France, often referred to as the “hexagon” due to its distinctive shape, is a country renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and culinary excellence. Throughout the year, France hosts a myriad of events that showcase its art, music, gastronomy, fashion, and traditions.
For more than 90 years, the Monte Carlo Motor Rally has been among the most important rallying events in the world. Held in January, this rally is famed for its treacherous conditions, with much of the route affected by snow and ice at this time of year. Taking place along the French Riviera, the Monte Carlo Motor Rally is the first stage of the larger, World Rally Championship.
Time: January.
The largest carnival celebration in France, this French festival takes place in the beautiful Mediterranean city of Nice on the French Riviera. Said to rival the Rio Carnival, the Nice Carnival is a vibrant celebration that takes place between February and March every year. Lasting around two weeks, the celebrations include mesmerizing float parades, giant sculptures, live music, dancing, and a general party atmosphere! One of the most memorable traditions is the ‘Battle of the Flowers’ when hundreds of thousands of colorful blooms are tossed into the crowds from elaborate floats.
Time: February.
Every May, the city of Cannes becomes the focal point of the world’s media as it hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival. Celebrities, A-List actors, royalty, and high-profile politicians all head to this city on the French Riviera to tread the famous red carpet and attend the premiers of the latest blockbuster movies. Although admission to the premiers is by invitation only, a variety of off-shoot events take place and are available for the public to enjoy. Nevertheless, people-watching around Cannes at this time of year is entertaining in its own right, with luxury cars and VIPs taking over the city from mid-May.
Time: May.
One of the most important national holidays in France, Bastille Day commemorates and celebrates the birth of modern-day France. In memory of the storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution, Bastille Day celebrations include nationwide parties, parades, fireworks, and lots of red, white, and blue decorations! The most spectacular celebrations take place in Paris, with many of the parties beginning on the evening of July 13th.
Time: 14th July.
The most prestigious cycling race on earth, the Tour de France is loved by biking enthusiasts the world over! A course of almost 3,500 kilometers, the race highlights the diverse beauty of the French landscapes. A peloton of riders set off every July on this unforgettable journey, which differs slightly each year. Around 3 weeks later, the winner crosses the finish line at the Champs-Elysees in Paris, a truly impressive spectacle and one of the most important sporting events in France.
Time: July.
A lesser-known event, the Festival de la Loire takes place every two years at the end of September along the River Loire. Hundreds of sailors from across France and Europe flock to the Loire town of Orleans to show off their pristine flat-bottomed boats and enjoy the largest boat festival in Europe. Expect music, great food, and plenty of beautiful sailboats!
Time: September.
A nationwide celebration, New Year’s Eve is known as the Fete or Reveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. Entire cities take on a festive atmosphere, especially in Paris, where huge crowds gather to mark the beginning of the new year at midnight. It’s not uncommon for French strangers to share a kiss, whilst watching the fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower is surely one of the most spectacular ways to ring in the new year!
Time: New Year’s Eve
The most Italianate and warmest town on the French Riviera has become famous for its colorful Lemon Festival. A major event on the French Riviera, the celebration attracts no less than 230,000 visitors in Menton each February who marvel at the impressive sculptures and parades.
Time: February.
On the 6th of December, Saint Nicolas’ Day is mainly celebrated in north-eastern France, in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine. Each year, the Saint-Nicolas celebrations in Nancy welcome over 100,000 people who are entertained with parades, street plays, a great light show, and fireworks on Place Stanislas.
Time: 6th of December.
At Whitsun, the city of Nîmes welcomes one of the largest festive events in France. The Pentecost Feria sets a joyful atmosphere in town with music played by bands in the streets and the sounds emerging from the Roman arena. The Feria lasts six days at Whitsun.
Time: May / June.
The Fête de la Musique (or World Music Day) is a popular and free music festival taking place each year in France on the day of the summer solstice, the shortest night of the year. The slogan of the festival “Faites de la musique” (Make music) is a play on the French words for “Fête de la Musique”. Throughout the country and even abroad, jazz, soul, funk, rock, electro, reggae, classical music, and many other musical styles are celebrated with vigorous enthusiasm.
Time: June.
Paris Beer Week
In Paris, several beer, wine and food festivals are organized throughout the year in different parts of the country.This beer festival in Paris that show cases craft beers and breweries, both from France and internationally. The event includes beer tasting, brewery presentations and various events around the city.
Start; June. October
Bordeaux Wine Festival
A wine festival organized in Bordeaux that celebrates the region’s world-famous wines. At the festival, you have the opportunity to taste different Bordeaux wines and enjoy visits to wine cellars and other events related to wine culture.
Starts: August
Paris Food Festival
Taste of Paris or Paris food festival. The top restaurants of Paris come together for this gastronomic event, where guests can taste the creations of top chefs and enjoy delicious food and wine pairings.
Starts: May, August
Lyon Food Festival
Lyon Street Food Festival: Lyon’s street food festival, which offers a variety of foods and flavors from around the world. This event focuses on street food and offers an opportunity to try different delicacies in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Starts: June