If you’re headed to France this autumn, then you’re in for a treat as at this time of the year there are so many fabulous festivals, events, and celebrations taking place.
Here are just a few of our favourites:
September 2018
Braderie de Lille
Braderie de Lille 1-2 September, Europe’s biggest flea market www.lilletourism.com
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine – European Heritage Days: Nationwide event 15-16 September. Hundreds of historical buildings, famous monuments, Government sites and places of interest, some of which are normally closed to the public, open their doors and welcome visitors. It is an amazing opportunity to explore and find out more about some truly fantastic buildings in France. Discover the heritage of France, more about Journées Européennes du Patrimoine. www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr/
Fete de la Gastronomie 21-23 September, every corner of France will come alive with events to celebrate its UNESCO-listed ‘world intangible heritage’ status. From grand-scale concerts to local sing-a-longs, Michelin-star set menus to small village banquets, the country will be in lively spirits to celebrate one of its most popular claims to fame. www.economie.gouv.fr/fete-gastronomie
Festival Musica, Strasbourg (contemporary classical music) September 19–October 6.
Monaco Yacht Show (pricey exhibition of mega-yachts) September 26–29.
October 2018
Nuit Blanche Paris
Paris Nuit Blanche – a fabulous artfest of illuminated public art and concerts in the streets of Paris. First Saturday in October.
Paris Grape Harvest Festival, Montmartre. Did you know that there is a vineyard in Paris, it’s a tiny relic of the once abundant vineyards that flourished in Paris. Once a year, Montmartre celebrates the Fete des Vendanges de Montmartre - the Grape Harvest festival. 10 to 14 October. www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com
National Event: Semaine du Gout – Taste Week: 8-14 October. Throughout France, this foodie event focuses on original and varied cuisine. As part of the event, workshops for the public include cooking classes, tastings and entertainment. www.legout.com
Chartres en Lumières ends October 13. Chartres is universally known for its UNESCO listed cathedral. “Chartres en Lumières” reveals dozens of cultural and architectural sites of a city that brightly shines every night from dusk until 1 am, thanks to original lighting and outstanding video technology (April – October). Chartres-Tourism.com
Paris Salon de Chocolat: Chocolate lovers will be thrilled with this event as dozens of chocolatiers from all over France and as far away as Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Japan and Canada present their wares on more than 400 stands. The Chocolate Fashion Show is a must! 31 October to 4 November at the Porte de Versailles. www.salonduchocolat.fr
November 2018
Hospices de Beaune
La Toussaint, All Saints Day. A national holiday in France. Public offices and lots of shops will be closed. November 1.
Dijon International and Gastronomic Fair November 1–11 www.burgundy-tourism.com
Annecy Wine and Food Festival. Wine and gastronomic exhibition with tastings galore. www.salondesvins.org 9-11 November
Armistice Day. Public offices and lots of shops will be closed. November 11.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Held the third Thursday of November, the festivities start at midnight on Wednesday for the celebration of new wine from the Beaujolais region, Burgundy. November 15.
Les Trois Glorieuses, Beaune, Burgundy. Wine auction and festival. November 16–8. www.beaune-tourism.com
And, as if that’s not enough, France will be gearing up for the Christmas markets from the end of November!
French Connections has hundreds of holiday homes for rent all over France, enjoy the festivals with us, we love to make your holiday dreams come true…