you can get to meet the professionals, watch them work and ask questions. The famous comic museum is an absolutely must see for all fans of the art. www.bdangouleme.com/

Burgundy: Saint Vincent Tournante – 25-26 January 2025. Each year a Burgundian town is chosen to host the introduction of the last year’s vintage to visitors. After nearly 40 years, COUCHEY, a village in the Côte de Nuits, will host the Saint-Vincent Tournante for the second time, for its 79th edition. A fun weekend to eat and drink your way through. www.burgundy-tourism.com

La Folle Journee Nantes, Pays de la Loire, is a major international music festival that lasts for 5 days during which around 250 classical music concerts are held. 29 January – 2 February 2025. www.follejournee.fr/

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

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National Holiday in France: Christmas Day (Noël) December 25

Licques, Pas de Calais, Hauts-de-France: Festival des Dindes, 7-8 December 2024. A charming festival where turkeys are celebrated in the little town of Licques Hauts-de-France (Pas de Calais). Held over a weekend, on Sunday morning, a gaglle of turkeys are released to “rampage” through the streets accompanied by local brotherhoods and dignataries in all their finery! There’s also a gastronomic fair with wine tasting and food for all your Christmas luxuries. www.paysdopale-tourisme.fr/les-fetes/la-fete-de-la-dinde/

Roubaix, Nord, Hauts-de-France: Braderie de l’Art, 7-8 December 2024. In the Nord, Hauts-de-France town of Roubaix, a 24-hour art festival features 150 international artists, designers, stylists, graphic artists, painters, sculptors. They use their imagination and skills to re-craft everyday objects into works of art which you can buy from €1 to €250.00. While you’re there, pop into the fabulous La Piscine museum, a stunning building and fabulous collection. www.facebook.com/braderiedelart/

Lyon: Festival of Lights, 5-8 December 2024. The people of Lyon will, as they have for the last 150 years, light candles and put them in the windows of their homes and the city puts on a spectacular light show. www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en

Nancy, Grand Est, Lorraine: Fêtes de Saint Nicolas, 22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. There’s much more to St Nick than a crimson red suit and a reindeer-drawn sleigh, as Les Fêtes de Saint Nicolas in Nancy in north-east France, Grand Est (Lorraine)shows. The spirit of the Christmas figure can be seen all over the city with a Christmas market, street parades, puppet shows and concerts. www.nancy-tourisme.fr/sortir/grands-evenements/saint-nicolas/

Valras Bain de Noël. In the town of Valras, Occitanie (Herault) join Father Christmas for a plunge in the Mediterranean at the annual Bain de Noël. Head for Valras beach, near Béziers, where the water will be about 15°C; chilly but refreshing! If you can’t face getting into the water, watch from a warm vantage point with a vin chaud. Date 17 December 2024. www.ville-valrasplage.fr

Féeries de Noël Morzine, Date TBC. Auvergne-Rhone Alpes (Haute-Savoie) Morzine. For two weeks in December and January the Alpine village of Morzine is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive workshops, light shows and a Christmas market. Don’t miss the ice-sculpting classes, pyrotechnic ballet performance on the slopes, 3m Christmas tree and Père Noël descending the Pleney Piste by torchlight on skis. www.avoriaz.com/evenements/feerie-des-lumieres

Carpentras Les Noëls Insolite (A Different Kind of Christmas), 14 Dcember 2024 to 5 January 2025. The streets of Carpentras in Provence are transformed into a Christmas story with 150 free shows performed by artists from all over Europe. There are also huge Christmas trees and street lights, carriage rides through the town, a food market, a Foire aux Santons, a giant Provençal nativity scene and magic shows. www.noelsinsolites.fr/accueil.html

Chestnut Faire Corsica – 6-8 December 2024. In Bocognano, Corsica, some of the best local and international producers of chestnuts offer a taste of the most beautiful culinary specialties prepared with chestnuts, from the classic castagnaccio, a chestnut flour cake, to traditional roasted chestnuts. www.visit-corsica.com/en

Try this delicious recipe for chestnut and apple soup from Michel Roux Jr.

