Here is what’s up next in the schedule of annual events:
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.
Once every 5 to 7 years, world’s biggest tall sail ships (multi-mast) come to Rouen for 10 days of festivities. Then on the last day, all of them sail out to the ocean under the watchful eyes of millions of spectators.
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.
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 Paris Air Show, the biggest in its kind, is held every 2 years (alternating with the UK). The trade and professionals are welcomed starting on the 1st day, general visitors can see the airplanes 4 days later.
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.
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.
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.
One of the biggest Celtic festivals in the world, held every year in Brittany.
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.
The street market (flea market) of Lille, called Braderie de Lille, has been going on since the 12th century. It is one of Europe’s biggest street markets.
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.
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.
Every year in the winter, Lyon holds the Light Festival, a time where many if not most buildings, monuments, fountains, etc are lit up.
