France has a very rich history and cultural heritage. The arts and festival scene in this country is crazy. If you have to describe a festival in the French country, it would be a description of an event full of pomp and splendour. Whether you are an art, music, culture, or dance lover, there is bound to be a festival all about you. If you are visiting France, there is nothing better than to indulge in the local culture. Have lots of fun while celebrating the festivals that are unique and found only in the country. If you are not sure where to start, this is the right article for you. Find out the top resorts and budget hotels for your accommodation needs. When planning your trip, scroll down to find a well-curated list of the top festivals in France.
Travel advisory
According to Le Monde, the French parliament has voted to increase regulations on the vacation rental industry, primarily targeting Airbnb. The bill was in response to the nation’s housing crisis, however, according to Fortune, Airbnb has affirmed that there will be no major effects on its business. Though, if you’re planning on booking an Airbnb while in France, I’d still suggest that you confirm with the host that your booking will be unaffected!
1. Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron)
Menton, France is home to Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival in English. This carnival event pays tribute to the production of specialty lemons, as well as other citrus fruits, in the city. There are floats and sculptures featured during the festival, and all are made from lemons and oranges. With all these colorful attractions, I’m sure it’s the perfect festival to bring the kids to!
The celebrations date back to the late 1920s when Menton was the main producer of lemons in all of Europe. The event started as a private one, where citrus fruits and flowers were displayed at the Riviera Hotel. The municipality followed this idea and came up with the present format of Fête du Citron.
Fête du Citron
Region of observance: Menton, France
Website: Fête du Citron
Date of observance: Mid-February - March
2. Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is when Christians feast on good, delicious food before Lent—when they will need to fast for approximately 40 days in the days leading up to Easter. This is one of the most celebrated festivals in France, with 7 out of 10 people celebrating it like a ritual. I’m sure it’s the perfect festival to celebrate with friends!
Activities are held in various parts of France, along with carnival parties featuring lots of food. Sweets, confectioneries, pastries, and desserts with eggs as one of the main ingredients are very popular—it is said that the locals want to use up all the leftover eggs before Lent. You can just imagine the insane amounts of mouthwatering cakes, crepes, and waffles you can devour at this event!
Mardi Gras
Date of observance: February - March
3. Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights in Lyon, known as “Fête des Lumières” in French, is a traditional festival and has a captivating history that has transformed it into a world-renowned celebration. Originating in the 17th century, this annual event began as a religious tradition honoring the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, it evolved into a spectacular illumination extravaganza, with the city’s residents placing candles in their windows to celebrate Mary’s protection during a plague.
Today, the Festival of Lights has grown into a multi-day spectacle of light art, where talented artists and designers from around the world create breathtaking light installations that transform the city’s landmarks and public spaces. I’d make sure to take my camera along if I were you! With millions of visitors from all corners of the globe, this enchanting festival has become an iconic event that brings people together in the spirit of wonder and unity.
Festival of Lights
Region of observance: Lyon, France
Website: Festival of Lights Lyon
Date of observance: Around December 8
4. Chorégies d'Orange
Chorégies d'Orange, one of the most famous festivals in France, has a captivating history that makes it a must-see cultural event. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times when the ancient Theatre of Orange was constructed around the 1st century AD.
This majestic Roman theater became the stage for various performances, and it wasn’t until the 19th century that Chorégies d'Orange, as we know it today, was officially established. The festival has since evolved into a celebration of opera and classical music, with world-class artists gracing the historic stage against the stunning backdrop of the ancient theater. I think it’s the perfect combination for those who love history and music!
The festival is a unique cultural experience that combines the grandeur of history with the magic of music. Its setting alone, within the beautifully preserved Roman theater, is reason enough to witness it. The acoustics of the theater are exceptional, creating a truly immersive musical experience for the audience.
Chorégies d'Orange
Region of observance: Orange, France
Website: Chorégies d'Orange
Date of observance: June - July
5. Cannes Film Festival
If you’re a fan of the big screen, chances are you have already heard of this prestigious film festival in France. The Cannes Film Festival was officially founded in 1946 and honors new global films and documentaries from all genres. Some of the awards are Grand Prix, which is the second-most prestigious honor given by the body, and Palme d’Or. also known as the Golden Palm, which is the festival’s most prestigious award.
Some of its recipients that you may know include Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver in 1976, Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now in 1979, and Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction in 1994. At the time of writing, Palme d'Or’s most recent recipient is the 2024 comedy-drama movie Anora, directed by Sean Baker.
Cannes Film Festival
Region of observance: Cannes, France
Website: Cannes Film Festival
Date of observance: Mid-May
6. Festival of Avignon
Festival of Avignon, also known as Festival d'Avignon, is an annual contemporary art festival held in the city of Avignon—right in the magnificent Palais des Papes as well as some other parts of the city. This cultural event in France can be traced back to the 1940s, and it has more than 50 years of history. If you are a theatre lover, I’m sure this is the festival for you! Every year in July, there will be lots of committee-approved theatre performances outdoors. You are free to view them and share your experiences with other like-minded people.
There are two parts to the festival—the “in” and the “off” part. The “in” part usually features works that are more mainstream and well-known, while the “off” part showcases the niches and lesser-known performances.
