☰

The best November festivals in France. Festivals and holidays in France Annual festival in France

Holidays and events in France 2020: the most important festivals and highlights, national holidays and events in France. Photos and videos, descriptions, reviews and times.

  • Tours for May To France
  • Hot tours To France
  • February 16 — March 3, 2020Lemon Festival in Menton
  • February 16 — March 3, 2020Lemon Festival in Menton

    Just imagine: dozens of giant sculptures (from the Indian Taj Mahal to the Italian Colosseum, dinosaurs come to life and everyone's favorite Disney characters) are made from citrus fruits alone! Every year the theme of the Menton Lemon Festival is different and never repeats itself.

  • May 16, 2020 Night of Museums in Paris
  • June 19, 2020 hellfest
  • July 3, 2020 Gay Pride in Paris
  • July 14, 2020 Bastille Day
  • September 28 — October 5, 2020Paris Fashion Week
  • October 31, 2020 halloween
  • November 19, 2020 New Wine Festival
  • December 25, 2020 Christmas in Paris
  • December 25, 2020 Christmas in France
  • December 31, 2020 New Year in Paris
  • December 31, 2020 New Year in France

No one needs to prove that France is a unique country. And the holidays in this state are special: a lot of gastronomic festivals are held here (the French are famous gourmets), the inhabitants of France have their own historical dates, such as Bastille Day, they celebrate here such holidays that they have not heard of in other countries .

Every year in the capital of Normandy, the most beautiful sailboats gather for a grand parade, and an international air show is held in Paris.

Here, for example, is a holiday that for some reason does not exist in Russia - the National Day of Grandmothers. Of course, Russian women - both small and adults - “get their own” on March 8, but for some reason our Arina Rodionovnas were not awarded separate honors. The French honor their grandmothers every year on the first Sunday of March. Elegant old women drink liquor on this day, snack on almond cakes, and receive flowers and presents from their grandchildren.

This holiday is so popular in the country that shops organize promotions on this day only for grandmothers, and restaurants offer them a special menu, and even travel agencies are ready to take elderly clients on a short trip for free.

It should be noted that the day of grandfathers - and he somehow suggests himself, agree ?! - Not in France. The local men take off at various championships: every year the most beautiful sailboats gather for a grand parade in the capital of Normandy, an international air show is held in Paris, and at the end of October the French Alps gather the most notorious snowboarders from all over the world.

The French, unlike the Russians, celebrate the New Year not at home, but in a restaurant or a nightclub. It is customary to play the lottery - you can get a pig!

France, without exaggeration, can be called the country of festivals. There are a great many of them here! The festival of violets will amaze you with a riot of colors, even avid breeders have no idea what unusual varieties of these capricious beautiful flowers exist in nature! Toulouse during the days of the festival gathers botanists and manufacturers from Japan, Australia, America, Italy, Hungary, China.

The Lemon Festival in Menton is also amazing. It is held at the end of February (before the biggest harvest) and lasts more than two weeks. Photo albums of guests are sure to be replenished with pictures of incredible castles, fairy-tale characters made from citrus fruits, and visitors themselves are “filled” with lemonades and sweets made from the “king of the holiday”.

Gourmets should visit France on May 1, and more specifically, come to Cluis for the snail carnival. According to the organizers, their guests eat 600,000 gastropods and drink 12,000 liters of wine.

There are also many holidays dedicated to French wine: the largest is held in even years in Bordeaux. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the country in February - to the carnival in Nice, in May - to the Cannes Film Festival and the famous motor race in Monaco, and at the end of October - to the annual Salon of Chocolate.

Public and religious holidays in France. Bright festivals and carnivals of France. Official holidays in France 2020.

Holidays in France in January 2018

January in France is not as generous with holidays as in our country. Having entered the service on January 2, only on the 6th, the French manage to take a short respite, and even then without an official day off. On this day, the Catholic world celebrates Epiphany(or Three Kings Day). The celebration personifies the unity of races and nationalities, brings peace and goodness to the house. This holiday in France ends the long New Year celebrations and it is customary to start it in the cathedral and end next to loved ones.

Carnivals of France in February 2018

February traditionally pleases with festivities on the eve of Lent. This is the European Maslenitsa, which lasts just over two weeks. Popular carnival festivals in France during this period:

  • February 5, 2018 in Toulouse starts one of the most colorful Violets Festival. Thematic events, exhibitions of flower sculptures, compositions, competitions and fairs - all this turns the city into one continuous flower meadow. The holiday lasts two days, during which florists from many countries of the world come here. They compete in the ability to develop new varieties, give them the desired shape and color;
  • From February 17 to March 3, 2018 will take place - one of the iconic events on the Cote d'Azur every winter. Masses of tourists flock to the already not cheap city (during the celebrations, prices skyrocket!) to participate in the Battle of Flowers and the choice of the Carnival King. Yes, and just recharge with positive and breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air. If you are lucky with the weather, you can even expose your shoulders, which have turned pale during the winter, to the sun;
  • from February 17 to March 7, 2018 everyone is invited to. If you have already made it to the French carnival in Nice, it’s a sin not to go to the neighboring city, where at that time the annual citrus harvest is harvested. In honor of the celebration in Menton, they organize a parade of lemon-orange figures, build installations from the same fruits in a local park. An interesting sight, a beautiful town.

Holidays in France in March 2018

The first day of spring in France is associated with a truly bright, kind holiday - this grandmothers day. Any woman over 55 can get a discount in the store, wait for a gift from her beloved grandson and dine on a special menu. At the same time, most of them do not look like tired old women at all, they are active, cheerful and attractive.

Holidays in France in April 2018

In 2018, Easter falls on April 1st. The religious connotation of this holiday for many French people has long been erased. On this day, they celebrate the arrival of spring, happiness and sunshine. A couple of weeks before the holiday in France, they start selling pastries and colored eggs everywhere (they prefer to buy them rather than paint them themselves). Adults hide these treats from children in the garden. A fun search game ends with a hearty breakfast.

