France is world-renowned for its attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. People travel from all over the world to drink French wine and enjoy fine dining. What you may not have known is that France also has an array of incredible French festivals and cultural events.
If you’re venturing to France, check out these five French festivals you won’t want to miss.
Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival isn’t just one of the most famous events in France; it’s one of the most famous festivals in the world. Celebrities from around the globe flock to France for this unforgettable five-day event each year.
If you love movies and all things celebrity, it’s worth heading to Cannes just for this event. Get cozy in one of the luxury French villa rentals, pack some beautiful evening wear, and spend a night under the stars with the stars. Sure, you won’t be able to get into the films being shown, but the red carpet is a spectacle in itself.
Make Music Day (Fetê de la Musique)
If music is more your scene than movies, you won’t want to miss Fetê de la Musique, A.K.A., Make Music Day. This festival attracts over one hundred thousand music lovers each year and takes place across the country in late June. It’s the best summer kick-off event in the country.
These free concerts feature both new and seasoned artists in a variety of genres. You can bounce from jazz bands to techno, enjoying beverages and food from local vendors. This incredible event only lasts the day and night of the summer solstice, but the memories last all year long.
Festival d’Avignon
Avignon is an ancient city in southern France. Parts of the city date back to the first century, and it was once where popes sat during their tenure. While there are nearly 100,000 people who call the city home, only a tenth of those people live within the pre-medieval structures.
Festival d’Avignon is one of the oldest festivals in the world – not surprising, given when the city was built. During this annual festival, both residents and tourists flock to the ancient cityscape and celebrate the arts. The festival features music, dancing, theatrical performances, and film.
Rock en Seine
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city of lights? Each year, just outside of Paris, France celebrates its love of rock music with Rock en Seine. This summer festival offers three days of rock and alternative music on outdoor stages, with drinks, food, and a lot of fun.
Past headliners for Rock en Seine have included The Cure, Macklemore, Post Malone, Nine Inch Nails, Sum 41, and System of a Down. Festival organizers are trying to sprinkle in artists from other genres to create an event that appeals to everyone. Grab a friend, put on your fanny pack, and head to Rock en Seine for an unforgettable party.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a very important French celebration. Bastille Day takes place on July 14th every year and pays tribute to the storming of the Bastille prison and the start of the French Revolution, when the people overthrew the government and fought for their freedom.
Now, that freedom is celebrated with parties all over the country. Bastille Day is usually highlighted by parties and special events, as well as breathtaking fireworks from the Eiffel tower. Plan on finding a spot to watch these fireworks early, as you’ll be there with most of Paris.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in another country’s culture is to take part in its festivals and events. France has plenty of notable festivals worth adding to your travel bucket list, whether you’re headed there already or plan a trip around these occasions.
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