Epernay Les Habits de Lumiere, Champagne, 14-15 December 2024. The famous Champagne city of Épernay, celebrates the gastronomic heritage of the region with a vibrant fete. For three days, the city is lit up and there are lots of activities on offer, including a firework display and a big street parade on Avenue de Champagne, exhibitions, musical entertainment, cellar tours and a whole host of shows for children and adults. On the Sunday morning there is a parade of several hundred collector’s cars, and in the afternoon, there is a special tea party for children. habitsdelumiere.epernay.fr/

Please check websites to confirm dates and details – things do change from time to time… 

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September in France is teeming with events, festivals and concerts as La Rentrée, the return to work, school and normality after the summer holidays. It’s a time of renewed energy and enthusiasm in France and you’ll find plenty going on to keep you entertained. We take a look at the major events in France September 2024…

There are no national holidays in September in France.

Nationwide events in France September:

Journées Européennes du Patrimoine – European Heritage Days: 21 and 22 September, 2024. Across the whole country, hundreds of historical buildings, famous monuments, Government sites and places of interest (some of which are normally closed to the public), open their doors and welcome in visitors. It is an amazing opportunity to explore and find out more about some truly fantastic buildings in France. www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr/

Major Regional events in France

Cognac, Coup de Chauffe, 6-8 September 2024. This year is the 30th anniversary of the festival. artists and performers entertain the crowds for three days in this lively and fun festival: www.coupdechauffe.com

Normandy, Deauville. Festival of American Cinema 6-15 September 2024. Showing all the best American films of the year with actors and director in attendance. A great chance to see some independent cinema offerings in this lovely town. www.festival-deauville.com

Nord Pas-de-Calais Lille, Braderie de Lille first weekend September.  The biggest and the best flea market in Europe. The Braderie de Lille, attracts around two million visitors to the city streets to enjoy music and the many events organized for the weekend. It’s a non-stop 33 hour marathon flea market session involving up to 10,000 sellers. The other big tradition of this awesome weekend is to eat a dish of “moules – frites” (mussels and chips) as restaurants compete to build the highest pile of empty shells! 7-8 September 2024. www.lilletourism.com

Corsica Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques de Calvi. Enjoy traditional Corsican chants sung by locals which immerses visitors in the history and culture of the island. The concerts are organised around the town of Calvi’s most beautiful buildings. 10-14 September, 2024.

Franche-Comté Besançon, International Music Festival, 13-22 September 2024. Classical music concerts take place across the whole region but the main focus is the town of Besançon. There’s a competition to find the best conductor at this hugely prestigious event: festival-besancon.com

Ain, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Ambronay Festival, 13-27 September 2024. This little town hosts an annual Baroque music festival. Many ensembles of varying genres, including professional groups and youth orchestras take part. festival.ambronay.org/

Aquitaine, Arcahon, Cadence of Arcachon, 17-22 September 2024. Festival held at the end of the summer, the whole town reverberates celebrates with dance shows, parades and exhibitions filling the streets: www.arcachon.com

Auvergne, Le-Puy-En-Velay, Roi de l’Oiseau Festival, 18-22 September 2024. Step back into the French Renaissance in the town of Puy-en-Velay, whose origins date back to the 16th century. The festival will host a variety of entertainment including craft stalls, music, taverns set up in the street, concerts, shows and an archery competition: www.lepuyenvelay-tourisme.fr

RhôneAlpes, Saint-Hilaire-Du Touvet, Festival of Free Flight 17-22 September 2024. Paragliders, parachutists, kite-flyers, hang-gliders, balloonists and flight nuts get together and there are films and a fancy dress competition: www.coupe-icare.org

Poitou-Charentes Angoulême. Circuit des Remparts. Held every third weekend of September since 1939. An International event with one of the largest gatherings of historic racing cars, this is primarily a meeting of enthusiasts who compete for heated races at the wheel of their Bugatti cars on the circuit route through the streets of Angouleme. 13-15 September, 2024. www.circuitdesremparts.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. 

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

Enjoy The Good Life France Magazine – totally free to read/subscribe

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Festivals, fun things to see and do in France in the sunny month of August. Get your picnic baskets out, your sunglasses to the ready and enjoy!