There are no other significant holidays in France this month. Except that cherry blossoms in Paris in April, which makes the city, already “prayed” in a romantic sense, even more attractive.

Holidays in France in May 2020

The French consider lilies of the valley a symbol of happiness. It is these flowers that are given to each other on May 1. This is how they express love and respect. May 8 is also considered a special day. It is this number that marks the national holiday of France - Day of liberation from fascism (Victory Day). Parades, celebrations, concerts, the lighting of an eternal flame by schoolchildren and the government - all this creates an atmosphere of sadness and joy. Indeed, on this day, every person remembers the cost of that war.

From 13 to 23 May 2017 in Cannes will be held famous film festival. Meters of the film industry come here to show their colleagues the latest films. The festival is a closed event. It is almost impossible for an ordinary viewer to get here. At the same time, there are no free rooms in hotels near the venue. Directors, producers, actors, participants - there is something to show and to whom.

Holidays in France - everyone at the Cannes Film Festival!

Festivals in France in summer 2020

Summer holidays in France are diverse. Choose the one you like:

  • On June 16-19, a heavy music festival will be held in the village of Clisson - hellfest. Rock and metal, like thunder, sound here from morning to night. But this does not mean at all that all participants of the festival are drunk. It is not uncommon to meet environmentalists, animal lovers and people leading an exceptionally sober lifestyle here. It is noteworthy that being late for the festival is extremely undesirable. After all, a traveler may simply not have enough space to set up a tent;
  • Bastille Day(July 14) is a special holiday for the French. After all, it was then that a rethinking of national values ​​​​occurred. Paying tribute to the memory of this event, on the eve of the holiday, every Frenchman considers it his duty to dance. Therefore, all dance floors are filled with people having fun. Another holiday tradition is a party hosted by the fire brigade. In the morning, everyone who wants to go to the parade;
  • Immediately after the memorable day, you can go to Nice. Thousands of music lovers from all over the world come there to the legendary jazz festival. Dizzy, a little crazy and so sensual. Since the first festival (1958), many stars have played at it, and today the melody of generations is being created here. Young and already well-known performers delight listeners with a virtuoso game, for the sake of which it is not a pity to cross half the world.

Festivals in France in autumn 2020

Autumn festivals in France delight with variety. If your vacation falls in one of the months of next autumn, you are in luck:

  • At the end of September (24-30) France is covered by a fashion boom. At this time, the best designers and fashion designers of the world strive to get here. A little later (from September 28 to October 5) fashion week moves to paris. Here, in closed mode (invitation cards for famous people and fashion designers), the autumn and winter collections are shown. After these events, fashion trends begin to quickly scatter around the world;
  • On October 31, France appears in orange and black colors - this is halloween, feast of the dead. It has a pagan background, but modern people perceive it exclusively as a great reason to have fun. They dress up in masquerade costumes depicting evil spirits, go to parties. Children traditionally receive sweets.
  • November 17, 2017 (third Thursday of November) celebrates the holiday of young wine -. The French themselves consider it more like fruit drink than alcohol. After all, the shelf life of a drink from this grape variety is no more than 3 months. However, thanks to skillful trade and the tradition of drinking for three days in every bar, Beaujolais Novo is not stale. By the end of the third day, almost the entire supply of wine is sold out;

Festivals in France: Beaujolais Nouveau

December Holidays - Christmas in France

December 8, Lyon lights up with thousands of colored lights - this is festival of light. It is proclaimed in memory of the end of the plague epidemic. It is believed that this frantic prayer to the Virgin Mary saved the city from total destruction. The main action of the celebration is the light theater. This is an unusually colorful performance, consisting of light compositions.

On December 25, the French gather at the festive table to celebrate the most family celebration of the year. Of the treats, a baked bird is necessarily prepared. Depending on the area, this may be a goose or a turkey. The number of sweets on the tables goes off scale (up to 13 items), but the main decoration of the table is a cake in the form of a log or pate roll of the same symbolism. In some places, the tradition has been preserved to kindle a fire in the fireplace in order to expel evil spirits from the house. The first log is chosen by the youngest member of the family, under the guidance of the oldest.

From December 6th, the period of sales begins in France. At this time, you can buy a branded item with a pretty decent discount. In addition, it is in December - early January that they open on the streets of cities. They offer interesting products, often handmade. Master classes are held, which even more create the feeling of a fairy tale.

Who's next Pret-a-Porter Paris is a significant event in Paris for the world of haute couture. Manufacturers of club and street fashion from all over the world demonstrate their new season collections, elite evening dresses and fashion accessories to the general public. The exhibition has been held in Paris for twenty years on the vast territory of the Paris expo Porte de Versailles exhibition complex. The annual salon (the exhibition is held twice a year - in January and September) forms fashion trends in the fashion industry - preference for one or another color scheme, cut options, fabric choice, general style, design innovations. The number of fashionable clothes presented at the exhibition is staggering - it is unlikely to bypass the exhibition rows with clothes in a day. The event is focused primarily on representatives of the fashion world, but it will be of interest to all those who follow its trends. Of course, almost all the items presented at the exhibition can be purchased ahead of fashion by at least one season.

