Main Roman theatre on the Fourviere hill of Lyon

Once a year on the ruins of an enormous Roman theatre built in the year 15 BC on the Fourviere hill of Lyon, a 2 months long festival is held. Music, dance, show ... it's all there.

Imagine attending a festival in a theatre built over 2,000 years ago and that seats 10,000 people.

Tip: Do not plan to come by car. There is no parking space. Use the public transportation.
Tip: Umbrellas for forbidden. Use hats.

Click here to access the organiser's program and introduction.

Festival of Avignon

Considered as one of France's biggest and oldest (first festival was in 1947) festivals of performing art, the Festival of Avignon is a must for anyone who is into music and performing arts.

Between 35 and 50 performances during the month, with a total of about 300 performances.

The festival is held in some 20 locations throughout Avignon.

Click here to access the organiser's web site for more information and schedules.

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.

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.

Rouen Annual "Fete du Ventre" Festival

Once a year, the city of Rouen celebrates the stomach. All sorts of foods are displayed throughout the city centre, where they can be bought and eaten on the spot.

Many of the stalls and people are dressed up in medieval ways.

Click here to read our description of the festival.
Click here to access the organiser's program and introduction (in French only).

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.