Holidays, festivals and carnivals in France. French holidays are unique Epiphany - the holiday of donations

Summer has officially arrived, which means it's time for vacations, long walks and new discoveries! It's time to make plans for the coming season. And to make your choice easier, we have compiled a selection of the most exciting events in France, which will take place in various parts of France during the summer of 2017.

Le Bourget (12 km from Paris)

The oldest and largest aviation exhibition in the world! It took place for the first time in 1909, and since then it has been held every two years. The event brings together leading researchers, manufacturers and distributors of aviation and space transport, as well as simply connoisseurs of modern aviation technologies. You will be one of the first to see the latest innovations and achievements of the industry, meet the participants and simply get a lot of impressions from such a large-scale event.

Any city

Every year, on the longest daylight hours, all of France celebrates Music Day. It sounds literally everywhere - on the streets, in parks, restaurants, apartments. Hundreds of musicians (including from other countries) come to music venues in cities to play their hits for guests and residents completely free of charge, and marching bands parade through the streets. All events usually continue until late at night.

Calvi (Corsica island)

Calvi On The Rocks are concerts on a snow-white beach, in restaurants, bars and clubs with the best DJs and the most fashionable audience. This is one of the most beloved and popular music festivals in France! Popular musicians from all over the world come to perform on the stages of the picturesque island, and lovers of modern music plan long-awaited trips months in advance.

Paris (or any city)

Bastille Day is the main national holiday of France, which has traditionally been celebrated since 1880 and, in terms of scale of celebration, perhaps even surpasses the New Year. This is the most important date in the life of the French, which marks the overthrow of royal despotism and absolutism and is an invariable symbol of the country's patriotism. Going to France for this holiday means seeing impressive parades, luxurious balls, famous fireworks and simply becoming part of such a grandiose event. In addition to the official program, numerous parties and concerts will be held in all cities.

Nice

If Dizzy Gillespie, Diana Krall, Eubie Blake, Dee Dee Bridgewater or Charlie Mingus are not a bunch of unfamiliar names for you, hurry up to get your tickets to Nice this summer! From July 16 to 20, one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe will traditionally be held on the Cote d'Azur. 5 days, 3 stages and about 30 concerts and tens of thousands of connoisseurs of this magnificent music from different countries! In between idol performances, you can attend master classes and various thematic shows and performances and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Paris

The Tour de France or “Great Loop” is a legendary cycling race that has been held in France for 104 years and attracts the attention of the whole world. This year the race starts on July 1 in the German city of Dusseldorf and will stretch 3516 km through the picturesque mountain ranges of four countries - Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and France. The ceremonial finish of the race and congratulations to the winners will take place on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on July 23. Don't miss out!

Lavender holidays in Provence (July-August)

Ferrasier, Seau, Valensole, Digne-les-Bains, Valrea and others

Lavender fields are the hallmark of Provence! In July and August, when the entire region is literally bathed in bright purple flowers and fragrant with the scent of flowers, holidays and festivals are held in the towns and villages of the region. At this time, lavender surrounds you everywhere - local residents sell the cutest bouquets, confectionery shops bake sweets from flowers, someone creates handmade cosmetics and household chemicals, noisy markets and fairs open, music, loud conversations and laughter are heard everywhere! It is events like this that create the unique flavor of the country.

Lacanau (Aquitaine)

Competitions of the world's leading surfers have been held in Lacanau since 1979. After all, it is here, on the Atlantic coast, that you can catch the best waves in France. Soöruz Lacanau Pro will be of interest not only to those who surf professionally, but also to those who still dream of conquering their first wave. After all, nothing inspires more than an example of what we can achieve and what we can strive for. A must visit for all connoisseurs of one of the most exciting sports!

Each country has its own flavor, customs, traditions, orders and, of course, holidays. France is no exception among all countries. France celebrates both international and well-known dates, as well as its own local celebrations. There are also many festivals, carnivals, celebrations of saints and provincial holidays.

The French love to relax so much that they do it on a large scale and quite often. Holidays in France in each individual province take place almost weekly, and everything is organized beautifully and on a large scale. Let's look at the main French holidays, starting with the first day of the calendar.