CITY FESTIVAL "WHITE NIGHT" IN PARIS

For one night a year, Paris is flooded with unprecedented light and opens the doors of numerous museums, galleries and exhibition halls. The Nuit Blanche contemporary art festival has been taking place in the French capital for more than ten years, but it never ceases to amaze the public with its spectacles. A huge international team of artists, masters of lighting and landscape design works on the installation of installations. And every time they manage to arrange something unusual. Exhibitions and performances can take place anywhere: at railway stations, in churches, in numerous squares in front of monuments and famous buildings, including the city hall. The latter takes a great part in the organization of the "White Nights" and in every possible way encourages night festivities. Sounds of concerts and theatrical performances sound throughout the city. And in recent years, free entry even to the pools has become possible! CHESTNUT FESTIVAL IN FRANCE
  • Date: 10/14/2017 - 10/15/2017
The chestnut festival or Fete des Chataignes is considered national. This cheerful and tasty holiday is celebrated throughout the country, even in the smallest settlement. It does not have a specific date, each year the date of this event is assigned differently, but it is always one of the weekends in October. It completes a series of culinary festivities that are celebrated in autumn in France. In anticipation of it, the “Week of Taste” takes place with various celebrations: the day of choukrut, spices, cider and fish. None of them takes place on such a grand scale and is not equated with a national holiday. For a whole week, chestnuts are roasted on the territory of the fifth republic and fed to passers-by at numerous fairs and shops. Of course, restaurants are not far behind. The French are very respectful of this fruit and consider it one of the symbols of the nation. For several centuries, it was the main source of food for the poor: flour was made from it, soups were cooked, fried and baked - it was not without reason that it was given the epithet "breadfruit". The Gauls pay tribute to the valuable nut in a big way. In the town of Marju, roasting records are set - up to three tons of nuts. And at the Isola ski resort they even arrange a “chestnut ball”. CHABLY WINE FESTIVAL
  • Venue: France / Chablis
  • Date: 10/21/2017 - 10/22/2017
Of all the wine festivals that take place in the French wine center of Chablis, it is La Fête des Vins that claims to be the “loudest” event of the year associated with the legendary alcohol brand. Every fourth weekend in October (since 1949), the small town in Northern Burgundy becomes a meeting place for wine connoisseurs from all over the world. And this is not at all surprising, because it is here that the best white wine in France is produced. The uniqueness of local wines is explained to him that only one grape variety is cultivated in the region - the exquisite Chardonnay. The combination of a favorable climate with mineral-rich soil makes its taste literally unique: a light, light, fruity bouquet with delicate hints of truffles and forest violets. The uniqueness of La Fête des Vins lies in the fact that only mature wine is offered here. Local winemakers have vast experience and are very demanding on quality. After all, the first vineyards here were planted by monks in the 6th-7th centuries. Today Chablis attracts professionals and lovers of white wines from all over the world, including the famous Burgundian brotherhood of winemakers Les Piliers Chablisiens. Entrance to all events - concerts, performances, parades and fairs - is free. However, taking part in the tasting costs about 5 euros. HARVEST FESTIVAL IN MONTMARTRE
  • Venue: France / Paris
  • Date: 10/11/2017 - 10/15/2017
The Harvest Festival in Montmartre is one of the most beloved by Parisians and guests of the French capital of festivals. On the world-famous Parisian hill, the only vineyard in the city has survived and still thrives. Since 1935, the festival has been held annually for several days in October, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists and citizens. In 2013, a record number of visitors was recorded here - 400 thousand people. The festival program includes film screenings, costume processions, tastings, concerts and much more. All days of the festival, a fair takes place around the Sacre Coeur Basilica, where farmers and winemakers from different French provinces present their products. Guests of the festival will enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere, roasted chestnuts on the streets, a variety of delicacies and wines, as well as a grandiose parade dedicated to the Greek god of winemaking, Bacchus. HORSE RIDING TO THE ARCH OF TRIUMPH IN PARIS
  • Venue: France / Paris
  • Date: 09/30/2017 - 10/01/2017
The Arc de Triomphe Prize is the most prestigious horse racing in France and throughout Europe on thoroughbred saddle horses. An event with which the history of equestrian sport is inextricably linked. The prize has been played annually since 1920 at the Longchamp racecourse in Paris in the Bois de Boulogne, races are carried out at a distance of 2400 m. Since 2007, competitions have been held under the auspices of the Sheikh of Qatar, thanks to which the prize fund of the races is currently the largest in Europe ($4 million). The Arc de Triomphe Prize (Qatar Prix de l "Arc de Triomphe) is one of the most important social events for the aristocracy. Representatives of the nobility and royal families of Europe, movie stars and politicians annually gather at the races. In 2017, the prize will be played for the 95th time , horse races will be covered by more than 600 journalists and 30 TV channels, more than 60 thousand spectators will see them with their own eyes on the hippodrome, another billion on TV screens.A true horse lover will not miss such a spectacle - a new page in the history of equestrian sports will be written right before your eyes. FIAC INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR IN PARIS
  • Venue: France / Paris
  • Date: 10/19/2017 - 10/22/2017
One of the largest in Europe, the International Contemporary Art Fair in Paris has been held since 1974 every autumn, and is one of the most important events for collectors, art dealers and fans of contemporary art from all over the world. Exhibition expositions occupy the territory with a total area of ​​8502 sq.m. Every year it presents various works of contemporary art - sculptures, paintings, installations, works by famous photo artists, graphics and video art by more than 200 major exhibitors. The Foire Internationale d "Art Contemporain (FIAC) Fair, where works of contemporary art can be purchased, takes place at the Grand Palais of Paris. In addition to it, numerous exhibitions and vernissages are held in the French capital as part of the event for three days. As part of FIAC, the Pompidou Center and the National Museum of Modern Art annually present the Marcel Duchamp Prize, a prestigious award for contemporary artists. CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION ART UP! IN FRANCE
  • Venue: France / Lille
  • Date: 06.10.2017 - 08.10.2017
Since 2007, this international exhibition in France has provided visitors every year with the opportunity to get acquainted with the works of a range of new, little-known, but talented European artists. Exhibition Art Up! takes place twice a year - in March and October - in the capitals of the regions of Normandy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. This event has a broad focus, covering almost the entire spectrum of contemporary culture and art, and gives young artists the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience. The March exposition opens in the center of the Grand Palace in Lille, and the October Art Up - under the roof of the largest exhibition venue in Rouen, Parc Expo. In addition to the exhibition of art objects, classes of schools of modern art, master classes of figures, and thematic expositions will be held here. Among the regular participants of the art forum are leading galleries and developers from all over the world. Lille and Rouen can be easily reached from Paris by rail. ECUAN CONNETABLE FESTIVAL
  • Venue: France / Ecouen
  • Date: 07.10.2017 - 08.10.2017
The Renaissance Museum in Ekuan Castle has been holding this festival for the past eight years. And every year it attracts more and more viewers. Constable - the highest military position in France in the 9th - 17th centuries. The festival of constables is dedicated to the legacy of medieval France and a specific person - the constable and peer of France, Anne I de Montmorency, who built the castle in Ekuan. On the third weekend of May, the old chateau in Ecouane is immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the times when it was built. Costumed parades, archery tournaments, a medieval theater, a craft market and a fire show are just an incomplete list of what the organizers of this holiday prepare for guests every year. In addition, educational seminars and excursions are held as part of the festival. The event is of interest to all generations. Residents and guests of Paris, from which Ekuan is 18 km away, come here these days with their families. Entrance to the festival is free.