National Holidays in France

15 August: Assomption – Assumption of Mary

Events in France in August

Midi-Pyrenées, Marciac. One of the greatest summer jazz festivals in Europe, Jazz in Marciac is unique. It takes place in a small village in the heart of the Gers, and yet every first fortnight of August, 200,000 people come from all over the world to experience it. 20 July – 6 August, 2023. www.jazzinmarciac.com Read our review

Brittany, Crozon. A three day music and feast festival held on the Peninsula of Crozon, the Festival of the End of the World celebrates French and world music. 4-6 August, 2023. www.festivalduboutdumonde.com

Brittany, Lorient: Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Every summer, around 700,000 people from all over the world invade the Celtic land of Lorient for the Festival Interceltique. From Galicia to Scotland, the cream of Celtic music can be found here, to be enjoyed in a really convivial atmosphere. 4-15 August, 2023. festival-interceltique.bzh

Alsace, Colmar:  Colmar Wine Fair. More than 350 growers, producers and professionals showcase the wines of Alsace at this popular event where you can sample 1,500 wines and enjoy music, concerts and festivities at this annual event. 28 July – 6 August, 2023. www.foire-colmar.com

Alsace, Mulhouse: Jazz Festival Mulhouse. Annual jazz festival in this lovely town. Full details of dates and tickets. 23-27 August. www.festival-meteo.fr

Corsica, Calvi: Balagne. The Feast of the Assumption followed by three days of festivities. 15 August 2023. www.visit-corsica.com

Brittany, Saint Malo. Ever since August 1993 and a concert by a group of illustrious unknown musicians from Oxford (now known as Radiohead), the Route du Rock Festival of Saint Malo has gone from strength to strength and become something of a benchmark in terms of British and American pop and rock. 16-19 August, 2023. www.laroutedurock.com

Aquitaine, Bayonne. In Saint Palais, the Force Basque Festival brings together traditional and very ancient games steeped in the strong Basque history and heritage. 150 participants take part attracting 3,000 to 4,000 spectators, holidaymakers and local fans. Date TBC. www.guide-du-paysbasque.com/en

Languedoc-Roussilon Cap D’Agde.  “Brescoudos” is a legendary and unique motorbike show for Harley-Davidson owners and enthusiasts. 27 August – 3 September, 2023.  www.brescoudos.com

Rhône-Alpes, Côte St André.  Isere Berlioz Festival is a musical festival which pays homage to the town’s most famous son Hector Berlioz. 20 August – 3 September, 2023. www.festivalberlioz.com

Events in Paris in August

Paris. Every year from July to August, two miles of the Seine (near the Pont Neuf) is made over and becomes Paris Plage, a beach complete with white sand and sunbeds. The aim is that Parisians stuck in the city can enjoy a beach stroll or a lazy day by the water. Play petanque and volleyball for free and enjoy the free entertainment. A second “beach” by the Canal de l’Ourcq also offers the chance for relaxation and more concerts and outdoor games.

Paris. Every summer, Parisians make their way to the ultramodern Parc de la Villette in northern Paris with blankets and folding chairs to take advantage of the open-air cinema under the stars, or “cinéma en plein air“. This year the organisers are aiming to improve facilities, catering and adding a second projector to screen more films. With a program chock full of both classics and recent hits. Many of the films are shown in English, too. 19 July – 20 August, 2023. Details from lavillette.com

Paris Rock en Seine. Rock and Roll concerts held in the lovely and historic gardens at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud. 23-27 August, 2023. www.rockenseine.com/en/

Paris’ Classique au Vert takes place in the leafy Parc Floral every weekend in August and September. World-class classical musicians gather while Paris is at its quietest to serenade around tourists and Parisians in the beautiful Parc Floral de Paris. 29 June – 7 September 2023. www.parisinfo.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.

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

The post What’s on in France in August appeared first on The Good Life France.

We take a look at some of our favourite events and fun things to do in France in July.

