Here is what’s up next in the schedule of annual events:
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Fri22Nov2019Mon30Dec2019Strasbourg
Strasbourg Christmas Market (c) Strasbourg
Since 1570, Strasbourg has been hosting a Christmas market, and it's getting stringer and stronger.
2 million visitors every year, hundred of stalls and many events during the 5 weeks.
Click here to access the Strasbourg Christmas Market organiser's web site.
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Sat23Nov2019Sun24Nov2019Fecamp
Traditional herring smoker (from The Netherlands) at the Fecamp Herring Festival
2 days of glorifying the herring caught in abundance. You eat all sorts of prepared herring (smoked, BBQ's, fried) while listening to live music in a great atmosphere at Fecamp.
Click here to read more about the "Fete du Hareng" event on our site
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Thu05Dec2019Sun08Dec2019Lyon
Lyon's Festival of Light
Every year in the winter, Lyon holds the Light Festival, a time where many if not most buildings, monuments, fountains, etc are lit up.
This allows you to move through the city of Lyon while being amazed by all the lights and decorations.
Houses are asked to place candles in the windows and there are all sorts of light shows (particularly at the main City Hall and the Basilica).
The festival is not new. It started in 1643 when the plague struck the city. A promise was made to to pay tribute if they were spared. So every 8 December at the Basilica they hold the light procession.
Click here to access the organiser's web site for more information and schedules.
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Sat18Apr2020Sun19Apr2020Le Mans
Motorcycle race in Le Mans
The 24 Hours car race of Le Mans is legendary. But the 24 Hours race is not limited to just cars. The 24 Hours motorcycle race is just as imposing and popular.
Every year, 100,000's of fans arrive for this race weekend, often camping alongside the road. It does turn however into a "drunk fest", so plan your trip carefully.
It is always well attended internationally, with fans coming from all over the world. Hotels and campings display "no vacancies" since most are booked a year in advance. So if you're planning to see this mythical race, better book well in advance.
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Tue12May2020Sat23May2020Cannes
Cannes International Film Festival Red Carpet Steps (c) Cannes Festival
One of world's biggest international movie festivals, with its red carpet, steps and the Palm d'Or prize.
This is a major international event.
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Fri15May2020Sun17May2020Le Mans
Spectators at the French MotoGP motorcycle race in Le Mans
The French part of the International MotoGP motorcycle race is held on the same race circuit that hosts the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race, the Bugatti Race Circuit.
Every year, 100,000's of fans arrive for this race weekend, often camping alongside the road. It does turn however into a "drunk fest", so plan your trip carefully.
It is always well attended internationally, with fans coming from all over the world. Hotels and campings display "no vacancies" since most are booked a year in advance. So if you're planning to see this mythical race, better book well in advance.
Click here to access the French MotoGP Grand Prix web site (you can book tickets here).
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Sat30May2020Sun31May2020La Ferte-Alais
La Ferte Alais aeronautical show, the "red baron" aircraft
A spectacular and well organised aeronautical meeting and show, with lots of flying displays, and even vintage uniformed people on the ground. Great atmosphere.
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Sat13Jun2020Sun14Jun2020Provins
Provins Medieval Festival (c) Provins
Europe's biggest medieval festival held in the Unesco World Heritage site of Provins.
One weekend at the foot of an old castle, celebrating like they used to centuries ago.
Click here to access the Provins Medieval Festival web site.
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Sat13Jun2020Sun14Jun2020Le Mans
The Bugatti race circuit of Le Mans
The 24 Hours car race of Le Mans is legendary. It is the most well known, and the oldest, car endurance race in the world, and has been raced in Le Mans since 1923.
The race is 24 hours of fans camping alongside the track, entertainment, concerts and watching cars race each other for 24 long hours.
It is always well attended internationally, with fans coming from all over the world. Hotels and campings display "no vacancies" since most are booked a year in advance. So if you're planning to see this mythical race, better book well in advance.
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Sun21Jun2020All over France
Magnitoz blues band playing
Every year during the longest day (21st of June), which is also the official start of summer, every city, town and even village in France organises the "Fete de la Musique"; the yearly Music Feast/Festival. Apart from the officially organised musical events, everyone is allowed to go out in the streets and parks and play music until the wee hours of the morning. Professionals, amateurs and newbies; everyone can play. A unique event.
Click here to read more about the Fete de la Musique at the organiser's site.
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Mon13Jul2020Tue14Jul2020All Over France
14th of July fireworks over the Fecamp harbour
14th of July is the day the common French people revolted against their king and nobility. It is the day France became a republic, and every year it is celebrated as THE national holiday. The French never call it Bastille Day, but instead just call is "quatorze Juillet" (meaning 14th July).
Although the day itself is the 14th, on the evening of the 13th there are always many events, most of them centred around the local fire-station with music and dancing. On the 13th, it is the time to get acquainted with your local firefighters, dance, drink and be merry.
On the 14th, in the evening there are many concerts and most cities, towns and even small villages have fireworks. Many cities also have parades, but of course none can beat the one in Paris.
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Fri07Aug2020Sun16Aug2020Lorient
Lorient Interceltic Festival (c) Interceltic Festival
One of the biggest Celtic festivals in the world, held every year in Brittany.
Every year, one country is the main attraction.
Click here to access the Lorient Interceltic Festival organiser's web site.
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Fri04Sep2020Sun13Sep2020Deauville
Deauville's beaches and promenade with movie star named changing cabins.
The Deauville American Film Festival is one of the most prestigious American movies festival, and Deauville is the ideal location for this star-studded festival.
With Deauville's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, changing rooms on the beach named after the famous stars, the festival attracts many stargazers.
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Sat05Sep2020Sun06Sep2020Lille
Lille Street Market (c) 20Minutes
The street market (flea market) of Lille has been going on since the 12th century.
It is one of Europe's biggest street markets. 10,000 exhibitors offering goods throughout the city, kilometre after kilometre.
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Fri11Sep2020Sun20Sep2020Dieppe
Kite flying festival of Dieppe
Once a year, the city of Dieppe sees some 700,000 people flocking to see the international kite flying festival.
On the last Saturday, it is time for the World Championship Kite Flying. The whole beach are is dedicated to kits, with many stands selling you kites and their accessories.
Click here to access the organiser's program and introduction.
Copyright
Travel France Tips by Mike Werner is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