FESTIVAL OF YOUNG WINE BEAUJOLAY NOUVO IN FRANCE

  • Venue: Europe / France
  • Date: 11/16/2017
Every third Thursday in November, lovers of the most famous French wine celebrate it by uncorking bottles of the last vintage. Ironically, the most famous red wine in France - the main wine-producing country in the world - is not considered the elite production of old chateaus. This title is given to a young "economy class" wine made from Gamay grapes, which is sold immediately after fermentation. On the day of the start of sales, wine producers arrange a holiday known throughout the world as "Day of Beaujolais Nouveau". The Beaujolais Nouveau Festival is considered one of the most beloved folk festivals in France and is widely celebrated throughout the country. Restaurants and bistros in every city in France hang out posters on this day with the legendary slogan "Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!" the festival of young wine, as well as the availability of a drink for anyone.The main center of the celebration is the mountainous region of Beaujolais in the south-east of the country, where wine is produced.The start of the festival traditionally sets the evening parade in the capital of the region, the city of Beaujolais.Local winemakers manually roll out barrels of Beaujolais Nouveau on the main square and hit the plugs at exactly midnight to treat the first wine of the new harvest to all those gathered.In the next five days, the city holds a large wine festival Les Sarmentelles with street concerts, dances, torchlight processions and tastings of the famous drink. YAOUANK FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN RENNE
  • Venue: France / Rennes
  • Date: 11/01/2017 - 11/18/2017
Brittany's biggest folk dance party every autumn gathers thousands of traditional dance and music lovers in Rennes, the capital. French Brittany is known throughout the world for its original culture, inherited from the Celtic tribes that inhabited this area in antiquity. One of the most striking manifestations of this cultural tradition is the “fest-noz” (“night party”) dance gatherings with live music, in which hundreds and sometimes thousands of people participate at the same time. This medieval rave continues to enjoy great success in our time. Fest Noz is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and has become a kind of cultural hallmark of Brittany. The honorary title of the largest Breton "fest-knot" belongs to the Yaouank ("Young") festival, which has been held in the administrative center of the Rennes region since 1999. The festival grounds are two huge hangars of the Parc Expo Rennes exhibition complex, located near the local airport on the northwestern outskirts of Rennes. About 6,000 people come here every year to dance the famous circle dances and pair dances "an-dro", "castarvat", "gavotte", "avando", "ronde" to the traditional accompaniment of the best folklore groups of France, Ireland, Scotland and other "Celtic" dances. » countries. Yavank is famous for the stylistic diversity of its musical program. The traditional Breton duo of can-a-discan singers can easily be supported here by the rhythmic section of beat-boxing, and the choir of bagpipes, oboes and accordions can be complemented by the sounds of the Arabic lute “oud” or the African harp “kora”. The main 12-hour marathon is preceded by almost two weeks filled with themed concerts, dance workshops and folk parties within the walls of the cultural institutions of Rennes. From Paris to Rennes can be reached in 5 hours by train or fly in 1 hour by plane. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION "PARIS GAME WEEK"
  • Venue: France / Paris
  • Date: 01.11.2017 - 05.11.2017
In mid-autumn, thousands of digital game fans from all over Europe flock to the French capital to be the first to experience the most anticipated new releases of the year in person. The epic trade show Paris Games Week (PGW) has been ranked fourth in the ranking of the main events of the gaming industry in the world for many years and second - after the Cologne Gamescom - in Europe. Leading manufacturers of electronic games annually present their new creations here to an audience of more than 300,000 people. One of the central events of the Paris gaming convention is traditionally the grand final of the international computer games tournament Electronic Sports World Cup (“World eSports Cup”) or ESWC. Every season, the best players in the world gather here in such popular types of electronic martial arts as Call of Duty, Counter Strike, FIFA and Just Dance. The owner of the e-sports brand, Oxent, provides a solid prize pool of up to $75,000 for the winner in each category. The site for holding such a significant exhibition fully corresponds to its scale. "Paris Games Week" takes place in the halls of the largest exhibition center in France "Paris Expo Porte de Versailles". The World Esports Cup usually takes place on the territory of the third pavilion of the Paris Expo. The price of a one-day ticket for PGW is 19 euros. PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL IN PARIS
  • Venue: France / Paris
  • Date: 02.11.2017 - 04.11.2017
The French version of the legendary American fest gathers a high-profile party in the center of Paris with the participation of the most sought-after stars of the alternative scene. The Pitchfork Paris project is the European version of Chicago's famed Pitchfork festival, which has served as the premier showcase for independent and experimental music in the United States since the mid-2000s. Every year it brings together under its auspices progressive musicians of various styles - from rock and hip-hop to avant-garde electronics. The venue for the Pitchfork festival is the metal pavilion Grande al in La Villette Park, which is considered one of the most popular cultural venues in Paris. After-parties featuring a number of guest headliners take place at the nearby Le Trabendo Concert Hall. In addition to the main program of the music festival, there is its more underground offshoot Pitchfork Avant-Garde. Within its framework, more than 40 concerts and performances take place on the stages of the most famous clubs in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Ticket price for Pitchfork Music Festival Paris is 90-120 euros.