Get your sunglasses ready and enjoy a sunny day out as summer in France means there’s loads to do and see from the famous 14 July celebrations (known as Bastille Day to English speakers) to arts, foodie and music events…

Public Holidays in France in July

July 14th Bastille Day – celebrations all over France in honour of La Revolution.

Major Events in France July 2024

29 June – 21 July, 2024: Tour de France. 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!

Events in France July

Cognac, Charente department: Cognac Blues Passion. 2-6 July, 2024. Festival held in the beautiful public gardens of Cognac. During the day visit the famous houses of Cognac (Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell and Baron Otard which is located in the castle where François I was born. See website for full details bluespassions.com

Cognac: Fête du Cognac is a major event to celebrate the delicious Cognac, Pineau des Charentes and Vins de Pays Charentais plus culinary Charentais. The Cognac Festival takes place from 25-27 July 2024 and you’ll discover Cognac the eau de vie in all its forms plus great street food along the Marina Cognac. www.lafeteducognac.fr

Aix-en-Provence, Provence: Spectacular music festival from 3-23 July 2024, in various locations in this lovely town. www.festival-aix.com

Avignon, Provence: Festival d’Avignon. This annual arts festival is one of the world’s greatest with performances given in more than 20 venues throughout the city and beyond. There are hundreds more “unofficial” shows. Takes places 29 June – 15 July 2024 www.festival-avignon.com

Arras, Pas-de-Calais: Main Square Music Festival. 4- 7  July, 2024. Arras holds one of Europe’s major musical events – The Main Square Festival. It’s a mix of the best up-and-coming artists with leading international artists. Past performances have included Sting, The Prodigy, Mike and the Mechanics and many more well known names. www.mainsquarefestival.fr

Nevers, Burgundy: Les Z’accros d’ma rue is a famous cultural street art festival which takes over the whole town of Nevers with many free performances: urban arts, brass bands, plays, concerts, circus acts and so much more. 1-7 July, 2024. www.zaccros.org

Nice, Jazz Festival. Begun in 1948, the world famous Nice Jazz Festival is one of the oldest in France. Held in the centre of the city you’ll find there’s a wide-ranging mix of jazz, from gospel and blues to urban funk and even experimental sounds. Dates TBC. en.nicetourisme.com   www.nicejazzfestival.fr

Bayonne: Les Fêtes de Bayonne. The running of the heifers in the Place Saint Andre square, in the heart of the Petit Bayonne quarter is a popular event in the area. The “Corso lumineux”, the evening parade of decorated floats regularly attracts more than 350,000 spectators. From 10-14 July, 2024. Bayonne will swing to the rhythm of the “Bandas” (roaming bands)

Aix-les-Bains, Savoie Mont Blanc. From 10-13 July, 2024 the Musilac Festival hosts dozens of international and French acts. More than 70,000 music lovers attend this lakeside festival in Aix-les-Bains, by the stunning Lake Bourget. It has become one of the largest rock festivals in France. www.musilac.com

Montreuil-sur-Mer, Pas de Calais. Every 14 July. A grand Antiques Fair takes over the while of the upper town. Montreuil-sur-Mer was the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables and the town certainly puts on a great show. Hundreds of stalls, music, fireworks and terrific restaurants.

Hyères, French Riviera. The MIDI Festival has become something of a mecca for music lovers. From 5-7 July, 2024, concerts are held in enthralling locations: The Villa Noailles, a pine forest out under the stars, the windsurfing Almanarre beach, as well as the Hyères racecourse. www.midi-festival.com

Champagne:  Champagne Route Festival. Annual champagne tasting festival (La Route du Champagne en Fête). Buy a ‘flute passport’ from a welcome point, then try tastings at different cellars and buy (often at cheaper prices). Local restaurants lay on gourmet meals and the villages are decorated with flowers in celebration of France’s most famous beverage. The festival takes place in a different part of the Champagne region each year, so check the website for details. 20-21 July, 2024. routeduchampagne.com

Chamonix, Haute-Savoie: Free concerts set in some of Chamonix’s most amazing locations – such as the top of the Aiguille du Midi, Lac Blanc and Grand Montet. The July Cosmo Jazz Festival features brass bands playing in breath taking sceneries. Definitely not to be missed. 22-27 July, 2024. www.cosmojazzfestival.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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National event in June in France

Fête de la Musique each 21 June. This annual free music festival takes place throughout France with performances of all kinds from classical music, choirs in churches, hip hop, jazz, orchestra and pop taking place in the open air, bars and restaurants.
fetedelamusique.culture.fr/

Second weekend in June, Fete de Nautisme, all over France events devoted to sailing, boats and watery sports.

