Planning a trip to France? Understanding French holidays, festivals, and events can help you avoid unexpected closures—and better yet, allow you to join in the fun! From national celebrations like Bastille Day to regional festivals full of charm and tradition, here’s what to know before you go.
- 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.
France is a country rich in culture, history, and celebrations. Being aware of French holidays, festivals and events can help you make the most of your time and avoid any surprises. For more helpful tips on planning your trip and knowing what to expect, be sure to check out my article covering all things France.