I LOVE TECHNO EUROPE ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL IN PEROL

  • Venue: France / Perol
  • Date: 12/16/2017
One of the biggest and oldest dance parties on the European autumn calendar, lights up the resort corner of Southern France with the rhythms of selected techno. I Love Techno is one of the most popular EDM festivals in Europe. He began his "path" in 1995 in Ghent, Belgium, where he annually gathered up to 40,000 devoted fans of electronic rhythms from different countries. Since 2015, the techno-fest under the new name I Love Techno Europe has settled in the city of Perol on the Mediterranean coast of France. Along with the change of address, the organizers announced a change in the concept of the event. I Love Techno Europe has made a "return to the roots", abandoning other types of electronic music in favor of techno music in its various manifestations. The large exhibition center Park Expo Montpellier, located next to the international airport of the same name on the northern outskirts of the city, was chosen as a venue for several festival scenes. Dance floors with various genres of techno music are comfortably located here. Behind the DJ stands of the updated rave will stand the best representatives of the world electronic scene, including Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Boys Noize, Dave Clarke and Laurent Garnier. The ticket price for I Love Techno Europe is 38.5 euros. ST SYLVESTER'S STARRY NIGHT IN THE ALPS
  • Venue: France / Val d'Isère
  • Date: 31.12.2017 - 01.01.2018
New Year's Eve in one of the best ski resorts in the French Alps, Val d'Isère, is a special treat. Pastoral alpine village with a vibrant club life at night on December 31st celebrates St. Sylvester's Starry Night. It celebrates very noisily and cheerfully, because according to ancient legend, in 314 the holy preacher Sylvester (aka Pope Sylvester I) caught the terrible monster Leviathan, preventing the end of the world in 1000. The anniversary of this event is celebrated in many countries and cities, but in the famous Alpine resort, the evening before the New Year is celebrated on a special scale. On this day, it is customary to make noise and have fun, driving away evil spirits and inviting good spirits to the holiday. Residents and guests of Val d'Isère, famous for its "Olympic" ski slopes, follow traditions with pleasure. In the program of the holiday: the performance of drummers and DJs, the illumination of the main square, decorated with snow sculptures, fireworks, chocolate and hot wine tasting and New Year's theatrical performances. It is most convenient to get to Val d'Isère by car from Geneva, but then you will have to get a Swiss visa. You can also drive from Lyon, which is 240 km from the ski resort.

Review of tourist activities in France for 2018.

June 16-17 - Motor race in Le Mans, near the Loire Valley. It is the oldest 24-hour endurance race in the world, held annually since 1923. The race starts in the middle of the day and ends the next day at the same hour. More than 60 cars take part in this exciting competition.

June 20-August 4 - Chorégies d "Orange. This is a significant event in the art world, a summer opera festival, which is held in a real ancient Roman theater that has survived to this day. It is located about 21 km north of Avignon in southern France and accommodates an audience at 9,000 people.

June 21 - Music Day. The annual musical festival, which has been celebrated since 1982 with performances of artists in the halls and on the street - in parks and public places. Free concerts are organized in which musicians play for pleasure, and not for payment. Now Music Day has become popular in more than 120 countries around the world.

June 28-July 13 - Jazz à Vienne, south of Lyon. The festival has been held since 1981 for two weeks in the ancient Roman theater of Vienna. Every evening during the festival there are concerts of world-famous stars. In addition to the main performances, small concerts are held in other cities, as well as concerts in pubs and music halls.

July-August - Pyrotechnic Art Festival, Cannes. An annual international fireworks festival held in the Bay of Cannes. Competitions take place for prizes in two categories "Vestale d "Argent" and "Vestale d" Or. This is a multi-day extravaganza of aesthetics, staging, synchronization, rhythm, in which the most eminent artists take part, representing the latest developments in the field of pyrotechnics.

July 3-31 – Carcassonne Festival. A unique festival that brings together world-class artists. In just 10 years, the festival has become a cultural event with over 200,000 spectators. It is held in the medieval city in the ancient theater and over 120 different shows, 2/3 of which are free. The theme of the festival is theatrical performances, musical concerts, dances, as well as knightly matches and medieval holidays.

July 6-29 - Beaune International Festival of Baroque Opera. It is an international baroque opera festival founded in 1982. As part of its program, works by Mozart are played on original instruments, as well as more than 80 other operas, and more than 100 concerts of sacred music are given. In addition to this, the festival also hosts various music classes and workshops.

July 4-14 - Colmar International Festival. It is a popular annual summer classical music festival founded in 1979. Each year the festival is dedicated to the work and achievements of a musician, composer, soloist or conductor who has made a significant personal contribution to the history of music.

July 4-24 - Aix Festival. It is an annual international music festival founded in 1948. It is dedicated mainly to opera music, but also includes concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumental music. Performances are held at several venues, including the Archbishop's Theatre, the courtyard of the Archbishop's Palace, the Grand Theater of Provence, the Jeu de Palumes, a restored 18th-century theater, the courtyard of the Maynier d "Oppède hotel, the Theater du Saint-Jean and the territory castle near Aix.