Top events in June in France

Paris Jazz Festival. Starting on June 29 2023 and throughout the summer, the annual Paris jazz festival presents a summer programme of free concerts in the Parc Floral, check the website for what’s on and when parisjazzfestival (Travel: RER A Vincennes/Metro Château de Vincennes, line 1).

Normandy, Rouen – Rouen Armada is held every 3-4 years. From 8-18 June 2023, millions of visitors will visit the city to meander along the quays of the port of Rouen enjoying concerts, gigantic firework displays and a selection of the World’s tallest ships. www.armada.org

Rhone Alpes, Annonay – Hot Air Balloon Festival. A colourful spectacle with about thirty balloons from all over Europe launch into the sky on June 3-4, 2023. This is the town where two inspired inventors Etienne and Joseph de Montgolfier launched the first hot air balloon in 1783. lesmontgolfieresdannonay.com

Pas de Calais, Audresselles – Festival of the crab. This authentic little festival takes place in the fishing village of Audresselles takes place on 17-18 May 2023. It’s a chance to join in a heart-warming and fun celebration as the local fishermen sell their haul straight from the beach with music and sea shanties! terredes2capstourisme.fr/index.php

Pays de la Loire, Le Mans 24 Hour Grand Prix, you don’t have to be a petrol head to enjoy the thrills at the International circuit at Le Mans. Catch it from 10-11 June 2023 What to see and do in Le Mans

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

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!

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The weather is usually fine all over France in May and that means it’s time to get out and about and enjoy one of the many events that take place. Don’t forget there are several national holidays this month, and that means shops may be closed all day or part day. And if you’re planning to visit a public building, museum etc, check before hand that it’s open if you’re going on a bank holiday.

National Holidays in France in May

May 1st Fête du Travail – Labour Day
May 8th Fête de la Victoire – Victory Day
May – Ascension Day varies
Pentecôte – Pentecost (may take place in June or May, it’s held 40 days after Easter Sunday)

National Event in May in France

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 public and offer free entry from nightfall until 1.00 a.m. 13 May 2023. Many of them put on special exhibitions and demonstrations in this unique annual event. Why not enjoy a magical moonlit museum tour!  See the official Nuits des Musées website for more details of this annual event.

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!

Top events in May in France

Aquitaine, Bayonne – “Chocolate Days” in the town centre. Bayonne is historically the chocolate capital of France and celebrates this tradition every year during the Ascension weekend in May. Master chocolatiers take to the streets and conduct demonstrations of chocolate making inviting the public to participate – yes please! There are various activities, guided visits round the streets and chocolate shops of Bayonne throughout the weekend. VisitBayonne.com

Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Andalou Festival. 25-29 May, 2023. Basque dancing in the streets of this lovely seaside town – more details on the Saint-Jean-de-Luz website.

Brittany: Tréguier – The Atonement of St. Ives. 21 May 2023. The event takes place every third Sunday in May in Treguier and attracts thousands of pilgrims, some in traditional dress, to carry the relics of St. Yves in a procession.  http://www.tregor-cotedajoncs-tourisme.com

12-14 May 2022, Pays de la Loire: Le Mans Motorcycle Grand Prix, speed and thrills at the International circuit at Le Mans. www.gpfrancemoto.com/en

Corsica, Venacu – Fiera di u Casgiu. 29- 30 April 2023. A fabulous cheese fair and competition to find the best cheese in lovely Corsica! See the visit-corsica website for more information.

Gard, Saint Jean-du-Gard 18-21 May 2023: Festival de la Randonee. An international walking festival, a great wat to enjoy the beautiful sights of this lovely place on foot.