French New Year

On January 1, as in the rest of the world, France celebrates the New Year, which here is called St. Sylvester's Day.

This holiday is celebrated in almost all of Europe on a smaller scale than Christmas, and most often they spend time outside the home: in clubs, cafes, restaurants, etc.

An original and popular entertainment at the New Year's holiday is a lottery, carried out with jokes and bright surprises.

Epiphany - the holiday of donations

A touching Catholic holiday - Epiphany - takes place on January 6th. It is believed that on this day the eastern kings-magi brought gifts to the born Christ. Usually the holiday takes place in the family circle.

On this holiday it is customary to make donations. This also applies to the festive table: the pie is cut into pieces according to the number of guests with one extra piece, which is called “God's piece” and given to those in need.

Winter festivals in France

In the second half of January, festivals are held in different parts of France. In Paris passes festival "Geode"– a film festival using OMNIMAX technology, where films are shown on a circular screen.

In Monte Carlo at this time they spend a week circus arts festival, where the best troupes in the world compete. The winner receives the Golden Clown award.

At the end of January in Nantes you can hear the best street orchestras in France at the street orchestra festival.

At the beginning of February every year in Toulouse carry out violet festival- symbols of the city. Participants from all over the world - botanists, scientists, manufacturers - gather at the festival, participate in conferences and competitions.

At the same time in San Rafael held mimosa festival, which is a flower parade.

St. Valentine's Day

On February 14, almost all over the world, and France is no exception, Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day is celebrated. This holiday is named after the priest Valentine, who secretly married legionnaires in love, although they were forbidden to marry.

Already in prison, before his execution, the jailer's daughter fell in love with him, but he, being a priest, could not answer her feelings, but on the night before the execution he sent her a small touching message - a prototype of a modern valentine.

Starting from mid-February, Nice becomes the site of a bright and colorful carnival. Carnival in Nice dates back to 1294, when the Duke of Anjou, who came here, decided to spend a few pleasant days. Then dancing, fireworks, balls, and festivities filled the entire city.

Now the carnival lasts two weeks: during this time, flower parades are held, a carnival queen is chosen, competitions are held, artists paint plywood sheets, and residents paint each other with spray paint. Every year the carnival comes up with a new name that defines its theme.

Lemon Festival in Menton

At the end of February, the two-week lemon festival begins in Menton. This festival was conceived as a preparation for the rich harvest season, which falls in these places in March-April.

Huge figures of lemons and other citrus fruits appear, a parade of lemons takes place, and visitors taste drinks and sweets made from lemons. Every year the festival attracts more than 200 thousand tourists.

At the same time, an orchid festival is held in Tarascon, where you can see all kinds of species and hybrids of these flowers.

Cesar Film Festival

Every year in February-March, the Chatelet musical theater in Paris hosts the Cesar national film award, the European equivalent of the Oscars.

The idea of ​​such a prize was first proposed by producer Georges Craven. The name was chosen in honor of his friend, the sculptor Cesar Baldaccini, who is the author of the idea for the award statuettes. The award was first held in 1976.

Carnival Mardi Gras - French Maslenitsa

Before the start of Lent, the Mardi Gras carnival takes place. Translated from French, this name means “Fat Tuesday” and is an analogue of Maslenitsa in Russia.

As during any carnival, at this time the city squares are filled with dancing, fun, and many different foods and drinks.

March 1 - Bonaparte Day

Although Napoleon Bonaparte did not end his career as a commander very well, the French honor everything connected with his name, and, accordingly, with their history. Thus, on March 1 every year, a theatrical performance is held to celebrate Napoleon's landing in the Gulf of Juan.

French Grandmothers Day

On the first Sunday in March, the French celebrate World Grandmothers' Day. On this day, grandmothers and all women over 55 years old are given special honor and respect.

Most often, all their grandchildren visit them, give them gifts, and grandmothers can also go on a tourist bus excursion for free; holiday menus in restaurants are developed especially for them and discounts are offered in stores.

Day of Nostardamus

In mid-March, an International Conference dedicated to Nostradamus is held in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It was first held in 2002 and is now held annually.

