Festivals in the French culture have a lot in the box for you to go and discover. No matter when you are planning a trip to France, you’ll come across at least one festival at any time of the year.
The people in France celebrate everything from a lemon to an excellent musical night, fireworks to opera events. Celebrations need no reason, nor do you need a reason to celebrate with French people. Take your notepads and plan your perfect fêtes françaises (french festivals) tour.
1. Nice Carnival
The Nice Carnival attracts millions of people every year. It is the biggest carnival on the French Riviera. It is widely popular amongst the people of Brazil, Mardi Gras, and Venice. This carnival happens in February and lasts for two weeks.
Originally, the festival was a winter solstice celebration of new beginnings. Gradually, the traditions were renewed by the visit of the king and queen of Sardini. To indicate their visit to the city, parades were organized. After their death and to the present day, mock kings and queens join the parade.
You cannot miss the flower battle at this carnival. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and people from all around the world come to see it. Spectators can even join the others and indulge in this flower battle.
The month of celebration: February.
2. Menton Lemon Festival
Just like Spain has its Tomatina festival, Menton has lemons. The public gets to watch these giant, impressive sculptures made with tones of citrus fruits. Many professionals come together to make these displays. At this festival, you can treat yourself to lemonades during the day.
As the parades of lemon sculptures pass by, musicians and drummers entertain the locals. The Festivals in France find their way to thank Mother Nature and art forms. This tribute is one of the most famous events in France. There is a specific theme for the festival every year.
Enjoy the most of it on your next visit to France.
The month of celebration: Mid-February
3. Festival Medieval de Sedan
Time travel is possible in France as the Medieval de Sedan festival takes you back to the Middle Ages. The festivities happen at Château de Sedan. More than 15,000 people come to visit, celebrate, and seek the beauty of the palace. Many events can be seen, including falcon hunting, sword fights, and wrestling.
Locals can also enjoy the stalls present at the market. French people have a thing for parades; a night parade using a torch across the castle makes it a little more interesting. In these events, heritage is celebrated. Dragon-sleighing performance remains the highlight of the festival Medieval de Sedan as it breathes real fire.
The month of the celebrations: May
4. Cannes Film Festival
Film lovers and movie buffs also have space in the world of celebrations. Today, more than 30,000 celebrities and other professionals attend this theatre fest every year. A wide range of actors and actresses come to promote their newest releases.
While you cannot enter the film festival, you can spot your favourite stars in new looks. The Cannes Film Festival also rewards celebrities and other professionals for their work. The major award to receive at this film festival is the Palme d’Or. The Cinéma de la Plage is an event to showcase marvellous work on a huge screen at the Macé beach. Classical music shows follow it.
The month of celebrations: May
5. Fête de la Musique
The longest day of the year, 21 June, is dedicated to music wholeheartedly. On this day, music is accessible to everyone; artists come to the streets to play for free. The first-ever music day was celebrated in Paris in 1982. Now, Fête de la Musique has spread its popularity to 120+ countries. Artforms like music know no race; there is only room for harmony and symphony.
No matter what race you are from or what age you are, you are welcome to play or sing in this festival of music. Music forms like jazz, rock, and hip-hop are celebrated in France. Festivals in French traditions love celebrating street concerts, and such events light up the aura around the country. The summer solstice is the best day for a tribute to the music and marks the day for celebrations.
The month of celebrations: June.
6. Berck-sur-Mer
You may not believe your eyes when you see your favourite cartoon characters, dragons, or octopuses flying up in the sky. This international kite festival gives you a magical and dreamy experience of witnessing a day when children or adults fly their kites in utter joy.
A kite championship takes place every two years, where champions from worldwide participate. Whenever March or April hits the calendar, be ready to see pigs, whales, or dragons flying. Berck-sur-Mer, the international kite festival, even presents a different organized series of activities where kids of all ages can learn how to make or fly kites.
The month of celebrations: March or April
7. Bastille Day
Bastille Day is one of the year’s most important and famous days. The 14th July festival is a national holiday in France. But why 14th July? This date ended the monarchy and changed people’s lives. This festival brings crowds out of their homes to celebrate independence from the monarchy. This day also marks the beginning of the French Revolution.
Bastille Day is best celebrated in Paris! This festival in Paris starts one night before. The people of the city party until the next morning. A parade and rally occur on Bastille Day, and free concerts happen around the city. At the end of the day, you can enjoy fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. For the best views, you can go to the Sacré Cœur.
The month of celebrations: July.
8. Festival d’Avignon
The next festival on the list is for lovers of theatre. People who love art in motion should not miss this festival! It takes place at Palais des Papes in Avignon.
This historic place is converted into a venue for different performances. The crowd of performers comes to present live music, dance, visual arts, and more. Wind musicians also showcase their majestic performances. This festival has also become a meeting place for festival lovers worldwide.
The month of celebrations: July.
9. Tour de France
This event came into existence in 1903. It is one of the most celebrated sports events in France. However, this festival was initially just a marketing technique to advertise newspapers.
The French community sees this time of the year as a festival. The Tour de France starts in July every year. If you are a sports enthusiast, then this is the perfect festival for you.
The month of celebrations: July
10. Final Note
France is a place full of cultural heritage. It has something or other going on throughout the year, from the lemon festival to the festival of sports. You are going to love everything here.
Plan your trip to France accordingly to witness all these French cultural festivals. You can also participate in these festivals as the French people will be more than happy to have you with them.
Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Annanya Chakraborty