Limousin, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne – Fete de la Fraise. 14 May 2023. At this fabulous strawberry festival there’s every kind of strawberry cake for you to try. The biggest strawberry tart in the world is made here – everyone can have a piece!

Nord Pas-de-Calais, Lille – La Louche d’Or. 1 May 2023. The Golden Ladle festival offers more than 100 different soups which can be tasted throughout the town’s streets and squares. There are also artworks on show and street celebrations in this vibrant city. See the Lille Tourism website for more details.

Languedoc-Roussilon, Nimes – Féria de Pentecôte. From 24-29 May 2023, one of the liveliest festivals of the year takes place. An enticing mix of French and Spanish cultures dotted with vestiges of local Roman history in sultry Nimes. The town celebrates in style with street shows, paella and events in the wonderfully preserved Roman arena. Mingle with the locals to watch the grand Pégoulade a procession of dancers, singers and illuminated floats undulating through the streets. The air is filled with music of the peñas (small brass bands), everyone dances the ‘Sévillane’, there is water-jousting in the Canal de la Fontaine, an evening market and mass in the cathedral. It’s one big outdoor Spanish-accented French soirée, complete with fireworks and Provençal-style bullfights. Details: tourisme-occitanie.com

What to see and do in Nimes

Pas de Calais, Le Touquet – Giant Sand Sculpture exhibition – every year there’s a different theme and the exhibition runs from May to September

Picardy, St-Quentin – Les fêtes du Bouffon. At the Festival of the jester, Herbert the town giant galivants amongst the crowds. Expect parades, a fair, shows, carnival and mayhem in this joyous celebration (26-28 May 2023).

Normandy, Honfleur – La Fête des Marins, 28-29 May 2023. The Sailors Pilgrimage is held every Whitsun in Honfleur.  Fishing boats decorated with ribbons and flowers sail out of the port and into the Seine Estuary to be blessed by a priest. There are exhibitions, performances and food stalls as the town celebrates the role of sailors – find more details on the Honfleur tourist website. This may take place in May or June, it’s held the 7^th Sunday after Easter.

Paris, Val-de-Marne – Festival de l’Oh 28 – 29 May 2023. Celebration of water featuring all forms from rivers to streams. There’s a parade and animations on the river bank plus boats sailing up the Seine. Details: www.valdemarne.fr

Paris, Porte de Versailles – Foire de Paris, 27 April – 29 May, 2023. The Paris Fair features crafts and cuisine from 70 countries, concerts, performances and shows, 2000 exhibitors of home furnishings, garden styles, DIY, health and leisure products – you name it this fair has it all.  For details and tickets see en.foiredeparis.fr/

Picardy, Compiègne Fetes Jeanne d’Arc. 18-20 May 2023. The event celebrates Joan of Arc’s last visit to the town before her capture on 23rd May 1430. There’s a medieval procession and re-enactment of her visit. www.compiegne-tourisme.fr

Provence Côte d’Azur, Cannes – Film Festival Cannes. 16-27 May 2023. The International film festival in this trendy town allows you to mingle and gawp at the stars who fly in for the greatest cinema festival in the world. www.festival-cannes.fr

Provence, Grasse – Expo-Rose. 18-20 May 2023. The annual Rose exhibition is held in Grasse and for three days the town welcomes lovers of roses, horticulturalists, growers and others to take delight in the roses. The 2012 theme is the rose in fashion.

Bouches-du-Rhone, Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer. 23-25 May 2022. For the Fetes des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, gypsies come from all over the world to worship their Saint Sara the Black, patroness of gypsies. Legend has it that a boat containing the two Biblical Marys and Sara was cast out of Palestine and drifted to the Rhône estuary. The remains of Saint Sara are said to be in the crypt under the church in the town. There’s music, parades and a colourful few days of celebration.

Brittany, Tréguier – The Pardon of Saint-Gildas, also called “Pardon the horses,” is celebrated on 28 May 2023. At low tide, pilgrims, hikers, riders and their mounts have exceptional access to the private island of St Gildas, off Port Blanc. tregor-cotedajoncs-tourisme.com

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