Paris Commune Day

On March 18, the working people of the world celebrate the Day of the Paris Commune in honor of the victory of the first proletarian revolution in 1871.
International Francophonie Day is celebrated by all French-speaking people and fans of the French language on March 20. The holiday was born in 1970, when the first interstate organization of French-speaking countries was created. These days, presentations, seminars, conferences, and concerts dedicated to the French language are held.

Holy Week in Fontevraud

Before Easter, in the last week of March, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud hosts the Holy Week festival. At the festival you can hear the performances of church choirs from all over the world.

Easter in France

Catholics celebrate Easter on the Sunday that follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox and most often takes place a week earlier than Orthodox Easter.

Easter in France means not only a Christian holiday, but also the final arrival of spring, the beginning of something joyful and bright. The symbols are colored eggs and the Easter bunny. Concerts are held on the streets almost everywhere.

April 1 - April Fool's Day

April 1 is celebrated around the world as April Fool's Day or April Fool's Day. In France, on this day, the symbol of a joke is a fish.

The fish can be made from any material, attached to it with a hook and hung on the victim’s clothes. A man walks around and has no idea that he has a fish hanging on his back, and he himself has become an “April Fool.”

Lily of the Valley Day and Snail Carnival

May Day in every country is associated with Labor Day. But in sophisticated France this day is called Lily of the Valley Day. It is believed that the lily of the valley flower brings happiness, so on this holiday lilies of the valley are given to each other, and they are sold on every corner.

On May 1, a traditional snail carnival takes place in Cluis, during which the French and carnival guests eat about 600 thousand snails and drink 12 thousand liters of wine.

The main symbol of the carnival is the nine-meter statue of the Snail King. Like any carnival, this holiday is full of fun, jokes, loud screams and laughter.

Parrot Festival

On the first Sunday in May, France celebrates the Parrot Festival. A festival dedicated to this bird takes place in Haute-Garonne. This holiday has quite a rich history.

Back in the Middle Ages, archery competitions were held, after which the winner was awarded, and mass celebrations began. The parrot is one of the favorite birds of the Germans, and with the German colonialists this love spread throughout the world.

Now on this day, 40 archers are trying to hit a foam parrot with a crossbow, located at a height of 50 meters. The winner, as before, is awarded a silver statuette, and in the evening a gala dinner is organized in his honor.

May 8 – Freedom from fascism

Everywhere on this day flowers are laid at the tomb of the unknown soldier, and in France, since the time of Jacques Chirac, the tradition of lighting the Eternal Flame by the president together with lyceum students has taken root. The President also greets each of the surviving veterans.

Military parade of musketeers in Saint-Tropez

From May 16 to 18, a military-religious parade is held in Saint-Tropez in honor of the era of the musketeers. These days turn the city into a fortress. A procession of townspeople, led by musketeers and a statue of Saint Trope, proceeds to the church. After this, the musketeers treat everyone to vermouth and begin a game of bowls.

Jazz Festival in Paris

At the end of May, a jazz festival takes place in Paris. During it, free concerts are organized in a park in Paris, near the castle in the forest of Vincennes.

Cannes Film Festival

In April-May, every year in a different way, representatives of the film industry from all over the world gather in Cannes - the Cannes Film Festival begins. Nominees present their films, and the winners receive the Palme d'Or.

Every year in the town of Les Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer, on May 25-26, the festival of Saint Sarah, the patroness of all gypsies, is held.

All the gypsies of Europe gather here, sing songs and dance. This festival is not aimed at tourists, it is organized exclusively for gypsies.

Joan of Arc Day

The day of Saint Joan of Arc, the patroness of the military and all of France, takes place on May 30, the day of her death.
Every year at the beginning of June, the former main airport of Paris, Le Bourget, becomes the venue for the Air Show, which is open to everyone.

Experts here can buy or sell some equipment, and ordinary spectators enjoy daily flights of airships and an open-air exhibition of various helicopters and airplanes.

Advertising Day in Cannes

The Cannes Lions festival takes place for a week in mid-June. This is a prestigious advertising festival that brings together representatives of the advertising and marketing industry from many countries.