July 6-24 - Avignon Festival. An annual arts festival founded in 1947, held in Avignon in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes and other city venues. The festival is the oldest surviving festival in France and one of the largest in the world with around 1,000 screenings over three weeks. Along with the official festival, a number of shows are held at the same time, which are called "Off".

July 7-29 - Tour de France. Popular annual men's cycling race, first organized in 1903, taking place mainly in France, as well as in neighboring countries. The competition consists of 21 stages, lasts 23 days and covers about 3,500 kilometers. The Tour de France ends on the Champs Elysees in Paris with awards and celebrations.

July 8 - September 3 - Paris Plage. During this period, temporary beaches artificially created by the mayor's office along the Seine River and in the north-east of the city operate in Paris. Every July and August, the roads on the banks of the Seine are closed and become a place for various events on the sandy beaches with palm trees. There is a ferry linking the two banks of the river, as well as a swimming pool. The number of visitors exceeds 4 million people.

July 14 - Bastille Day. A national holiday marking the unity of the French people. On this day, the largest military parade in Europe is held in the capital of the state on the Champs Elysees. The guests of the parade are the President of the Republic, state officials and numerous foreign guests. The celebration is accompanied by mass folk festivals and large-scale fireworks.

July 14-22 - Jazz à Juan, in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. An annual jazz festival, which is accompanied by colorful street carnival processions and celebrations, as well as performances of both local and foreign jazz orchestras. Along the street where the festival takes place, there is a gallery of ceramic tiles laid in the pavement with handprints of more than 50 world-class musicians who took part in it.

July 17-21 - Nice Jazz Festival. It has been held annually since 1948 on the French Riviera and is a European festival of jazz music of international importance. It is a large, colorful and prestigious event held in the large garden of the Jardins de Cimiez and includes several stages where bands perform at the same time every evening.

July 17-August 5 - Paris Neighborhoods Festival. It is a celebration of culture, theatre, dance and music. The festival includes numerous performances, incredible shows and exhibitions - the Museum of the Moon, Japanese dances and martial arts, aerial gymnasts and much more.

July 27-August 15 - Jazz in Marciac. The jazz festival in the southwest of France, held since 1978, was originally dedicated to traditional jazz, but later diversified, its program was enriched and the festival became one of the most important in Europe. It has a budget of 3.3 million euros and is visited annually by about 230,000 spectators. Concerts are free and take place at night on the main square, which has preserved medieval arcades, under a giant tent with 5-6 thousand seats. Local restaurants and taverns offer their festive dishes to visitors.

August 3-5 - Jasmine Festival in Grasse. A flower festival in which white jasmine flowers play the main role - for example, they give gifts to those who come in white. The program includes various entertainments and games, animation, processions, pouring jasmine water from a fire hose, music shows, a parade of sailing yachts and much more.

August 3-7 - Lavender parade in Digne-les-Bains. This is an open-air festival dedicated to the main symbol and economic base of the Provence region - lavender. First held in 1929, today it is a large free-access festival open to all. As part of the festival, day and night parades, processions, fireworks, music, a ball, a grandiose concert of world performers. Spectators are presented with thousands of bags filled with dried lavender flowers.

August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. A big Catholic holiday, in France it is considered the second most important religious holiday after Christmas. On this day, the French attend church services, participate in Christian celebrations, street processions. For the French, this holiday is joyful, and is perceived not as the death of the Virgin Mary, but as her bodily ascension to heaven.

August 23-28 - Fête de la Saint-Louis, Sète near Montpellier. This is a large-scale maritime competition, dating back to 1666. The tournament is the most important competition in its discipline, a kind of unofficial world championship. It is held along the Royal Canal for six days. This is a big celebration and colorful show, including parades, fireworks and other entertainment.

August 31-September 13 - Jazz at La Villette, Paris. It is a jazz festival created in 2002 and is a continuation of the Halle That Jazz festival, which has been held since 1986. Concerts take place at several venues, including the Philharmonic de Paris, Grande Al, Cabaret Sauvage, Trabendo, Dynamo de Pantin and Atelier du Plateau. The festival is distinguished by a wide musical program and consists of performances by the most prestigious names of jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk and other similar trends.

September - Festivals of wine and viticulture in France. These are large-scale events and celebrations that are held throughout the country - fairs, tastings, entertainment and master classes for children and adults, concerts and performances by artists of various genres. Celebrations in the villages are very colorful, they involve costume parties in the old tradition, with treats, games and shows that recreate the historical atmosphere of the past.

September 1-2 - Braderie de Lille. These days, Lille hosts the largest flea market in Europe and the world, where you can buy antiques, the rarest surviving rarities and antiques. The tradition of holding it dates back to the 12th century. Nowadays, more than 10,000 sellers and several million visitors take part in it.

Mid-September-December 31 - Autumn Festival in Paris. It is a modern multidisciplinary arts festival, held annually in Paris since 1972. This is a series of great art exhibitions, theatrical performances, dance shows, music concerts and film screenings.

September 15-16 - Heritage days. Joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission with the participation of all 50 states that have signed the European Cultural Convention under the motto "Europe: a common heritage". In France, the program offers visits to monuments and sites of culture and art, many of which are not normally accessible to the public. It is also a series of excursions to industrial sites and other special sites and historical sites throughout the country.

September 21-October 6 - Strasbourg Music Festival. This is an international festival of contemporary classical music that has been held since 1983. More than 30 large-scale concerts are held within the framework of the festival, the number of spectators reaches 17,000 people, and the budget of the festival exceeds 2 million euros.

September 22 - Technoparade in Paris. This is an annual celebration of rave and hardcore played by DJs on trucks converted to music platforms. The deafening sounds of electronic music attract up to 400,000 visitors. In 2018, the parade will begin in Port Royal and end at Republic Square.

