- January 1 – New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)
- May 1 – Labor Day (Fête du Travail)
- May 8 – Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire)
- July 14 – Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- August 15 – Assumption of Mary (Assomption de Marie)
- November 1 – ll Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)
- November 11 – Armistice Day (Jour d’Armistice)
- December 25 – Christmas Day (Noël)
- Date Varies – Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
- Date Varies – Ascension Day (Jour de l’Ascension) *40 days after Easter Sunday
- Date Varies – Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) *50 days after Easter Sunday
Spending a holiday in an international location can be a wonderful opportunity to experience new traditions. It is also important to consider some challenges that may arise including:
- Prices: Holiday periods often see a spike in accommodation prices due to increased demand, impacting your travel budget.
- Crowds: During major holidays, popular destinations may become overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy attractions, book accommodations, and make restaurant reservations.
- Closures: Many businesses may be closed or have reduced hours during holidays. This can limit your activities and access to services.
- Pricing and Availability: Accommodations and flights during holiday periods can be more expensive and harder to book. Plan ahead to ensure availability and better pricing.
Here is a list of major French festivals and events:
1. Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes)
- Location: Cannes
- When: May
- Description: One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, showcasing new films from around the globe.
2. Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- Location: Nationwide
- When: July 14
- Description: Celebrates the French Revolution with parades, fireworks, concerts, and parties, with the largest military parade taking place on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
3. Nice Carnival (Carnaval de Nice)
- Location: Nice
- When: February (leading up to Lent)
- Description: One of the world’s major carnival events, featuring parades, elaborate floats, and colorful costumes.
4. Tour de France
- Location: Nationwide, ending in Paris
- When: July
- Description: The world’s most famous cycling race, covering various terrains and ending on the Champs-Élysées.
5. Avignon Festival (Festival d’Avignon)
- Location: Avignon
- When: July
- Description: A renowned performing arts festival with a mix of theatre, dance, and music, held in historic venues around the city.
6. La Fête de la Musique
- Location: Nationwide
- When: June 21
- Description: A nationwide celebration of music with free concerts and performances in streets, squares, and parks.
7. Paris Fashion Week
- Location: Paris
- When: March and September/October
- Description: One of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, showcasing the latest collections from top designers.
8. Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)
- Location: Various cities, notably Strasbourg, Colmar, and Paris
- When: December
- Description: Festive markets featuring handmade crafts, seasonal foods, and holiday decorations.
9. Menton Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron)
- Location: Menton
- When: February/March
- Description: A unique festival featuring parades of floats decorated with lemons and oranges, as well as elaborate citrus-themed displays.
10. Bastideum in Monpazier
- Location: Monpazier
- When: August
- Description: A medieval festival in the Dordogne region with historical reenactments, markets, and performances.
11. Beaujolais Nouveau Day
- Location: Nationwide
- When: Third Thursday in November
- Description: Celebrates the release of the first wine of the season with tastings and festivities.
12. Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
- Location: Lyon
- When: December
- Description: A spectacular event where buildings and streets are illuminated with artistic light displays.
13. Bastille Day Military Parade
- Location: Champs-Élysées, Paris
- When: July 14
- Description: The main event of Bastille Day, featuring a grand military parade, flyovers, and public celebrations.
14. Jazz à Juan
- Location: Juan-les-Pins
- When: July
- Description: One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, attracting famous jazz musicians from around the world.
15. Festival Interceltique de Lorient
- Location: Lorient
- When: August
- Description: A celebration of Celtic culture with music, dance, and traditional customs from various Celtic nations.