June 21 is music day

On June 21, the summer solstice, a music festival is held. At this time, music is heard from every corner. There are parades of orchestras, musicians perform in open areas, in parks, and restaurants.

Among the speakers there are both recognized stars and unknown performers. The holiday, along with the magical music, does not end until the morning.

Bordeaux Wine Festival

Every two years, in the last days of June, a wine festival is held in Bordeaux, which attracts several thousand tourists from different countries.

These days you can taste wines from famous French brands, take part in a procession, watch competitions in identifying wine brands, enjoy concerts, and take part in a huge feast in honor of Bacchus. The festival ends with a huge fireworks display.

Parade of yachts and sailboats in Rouen

At the end of June in Rouen, on the embankment of the Seine, a parade of sailing ships is held, which also attracts a huge number of people. The Armada solemnly opens, in which sailors and ships from different countries become participants. Visitors can go inside each ship, attend concerts and see fireworks, all completely free.

At the beginning of July, a theater festival is traditionally held in Avignon. Here you can see international projects, foreign performances, new performances from Parisian theaters. In addition, street performances and performances are organized for fans.

Festival named after V. Spivakov in Colmar

In Colmar, Russian conductor and musician Vladimir Spivakov organized an international music festival, which brings together representatives of different musical cultures.

Also in early July, a festival of ancient sacred music is held, which takes place in the small town of Liguzh. Choirs have been gathering here for over 1,600 years.

In Carcassonne at the same time there is a festival of the Middle Ages, where ancient Provençal music, troubadours singing, street actors and a completely recreated environment will immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Raspberry Festival or the largest raspberry pie in the world

The small village of Consez hosts an annual raspberry festival, which brings together lovers of this sweet berry and rural life from all over the world. Here they prepare a traditional huge raspberry pie, which was included in the Guinness Book of Records, as well as many other dishes.

Bastille Day - July 14

The French national holiday, Bastille Day, traditionally takes place on July 14th. On this day, balls are organized, a military parade is held on the Champs Elysees, and a pyrotechnic show is organized at the Eiffel Tower. Parties in various places in France do not stop until the morning.

Summer Jazz Festival

The International Jazz Festival takes place in mid-July in Juan-les-Pins and lasts about a week. This is one of the most famous festivals, where many major jazz stars have performed in their time.

Feast of the Knights in Dinan

In the second half of the month, two weekends for the residents of Dinan turn into the “Within the Walls” festival, during which a knightly tournament and a costume parade are held.

Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in France

The second most important religious holiday for the French is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which takes place on August 15.

Folklore and wine festival in Dijon

At the beginning of September, Dijon opens its doors to lovers of wine and folklore - a folklore festival and a wine festival are held here simultaneously. An international jury will select the best folk group, while lovers of Burgundy wine will enjoy this drink.

Puppet Theater Festival

In the second half of September, Charleville invites all puppeteers to the International Puppet Theater Festival. This festival began as fun for local children, but gradually gained worldwide fame.

Festival of chestnuts and other delicacies

France hosts the largest number of holidays and festivals dedicated to food. One of these holidays is held in the second half of October - the Chestnut Festival.

Chestnut dishes are prepared everywhere: salads, mousses, risotto, regular roasted chestnuts.

The Chestnut Festival then turns into the Choukrut Festival, the Spice Festival, the Cider Festival, the Fish Festival - a whole Week of Taste.

Lumière Brothers Festival in Lyon

One week of October in the birthplace of cinema - in Lyon - is necessarily reserved for the Lumière Brothers Film Festival. Numerous tourists, as well as famous directors, actors, critics and other film figures gather here to enjoy old films that had a great influence on the development of cinema.

Reading holiday in France

The reading holiday lasts three days in mid-October. At this time, conferences, seminars, meetings with writers, book exhibitions, etc. are held.

Halloween in French

On October 31, Halloween or All Hallows' Eve is celebrated around the world, when young people hold a masquerade, dress up as witches and ghosts and scare each other.

All Saints' Day

Russian Film Festival in Nice

In the first half of November, a festival of Russian Art and Cinema is held at the Nice theater.