September 26-29 - Yacht show in Monaco. Europe's largest exhibition of large expensive yachts on the water. The event was first organized in 1991 and is focused on superyachts over 20m in length. The exhibition features more than 120 yachts, as well as almost 600 representative offices of other companies, including brokerage companies, yacht designers, luxury car companies. More than 150 private events are held over 4 days, including press conferences and presentations.

October 4-13 - Oktoberfest, Paris. This is an analogue of the famous beer festival, which involves mass festivities and entertainment, as well as tasting and drinking beer in huge tents for several thousand people.

October 6 - White Night in Paris. This is a night marathon of entertainment and unforgettable shows, an arts festival. On this night, museums, private and public art galleries and other cultural institutions are open to the public, and the center of Paris is transformed into an art gallery, providing space for art installations, performances, concerts, thematic social gatherings and other events.

October 10-14 – Harvest Festival. This holiday dedicated to the harvest of grapes has been celebrated annually since 1934. About 200,000 people take part in the parade, a children's day is held, numerous restaurants and cafes operate, various cultural events await guests, and at the end of the day the night sky blooms with fiery colors of fireworks.

October 28 - Feast of the Apple, Trevier. This is an apple harvest festival near Honfleur, where a large fair is held where you can buy all varieties of apples, as well as apple products. You can see with your own eyes the process of processing apples and making juice, apple cider and apple vodka - Calvados. Numerous cafes offer apple dishes and desserts.

November 1-11 - Dijon International Gastronomy Fair. The fair is held for the 87th year in a row and attracts more than 200,000 visitors. It presents about 580 stands and tents offering a wide range of products for professionals and amateurs of the culinary arts. The fair presents new food and wine products, as well as new trends in the restaurant and hotel business. Chefs arrange culinary demonstrations, various competitions among chefs and wine conferences are held.

November 1 - All Saints' Day. In France, this day is called Toussaint and is a public holiday. Family members usually get together to go to the cemetery to put flowers on the graves of the dead, light candles, attend special church services.

November 11 - Armistice Day. This is a day of honoring the memory of those who died in the First World War and other wars. In France, this is a public holiday, so official institutions, as well as some commercial facilities, may be closed. The leadership of the state lays flowers on the grave of the unknown soldier near the Arc de Triomphe, solemn services are held in churches.

November 17-19 - The Three Glorious. Annual festival of Saint Vincent, patron saint of wine growers in Burgundy. It starts with a morning procession in which about 100 Burgundian wine companies take part. A festive mass is held in the local church. Cellars are open all Saturday and Sunday, where artisans demonstrate their art, as well as cafes representing local cuisine. The village is adorned with many handmade paper flowers, and if the sun is shining you might think it's June instead of January.

Late November-24 December - Christmas markets. The most significant are organized in Strasbourg, Colmar and Sarlat-la-Caneda. Here you can buy gifts and souvenirs for your family and friends for the upcoming holidays, as well as get a lot of positive emotions from the performances of street artists, food and drinks.

December - Christmas carousels, outdoor skating rinks and Christmas trees. Throughout December, France is in anticipation of the New Year holidays and has fun in the winter squares of its cities.

December 5-9 - Les Rencontres Trans Musicales. This is an annual pop and rock music festival in Rennes, Brittany. It is one of the most significant music events in Europe with over 62,000 people, over 80 bands and music industry professionals from over 26 countries on all continents.

December 6-9 - Fête des Lumières. This is the festival of lights in Lyon, expressing gratitude to the Virgin Mary. According to this unique tradition, candles are lit along the outside of the windows in every house, which has a very impressive effect. The facades and streets are colorfully illuminated, the Fourvière Basilica is illuminated with multi-colored lights, and Terro Square hosts a variety of light shows.

December 15-22 - Rise Festival. This is a music festival in the Alpine ski resort of Les de Alpes, at an altitude of 1,650 meters. Here you can have a great time skiing or spending time at noisy day and night parties in clubs with grunge, house, dance and techno music.

December 25 - Christmas. This is the most important holiday of the year for the French, they prepare for it for a long time and celebrate with great scope and fun. Numerous street fairs are organized with nativity scenes depicting scenes of the birth of Jesus Christ, tents with refreshments are set up on the streets, and festive concerts are held.

December 26 - Second Christmas Day. On this day, grandiose fireworks, parades and numerous entertainment shows are held in the central squares of French cities, which create a unique magical festive atmosphere.

December 31 New Year. On December 31 almost all of France celebrate Saint Sylvester's Day. On this holiday, the French walk very noisily, eat a lot, have fun and wait for the arrival of the New Year, which is customary to meet in a large company of friends in restaurants and cafes in the city.

And the locals. Carnivals in France appeared in the Middle Ages. February is the time for carnivals around the world, as this month precedes

Lent and immediately after the end of the carnival, fasting begins. This confirms the Latin expression "carne vale", that is, "farewell, meat." Elderly French people say that carnivals used to take place
with much more fun, although not as lush and costly as it is now. and is already a cultural tradition in France.
Let's move on to the calendar of festivals and carnivals.
JanuaryLate January music festival of street bands in Nantes where the best French street orchestras perform

Circus Arts Festival. Principality of Monaco. The second half of January lasts a week. The most famous circus groups in the world are fighting for the title of the best. On the final day, the jury presents the winner with the prestigious Clown d'Or ("Golden Clown") award.

Festival "Geode". Second half of January. Paris. Annual international film festival based on Omnimax technology.

March. Mid March. International conference dedicated to . Saint Remy de Provence.

Festival"Holy Week". Mid-end of March. Celebration of the landing of Napoleon Bonaparte in the Bay of Juan.
On March 1, 1815, Napoleon landed on the shores of the Bay of Juan with a hundred of his loyal people. Every year on this day, a costumed performance takes place in front of a curious audience.

