Here is what’s up next in the schedule of annual events:
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Sat03Jun2017Sun04Jun2017La 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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Wed21Jun2017All 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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Sat24Jun2017Sun25Jun2017Provins
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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Fri30Jun2017Sat05Aug2017Lyon
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.
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Thu06Jul2017Wed26Jul2017Avignon
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.
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Thu13Jul2017Fri14Jul2017All 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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Fri04Aug2017Sun13Aug2017Lorient
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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Fri01Sep2017Sun10Sep2017Deauville
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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Sat02Sep2017Sun03Sep2017Lille
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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Sat14Oct2017Sun15Oct2017Rouen
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). -
Sat28Oct2017Sun05Nov2017
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Sat28Oct2017Sun05Nov2017Le Havre
Opening the sails before the race start at the Transat Jacques Vabre
Every two years, some 40 sail yachts in 4 different categories, each manned by 2 skippers set off on a timed race taking the old coffee routes between Le Havre and South America.
One week before the race, all the boats are in the docks for all to admire. It's a big event, and the race village is full of people.
The event week starts on the 28th of October, the race itself starts on the 5th of November.
Click here to read more about this epic sail event on our site.
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Fri24Nov2017Sat30Dec2017Strasbourg
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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Sat25Nov2017Sun26Nov2017Fecamp
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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Thu07Dec2017Sun10Dec2017Lyon
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.
Copyright
Travel France Tips by Mike Werner is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