Day of Remembrance

November 11 is Remembrance Day or Armistice Day to commemorate the end of the First World War. On this day, flowers are laid at the graves of those killed in that war in all French cities.
On the same day, St. Martin's Day is celebrated, which is considered the patron saint of shepherds, the poor, and soldiers. This day marks the end of agricultural work.

Bonfires are made, people jump over these bonfires, light torches and hold processions praising St. Martin. What follows is a great feast with many dishes, new wine and beer. The holiday precedes the beginning of the Nativity Fast.

Winemakers' Festival

On the third Thursday of November, the winemaker's day or the New Beaujolais festival is celebrated, when they evaluate how successful the harvest was. The history of the holiday began in the town of Bozho in the Beaujolais region, and then it spread throughout France and the whole world.

Light Day in Lyon - victory over the plague

Several days before and after December 8, Lyon celebrates the festival of light, when lamps, lamps, lanterns, and candles are lit everywhere.

This holiday was organized in 1852 in honor of the praise of the Virgin Mary, who protected the city from the plague epidemic.

Tourists and local residents watch various light and laser shows, fireworks, and they themselves light a huge number of candles.

Chocolate fair at the Louvre

In December, the international festival “La Dolce Vita” takes place in Paris, when the Louvre becomes a fair of chocolate, cakes, and sweets for every taste. Interesting chocolate sculptures (for example, Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo). In addition to culinary products, cosmetics based on cocoa beans are also on display.

Street Theater Festival in Deauville

At the end of December, Deauville hosts a street theater festival that takes place both indoors and outdoors. Spectators and actors warm themselves up as best they can: with applause, intense movements and Calvados apple vodka.

French Christmas

The main holiday of the French - Catholic Christmas - is celebrated on December 25th. This day takes place in a family atmosphere. A few days before Christmas, mass celebrations begin, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the decoration of the Christmas tree.

Also, the French, following a long tradition, prepare a Christmas log, which used to serve to improve the quality of the harvest, but now simply means the desire for the well-being of the family.

Anyone can choose an interesting event held in France. The French know how and love to celebrate, so a sea of ​​impressions from an international holiday held here or a visit to a local festival with its flavor will remain in the memory of tourists forever.

French holidays are an unusual phenomenon - VIDEO

In fact, every village and town in France has its own holidays and carnivals. Moreover, every Frenchman is very jealous of the traditions of his region. It comes to the point that each region maintains its own calendar of holidays, in which there are so many numerous celebrations that one has to celebrate almost every day. Watch the vibrant and unusual lemon festival in Menton, which has no analogues in the world.

http://youtu.be/Ac0A346hvKA

France is famous for a huge number of all kinds of festive events, and here the traditions of ancient folk holidays, religious events and many social events that have long been elevated to the rank of national ones are intricately intertwined.

In January, the Nantes La Folle-Journais festival, the car exhibition in Monte Carlo, the International Circus Festival in Monaco (late January - early February) and the carnival in Nice deserve attention. Between February and April, it is worth visiting the Lemon Festival in Menton (starts two weeks after the Mardi Gras carnival, forty days before Easter), the International Record and Music Fair at the Palais des Festivals Cannes (January 18-22), the rugby tournament for the Six Nations Cup (Paris), the Nimes Festival (seven weeks after Easter) with colorful bullfights, the religious procession of Notre Dame d'Orcival on the eve of Ascension (forty days after Easter) and the Paris Marathon.

In May, thousands of people flock to the Cote d'Azur, where the prestigious international Cannes Film Festival opens www.festival-cannes.com. Equally famous is the colorful gypsy festival in honor of Saint Sarah (May 24-25) in Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer (Camargue), where representatives of folk groups from literally all over Eurasia gather. Around the same days, the doors open to the Spring Carnival in Nice (from May 1 to 27), the International Festival of University Music in Belfort, the Flower Festival with a wonderful exhibition of roses in Grasse, the Parisian classical music festival Saint-Denis (May-June), the famous tournament tennis Roland Garros, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco and the Afro-Caribbean and Latin American music festival Music-Métiss in Angoulême.