April . Bullfight in Arles. The famous bullfights are held in the ancient Roman amphitheater. The first bullfights took place in 1830. Fights are held both according to the rules of the classic Spanish bullfight, and according to local ones. The peculiarity of the latter is that the bulls are not killed: you just need to get the items that are strengthened with a tape on the horns of the bull. date: beginning of April, duration: (several days)contacts: http://www.arenes-arles.com

May. Jazz festival in Paris . As it happens every year, the traditional Paris Jazz Festival takes place in May. It will last until July, offering free open-air concerts during this period in the park of Paris in the forest of Vincennes, right after the castle.

Festival in honor of St. Sarah. Festival at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: every year on May 25 and 26, this ancient seaside town west of Marseille captures a musical frenzy: the entire gypsy population of Europe gathers here to bow to the tomb of St. Sarah, who is considered the patroness of the gypsies. This is the last land that gave the world gypsy kings, and although gypsy speech is now rarely heard in these places, gypsy music is heard everywhere during the festival. It is worth noting that the festival in honor of St. Sarah is not geared towards tourists; rather, it seems that the gypsies simply stray into groups and entertain each other with spontaneous, sudden songs and dances.In the tomb of St. The Sarahs hold nightly vigils, each adding their own candle to a whole forest of wax burning in a small chapel. In addition, gypsies dress St. Sarah in everything new: forty or fifty dresses piled up on a fragile statue that grows fat day by day.

June . Paris Airshow — prestigious international event. The show is open only for sale, but on some days everyone is allowed in here. The main highlight of the program for ordinary viewers is the daily 4-hour flights of airships. The show takes place on the site of the former main Parisian airport, in Le Bourget, 10 km from Paris. Exhibition space: Five gigantic exhibition halls showcase everything from spacecraft to air defense systems. In addition, there are 21 national pavilions from 21 countries. The most popular, however, is something else - an outdoor exhibition of hundreds of aircraft and helicopters.

Wine Festival in Bordeaux. End of June. The annual Wine Festival takes place in Bordeaux with the celebration of wine on the largest square in Europe on the banks of the Garona - a parade of Bacchus carts, fashion shows, the discovery of vineyards at the mouth of the river, excursions to the vineyards, tasting and a giant picnic on the outskirts of the Etal du Terrour, performances by artists from all over the world , a large exhibition dedicated to wine and vineyards.
in Normandy. Periodically, from June 28 to July 6, the most beautiful sailing ships from all over the world gather in the capital of Normandy. Already on June 27, numerous sailing ships begin to gather in Rouen. And a whole week of celebration and joy, music and light.
On June 28, the solemn official opening of the Armada will take place. All participating ships can be visited free of charge throughout the week. In the evenings, free concerts and fireworks are organized in Rouen.
In mid-June in tourist complex "Puy-du-Fou" in the Vendée, spread over an area of ​​about 40 hectares, under the patronage of Robert Hossein takes place annually opening of the new summer season . Every year, about a million people visit this complex, which was created in 1977 and has since become one of the four largest in France. You will be shown horse performances, falconry, battles of the Vendée War, after which, at night, in the open air, 800 actors and 50 horsemen will present a performance dedicated to the last 7 centuries of French history. In addition, a real Gallo-Roman stadium reminiscent of the Colosseum is reproduced in the park. Spectators will see real war chariot races, gladiator battles, Roman parades and live lions.
July. theater festival. July 6th Avignon. The main program of Avignon gathers the theatrical beau monde. Here they present foreign productions and international projects carried out in co-production with the festival, as well as Parisian performances that will be released in the capital only in autumn: Avignon generally determines the outlines of the next French season.
From 5 to 9 July in the small French town of Liguge will be held ancient sacred music festival . It has been going on for more than 1600 years - since the moment St. Martin founded an abbey here in 361. Today, Liguge annually turns into the capital of sacred music, meeting choirs from all over Europe. Music connoisseurs will tell you that only here, under the echoing Romanesque vaults, you can hear a real Gregorian chant.
And July 9 will be held Medieval Festival. You will see it in the game of street actors, you will hear it in the old Provencal music and the singing of the troubadours.
Sweet tooth gather on July 10, at Conceze on Raspberry Festival. This village is 45 minutes from Limoges and once a year becomes the Capital of Raspberries. Here you will find out how much can be made from raspberries and what the world's largest raspberry pie tastes like (a record already listed in the Guinness book, local bakers beaten every year with enviable zeal).
Colmar International Music Festival. Every July (first half) Colmar turns into a kind of crossroads of musical cultures: an international festival is held here, organized by the famous Russian musician and conductor Vladimir Spivakov.
international jazz festival . July 13. Juan-les-PinsIn mid-July, an international jazz festival opens in the town of Juan-les-Pins, which will last for 10 days. Perhaps this is the most famous and most famous jazz festival in the world.
Festival "In the walls". 22 July. Dinan. In this town there are practically no buildings younger than two hundred years. But the buildings and narrow streets of the XII-XIV centuries, cobblestone pavements are perfectly preserved ... Dinan lies 22 kilometers from the coast and the famous Saint-Malo baths.
During the holiday, which lasts two days, the townspeople hold a jousting tournament, in connection with which the city is flooded with men in armor and with spears and ladies, strictly following the medieval fashion.
August— International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art in Cannes The fireworks festival takes place in three cities, on different days, throughout August. Venue: Cannes, Antibes Juan-les-Pins, Monaco, duration: all of August, festival website: http://www.festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com/September. Last third of SeptemberinCharlevillepasses international festival of puppet theaters. For more than sixty years, Charleville has been a Mecca for puppeteers from different countries.
In the center of Burgundy Dijon, in September will be held in paralleltwo festivals - wine and folklore. 200 folklore groups from all over the world will compete at the Sports Palace, and an international jury will evaluate their skills.