Written by Shaan Geo
France is known around the world for its rich culture, delicious food, and iconic landmarks. But one of the best ways to truly experience the spirit of France is by attending one of its many festivals. Here’s a simple guide to some of the most exciting festivals in France.
Every year on June 21, France comes alive with music for the Fête de la Musique. This festival started in France in 1982 and has spread to many other countries. People of all ages and backgrounds perform music in the streets, parks, and squares all over the country. The best part is that it’s completely free!
Bastille Day, known in France as “La Fête Nationale”, is celebrated on July 14 each year. This national holiday marks the start of the French Revolution in 1789. There are parades, fireworks, and parties all over the country. The biggest parade is in Paris, where military bands and soldiers march down the Champs-Élysées.
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most famous film festivals in the world. It happens every year in May in the city of Cannes, on the French Riviera. The festival attracts movie stars and filmmakers from all over the world. While the main events are invitation-only, there are also many film screenings for the public.
The Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals in the world. It takes place in Nice, in the South of France, every February. The festival includes parades with huge, colorful floats and performers wearing amazing costumes. There’s also a tradition of “flower battles”, where people throw flowers from the floats into the crowd.
The Fête du Citron is a unique festival that takes place in Menton, a town in the French Riviera, in February. The festival celebrates the local lemon harvest. You can see amazing displays made entirely of lemons and oranges, enjoy citrus-themed food and drinks, and even attend a lemon-themed parade.
France is famous for its food, and the Fête de la Gastronomie in September is a celebration of French cuisine. This festival takes place all over the country. Chefs and food lovers come together to prepare and enjoy delicious meals. It’s a great chance to taste traditional French dishes and learn about French cooking.
Held in Lyon every December, the Fête des Lumières is a beautiful and magical festival. It’s a tradition for the people of Lyon to place candles in their windows, creating a warm glow throughout the city. Moreover, professional light artists from around the world create stunning light installations in public spaces. The festival lasts for four days and is a truly breathtaking sight.
For music lovers, the Paris Jazz Festival is a must-visit. Taking place every weekend throughout the summer, this festival showcases both famous and upcoming jazz artists from around the world. The concerts are held in the Parc Floral de Paris, offering a relaxing and picturesque setting.
In a country famous for its wine, it’s no surprise that there’s a festival dedicated to it. The Fête de la Vigne is held in the wine-producing region of Burgundy every year in August. This festival is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the local wine culture, taste a variety of wines, and even participate in grape harvesting activities.
The Festival d’Avignon is one of the oldest and most respected theater festivals in the world. Every July, the historic city of Avignon turns into a giant theater, with performances held in various locations throughout the city, including the iconic Palais des Papes. The festival features both classic and contemporary works, providing something for all theater enthusiasts.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the many festivals in France throughout the year. Each festival offers a unique way to experience French culture, history, and, of course, food. So if you’re planning a trip to France, try to time your visit to coincide with one of these exciting festivals. You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!