June and July are perhaps the busiest months for cultural events in France. At the beginning of June, the Furis festival of artistic arts and street theater is held in Chalon (Champagne), from the beginning of June to the beginning of August, the performance festival Le Newt de Fourvier takes place in Lyon, and the Django-Reinhart jazz festival takes place in Paris. Also of interest are the Strasbourg classical music festival Music de Strasbourg, the famous 24-hour car race in Le Mans, the Usedance festival of modern dance in the town of Uzès (Gard), the European festival of modern theater Recontre du Jeune in Grenoble, the Tour cycling race. de France", Wine Festival in Bordeaux (end of June), Paris festival of sexual minorities Le Marche, street theater festival Vivat-Cité in Sotteville-les-Rouen (suburb of Rouen, end of June), dance festival www.montpellierdanse.com in Montpellier (late June - early July) and the representative Jazz-a-Vienne www.jazzavienne.com in the city of Vienne south of Lyon. On the eve of the summer solstice (June 21), the colorful national festival La Fete de la Music takes place, and Avignon hosts the famous Festival of Artistic Dramatic Arts.

One of the most colorful holidays of the summer are the traditional Breton festivals in Lorient and Nantes (June-July), held with a clear focus on the revival of Celtic culture. Lorient Interceltique Festival www.festival-interceltique.com (ten days from the first Friday to the second Sunday of August) is generally considered the largest Celtic festival on mainland Europe and brings together the best bands from Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. , Asturias and Galicia. Every year on July 13, on the eve of Bastille Day, a grandiose festive concert is held on the square of the same name in Paris.

In July, it is worth visiting the Les Craters street theater festival www.lecratere.fr, the Belfort-Yurokinis contemporary music festival www.eurockeennes.fr and the flamenco festival in Mont-de-Marsan (all at the beginning of the month), musical evenings d'Eté in Reims (beginning of July - beginning of August), International Festival of Baroque Opera in Beaune (beginning of July - beginning of August), Breton Culture Festival Cornual in Quimper (Finistère), International Film Festival www.festival-larochelle.org in La Rochelle (beginning of July), the Les Tombes de la Newies festival in Rennes, the jazz festival in Nice, the famous international festival of lyrical arts in Aix-en-Provence, the Avignon festival of contemporary dance and theater, two festivals of artistic pyrotechnics in Cannes (July 14) and Monaco (July 21-25 and August 4-11), Colmar International Festival of Classical Music, Festival of Contemporary Music in Carre-Pluger (Finistère), musical evenings of classical music at the Festival de Santé in Saintes (Charente-Maritime), celebration of contemporary French music in La Rochelle, International Festival of Piano Music in La Roque (mid-July - mid-August), Jazz Festival of the Côte d'Azur in Juan-les-Pins (mid-July), contemporary dance festival www.vaison-festival.com in Vaison-La -Romain (mid-July) and Chalon-sur-Saône (third week of July), the Festival of World Culture in Ganne (near Vichy, end of July) and the Pablo Casals Chamber Music Festival www.prades-festival-casals.com in Prades (end July - mid-August).

The annual Interceltic Celtic music festival takes place in Lorient (Morbihan) at the beginning of August. Also noteworthy during this period are the chamber music festival in the Church of San Michele (Menton, August 1-31), the Jasmine Festival in Grasse, the international festival of the Theater de Rue in Aurillac, the ringing competition in Poggiali (Corsica, August 12), jazz -Festival in Marciac (Gers), International Pantomime Festival in Périgueux (Dordogne), Quadrille Festival with violin competitions in Sermano (Corsica, August 25), Chamber Music Festival in Menton, Mulhouse Jazz Festival (mid-end of August) and Parisian Rock -festival "Rock on the Seine" (end of August). Corsica in August is generally very attractive from the point of view of all kinds of holidays - there is a costume parade in honor of the folk hero Sampiero (considered the prototype of Othello) in Bastelica (August 12), the Festa Antica festival in Aleria (August 8-9) with a noisy craft fair and numerous costumed processions, as well as Napoleon Days (August 15) in Ajaccio. And colorful olive oil fairs take place in Saint-Lucie-de-Tallano in March and in Montegrosso in July.

