To assist in planning your
vacation in France, there are a number of annual events in the
regions of France that may be of interest. France has a long
ancient and medieval influence in culture and the arts. Each
region has its own distinct flavors and history. Paris is the
most visited city in the world but there are regions where you
can soak up the culture, explore the towns, and pursue cultural
and outdoor activities. You can also sample the cuisine of the
various regions.
January
The Monte Carlo Motor Rally has
been held since 1911. The route is along the French
Riviera and the Principality of Monaco.
The International Ready-to Wear Fashions
Shows which also features designer
collections. The shows are generally for the trade.
There are other shows during the year featuring
different aspects of fashion including jewelry,
sportswear, men's wear, and so on.
The International Comics Festival
is held in Angouleme each year.
February
Floats, parades, boat races, street music, food,
masked balls, and fireworks mark the annual
Carnival of Nice. The carnival is
held in late February to late March ending on
Shrove Tuesday.
International Festival of Games
such as bridge, backgammon, chess, and so is held
in Cannes.
March
One of the largest county fairs in France is the
Foire du Trone which is held
annually in Paris. There are amusement park rides
featuring carousels and ferris wheels. This event
has been held since 957. It starts around late
March and ends in May.
April
Runners from around the world compete in the annual
International Marathon of Paris
held in April each year. It has a scenic route
through the city of Paris. The race is limited to
35,000 participants.
A world class Antique Show is held
for two weeks in Antibes.
May
One of the oldest film festivals in the world, the
Cannes Film Festival is held in
May each year. Film stars, producers, directors,
and other celebrities turn out for the event. Some
of the films caan be previewed by invitation only
and others may be seen at cinemas by buying a box
office ticket.
The Monaco Grand Prix is held in
May of each year, usually the third week in May.
The race is 77 laps around the streets of Monte
Carlo. Thousands show up for this annual race.
The second of the Tennis Grand Slam Events is the
French Open Championship held at
Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris. The event takes
place over 10 days in late May to June.
The Festival International de Musique
Universtaire (FIMU) is a music festival
with performances by students from many different
countries. The festival is held each May in
Belfort.
Besancon is host to the Herbe en Zik
Festival (French rock and variety music)
each year.
Alsatian Folk Dances are held on
Tuesday evenings from mid-May to mid-September in
Colmar.
Grand Prix de Pau is held for two
days in May. It is a small version of the Monaco
Grand Prix.
June
The Le Prix du Jockey Club is one
of the premier horse races held in France at the
Chantilly Racecourse. The race is usually in early
June each year.
Every second Sunday in June, the Prix
Diane-Hermes race is run at the Chantilly
Racecourse.
The 24-Hour Le Mans Car Race is an
annual event.
In late June to early July, the La Villette
Jazz Festival is held in the Paris suburb
of La Villette. Many world-renowned jazz artists
participate in this event.
A prestigious jazz festival, the Jazz en
Franche-Comte Festival, is held in
Besancon each year.
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is held
in late June and July each year. It features
operas.
Musique dans la Rue is held in
Aix-en-Provence in June each year to coincide with
the national Fete de la Musique. It features a week
of classical, jazz, and popular music. The concerts
are held on street venues and in courtyards.
The boating regatta, Voiles
d'Antibes, is held in June of each year.
Festival de Pau is held during
June and early July and features theatrical,
musical, and dance performances in public squares,
streets or the courtyard of the chateau. Many are
free.
July
A festival of baroque organ and choral music is
held from July to early August in Languedoc. The
festival, St-Guilhem Music Season,
is held in a medieval monastery.
Le Grand Tour de France is one of
the world's premiere cycling events. It is held in
July of each year and goes through many picturesque
villages and cities in France and ends at the
Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Bastille Day is celebrated on July
14 each year. The day is a celebration that begins
with street fairs, pageants, and ends with
fireworks, and feasts. In Paris, it begins with a
parade down the Champs-Elysees and ends with
fireworks in Montmartre.
Bull fighting in Bayonne runs from
July to September.
Jazz a Juan is known as the best
jazz festival in the world. It is held in Antibes,
Juan-les-Pins in July each year.
August
Various musical events are held in the town of
Colmar each year from mid-August to early September
during the Colmar International Music
Festival.
In Concarneau, the annual Fete des Filets
Bleu is held to celebrate Breton and
pan-Celtic cultures.
Besancon is host to the Franche Country
Festival (country music) each year.
Fetes de Bayonne begins on the
first Wednesday each year and includes bull fights.
September
The Festival d'Automne held in
Paris each year is one of the most famous festivals
in France. It features modern music, ballet,
theater, and modern art and is held at various
venues in the city. The festival extends from
mid-September to just before Christmas.
Besancon Franche-Comte Music
Festival is one of the oldest and most
prestigious classical music festivals held each
year in Besancon.
Festival de la Plaisance is for
boating enthusiasts in Cannes.
October
The Perpignan Jazz Festival is
held each year in Languedoc.
The end of Europe's racing season is the
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe held at
the Longchamp race track in early October.
Musiques de Rues Festival (street
music) is held in Besancon each October.
Jazz Pulsations, an annual jazz
festival held in Nancy in mid-October.
November
On November 11, Armistice Day is
celebrated nationwide. In Paris there is a parade
from the Arc de Triomphe to the Hotel des
Invalides.
December
From late November to December 24,
Christmas Fairs are held in the
Alsace region, especially Strasbourg. The
celebration in Strasbourg has been held for more
than 400 years.
Fete des Lumieres is held in the
city of Lyon in honor of the Virgin Mary. Lights
are placed in windows throughout the city.