Festival of Avignon
Region of observance: Avignon, France
Website: Festival of Avignon
Date of observance: July
7. International Kite Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This festival is celebrated in France every year in April on the coast of Côte d’Opale in Berck-sur-Mer, a commune in the northern part of the European country. Like what its name suggests, this celebration attracts kite lovers from all over the world, flooding the beach with beautiful kites.
Aside from seeing lots of huge and magnificent kites, there are also various activities that you can join. Parents can participate in kitemaking workshops along with their kids and learn how to make a kite from scratch. For kids who have not flown any kite before, they can indulge in their first kite-flying experience. Indeed, this is a great festival for the whole family.
International Kite Festival
Region of observance: Côte d’Opale
Website: International Kite Festival
Date of observance: April - May
8. Nice Carnival
Nice Carnival, held annually for about two weeks in February right by the French Riviera, is one of the world’s most widely acclaimed festivals, attracting over one million visitors each year. I’d say this is definitely one festival that makes Nice even nicer!
Nice Carnival has a long history, with its roots dating all the way back to 1924. There is a different theme for the festival every year. At the parades, you can expect floats with performers who are dressed up in colorful costumes, singing and dancing along to the carnival music. Sounds magical, right? You have to see it with your own eyes because it is truly a magnificent sight.
Nice Carnival
Region of observance: Nice, France
Website: Nice Carnival
Date of observance: February - March
9. Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Musique, also known as Music Day, is an annual festival that takes place in France and is celebrated with the most pomp in Paris. Founded by Jack Lang in 1982, this music festival in France has become so popular that it is now celebrated in more than 120 countries around the world, including the USA, Australia, the UK, and Japan.
The sole purpose of this festival is to promote music from professional and niche artists, encouraging them to perform their compositions on the streets. A lot of free concerts are also organised for festival attendees in the name of celebrating music diversity all around the world. If you are in the area, just remember to immerse yourself in some lovely music and enjoy the happy and joyful atmosphere.
Fête de la Musique
Website: Fête de la Musique
Date of observance: 21 June
10. Paris l'été Festival
Paris Summer Festival, held every year during the months of July and August, was founded by Patrice Martinet in 1990 to promote the performing arts culture in France. Because of that, you’ll be expecting lots of mostly outdoor dance, music, and theatre performances that are either free or very moderately priced.
If it is your first time in Paris, attending this festival is also a great opportunity for you to explore the city since most of the performance venues are located right by famous attractions and monuments.
Paris l'été Festival
Region of observance: Paris
Website: Paris l'été Festival
Takes place: July - August
11. Festival des Vieilles Charrues
Festival des Vieilles Charrues, famed as one of the largest multi-genre music festivals in the city of Carhaix, is held annually in July. It is a must-go for electronic dance music (EDM) lovers. After all, it is a four-day event filled with live music from the best performers in the industry.
In recent years, the festival lineup has included world-famous DJs such as Martin Garrix, Kygo, David Guetta, and many more. You are definitely going to party day and night with lots of awesome music at this festival.
Festival des Vieilles Charrues
Region of observance: Carhaix, Brittany
Website: Les Vieilles Charrues
Date of observance: July
12. Hellfest
Hellfest is a music festival that places a focus on heavy metal and punk music. Held annually in Clisson, a commune in Loire-Atlantique, Hellfest is a three-day programme that features the best musicians in the industry.
Past lineups included world-famous groups such as Iron Maiden and Deep Purple. If you are traveling to France in June, you shouldn’t miss this event!
Hellfest
Region of observance: Clisson, Loire-Atlantique
Website: Hellfest
Date of observance: June
13. Main Square Festival
Main Square Festival is another big multi-genre music festival. Held in Arras, France, this festival is always sold out because of its impressive lineup of world-famous performers, including Coldplay, Celine Dion, and Ellie Goulding.
Imagine three days of live music from your favourite singers. If you want to catch rare live performances, this is the festival for you!
Main Square Festival
Region of observance: Arras
Website: Main Square Festival
Date of observance: July
14. Calvi on the Rocks
Calvi on the Rocks is yet another multi-genre music festival that happens annually in the month of July. Famous for its laid-back vibes, this event is held right on Calvi Beach. You are going to enjoy the beautiful sea views while dancing along to some of the coolest music from the best performers. This very unique atmosphere is what attracts the crowds to attend—it is just so chill and relaxing.
So if you are looking for a music festival that gives you something a little different, attend Calvi on the Rocks and see for yourself what the hype is all about!
Calvi on the Rocks
Region of observance: Calvi Beach, France
Website: Calvi on the Rocks
Date of observance: July
France has a festival for everyone
France is really the ideal country for tourists and visitors who want to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the arts and French festivals and celebrations. From breathtaking UNESCO sites and iconic places to experience to unique tours that will educate you on the country’s history, there’s never a dull moment here.
The French love their celebrations, and you are welcome to join in the festivities, enjoy the cheery atmosphere, and gain yourself a whole new experience. So what are you waiting for? If you are planning a trip to France, check your dates and look out for a festival that appeals to you. Who knows, you might just get that unforgettable experience you’ve always wanted to have!
Frequently asked questions about festivals in France
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