In September, noteworthy are the Lyon Dance Biennale (held every two years), the International Paris Antiques Fair (every 2 years), the Autumn Festival (mid-September - mid-December) and the Paris International Exhibition of Contemporary Painting, historical theatrical performances, fireworks and reenactments in as part of the Renaissance Festival in the tiny town of Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire), the International Folk Art Festival in Dijon (August - September), fairs and poetry competitions in the Niolo region (Corsica, early September). In the middle of the month, in the town of Rueil-Malmaison near Paris, a holiday dedicated to the legendary imperial couple - Napoleon and Josephine - takes place. A little later, the Amiens Festival of Baroque and Renaissance Music (September - October), the International Exhibition of Photojournalism Visa-pour-Image in Perpignan, the Strasbourg Festival of Contemporary Music (September - October), the famous Grand Prix de l "Arc de Triomphe (Paris) and Festival of Contemporary Theater Arts in Limoges (end of September - mid-October).

In October, it is worth visiting the Nancy Jazz Festival, musical evenings in Bastia and the International Mediterranean Film Festival in Montpellier. In November - the Strasbourg Jazz Festival, the Autumn Art Salon in Paris, the bullfighting festival in La Seine-sur-Mer and the Mansa Music Festival in Nice. The famous Feast of Beaujolais Nouveau www.beaujolais.fr/ also deserves close attention - the first bottles of young wine are usually uncorked on November 20, at 00.00. The new harvest is celebrated in many wine regions and cities in France, but the traditional center of celebrations is the town of Beaujeu, north of Lyon. And in early December, the Rencontre-Transmusicales music festival in Rennes and the Bandol Wine Festival take place.

French tourist offices annually and monthly publish special free booklets describing all planned events. Many guides describing places of entertainment, attractions, film premieres, festivals, museums and exhibitions are available at all information kiosks (Pariscope, L'official des Spectacles and Zurban). From them you can also get all the information about the cultural life of the country and the area. More detailed information information about the cultural life of the country can be found on the website

France remains one of the most popular destinations among Russian tourists; it attracts guests with a variety of cultural and historical attractions of the city of Paris, from which, as a rule, tourists travel around the country.

In addition to the capital, tourists from the Russian Federation go to French regions, which have a lot of historical and architectural monuments, museums, and natural attractions. Many Russians, while in France, try to attend cultural events that take place in the country all year round. In particular, in November, gourmets and enotourism lovers are expected to attend wine and culinary festivals.

The celebration of young Beaujolais Nouveau wine will begin in France on November 16th. The festival is one of the most beloved folk holidays and is widely celebrated throughout the country every third Thursday of November. On this day, bottles of wine from the new harvest are uncorked - the most famous red wine in France, young Beaujolais Nouveau, made from Gamay grapes. In restaurants and bars in all cities of France, signs appear: “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!” (“Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived!”).

The main center of festive events remains the south-eastern French region of Beaujolais. The festival begins with a colorful procession through the city of Beaujolais, after which barrels of wine are uncorked in the city square exactly at midnight and treated to everyone. Over the next five days, the city celebrates Les Sarmentelles with tastings, a fair, street musicians, torchlight processions, etc.

The International Gastronomic Fair Foire Internationale et Gastronomique takes place in Dijon (Burgundy) from November 1 to 12. The largest exhibition of the achievements of the national economy of France has been organized for 85 years in a row in the homeland of the famous Dijon mustard; during two weeks of work it welcomes at least 200 thousand people. Hundreds of food producers, professional chefs, and culinary enthusiasts from all over the world participate in the fair.

The Le Gout du Large (“Big Taste”) festival in the small fishing town of Port-en-Bessin-Huppen, dedicated to scallops, will be held on November 11-12. Typically it attracts at least 50,000 seafood lovers from all over France and abroad.

Visitors can buy fresh seafood, learn authentic recipes for their preparation, and taste scallop dishes, which are eaten here not with wine, but with beer. Guests will attend the only competition of songs about the sea in Europe - Musique sous les embruns. Fishermen from all over the world will sing songs about the sea. In addition, excursions to fishing boats and shipyards, master classes on tying sea knots and mending nets are organized for tourists. There will also be an antique fair.

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

During Lent and immediately after the end of the carnival, fasting begins. This is confirmed by the Latin expression "carne vale", that is, "goodbye meat." Elderly French people say that carnivals used to take place
with much more fun, although not as luxurious and expensive as now. and is already a cultural tradition in France.
Let's move on to the calendar of festivals and carnivals.
JanuaryEnd of January music festival of street orchestras 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 last day, the jury awards the winner the prestigious Clown d’Or (“Golden Clown”) award.

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

March. Mid March. International conference dedicated to. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Festival"Holy Week". Mid to late March. Celebrating the landing of Napoleon Bonaparte in the Gulf of Juan.
March 1, 1815 Napoleon with a hundred people loyal to him landed on the shore of the Gulf of Juan. Every year on this day, a costume performance takes place in front of a curious public.

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

May. Jazz Festival in Paris . As 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 Paris park in the forest of Vincennes, right after the castle.

Festival in honor of St. Sarah. Festival in Les Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer: Every year on May 25th and 26th, this ancient seaside town west of Marseille goes into a musical frenzy as the entire Gypsy population of Europe comes here to worship at the shrine of St. Sarah, 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 considering that the festival in honor of St. Sary is not aimed at tourists; rather, it seems that the gypsies simply gather in 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 the whole wax forest burning in the small chapel. In addition, gypsies dress as St. Sarah in everything new: forty or fifty dresses are piled on a fragile statue that grows fatter day by day.

June . Paris Air Show — the most prestigious international event. The show is open only for purchase and sale, but on some days everyone is allowed in. The main highlight of the program for ordinary spectators is the daily 4-hour flights of airships. The show takes place on the site of the former main Paris airport, in Le Bourget, 10 km from Paris. Exhibition area: Five giant exhibition halls display everything from spaceships 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 airplanes 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 Garone - a parade of Bacchus carts, a fashion show, the opening of vineyards at the mouth of the river, excursions to the vineyards, tasting and a giant picnic on the approaches to 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 sailboats from all over the world gather in the capital of Normandy. Already on June 27, numerous sailboats begin to gather in Rouen. And a whole week of celebration and joy, music and light.
The grand official opening of the Armada will take place on June 28. You can visit all participating ships for free throughout the week. In the evenings, free concerts and fireworks are organized in Rouen.
In mid-June V tourist complex "Puy du Fou" in Vendée, spread over an area of ​​about 40 hectares, under the patronage of Robert Ossein takes place annually opening of the new summer season . Every year about a million people visit this complex, created in 1977 and has since become one of the four largest in France. You will be shown horse shows, falconry, battles from the Vendee 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, the park reproduces a real Gallo-Roman stadium, reminiscent of the Colosseum. Spectators will see real war chariot races, gladiator battles, Roman parades and live lions.
July. Theater festival. July 6. Avignon. The main program of Avignon attracts the theatrical elite. 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 the fall: Avignon generally determines the outlines of the next French season.
From July 5 to 9, the small French town of Liguge will host festival of ancient sacred music . It has been going on for more than 1,600 years since St. Martin founded the abbey here in 361. Nowadays, Liguge annually turns into the capital of sacred music, welcoming choirs from all over Europe. Music connoisseurs will tell you that only here, under the echoing Romanesque vaults, can you hear real Gregorian chant.
And on July 9th it will be Festival of the Middle Ages. You will see it in the play of street actors, hear it in ancient Provençal music and the singing of troubadours.
Sweet tooths gather on July 10, at Conceze on Raspberry Festival. This village is a 45-minute drive from Limoges and once a year turns into the Capital of Raspberries. Here you will find out how many things 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 they beat with enviable zeal every year).
International Music Festival of Colmar. 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 Pins In 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 jazz festival in the world.
Festival “Within the Fortress Walls”. July 22. Dinan. There are practically no buildings in this town that are younger than two hundred years old. But the buildings and narrow streets of the 12th-14th centuries, cobblestone streets are perfectly preserved... Dinan lies 22 kilometers from the coast and the famous baths of Saint-Malo.
During the festival, which lasts two days, the townspeople hold a knight's tournament, due to which the city is overrun with men in armor and with spears and ladies strictly following 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 August, festival website: http://www.festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com/September. Last third of SeptemberVCharlevillepasses 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.