6 Festivals In France You Should Know About

We both know why you’re here, and it’s not to read a boring introduction to France. Instead, you’re here because you want to experience authentic French culture, practice your language skills, and maybe sip some wine under the Eiffel Tower while you’re at it.

Well, I have good news for you! France’s festivals offer the perfect opportunity to do all three. In this post, I’ll introduce you to six incredible French festivals that’ll make your trip unforgettable (and boost your French vocabulary beyond "Oui" and "Merci").

Popular Festivals In France

Fête de la Musique (Music Festival)

When: June 21st (every year)
Where: Literally everywhere in France

The Fête de la Musique is a music festival that turns the entire country into one massive concert venue on the summer solstice. Street corners, parks, cafés, and even random balconies become impromptu stages where musicians—both professional and “maybe stick to your day job”—perform for free.

• Skip Paris if you hate crowds. Smaller cities offer equally amazing performances with room to breathe.
• Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking. A lot. Like, "my fitness app thinks I'm training for a marathon" a lot.
• Bring cash for street food and drinks—vendors won't care about your fancy travel credit card.
• Plan nothing else that day. The best experiences happen when you follow the music that catches your ear.
• Stay hydrated (and no, wine doesn’t count)

If you're ready to rock out and experience this French festival, be sure to memorize these basic French phrases:

• "C'est quoi ce groupe?" (What's this band called?)
• "J'adore cette chanson!" (I love this song!)
• "Où est la scène jazz?" (Where's the jazz stage?)
• "Encore une, s'il vous plaît!" (One more, please!)

Nice Carnival

When: February (for about two weeks)
Where: Nice, French Riviera (where else?)

The Nice Carnival is one of the world’s oldest and most famous carnivals, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The modern incarnation began in 1873 and has since become a celebration of art, culture, and community. Today, the carnival is known for its elaborate parades, extravagant floats, and joyous atmosphere, attracting visitors from all over the globe.

• Book accommodation months ahead or prepare to sleep on a very expensive bench.
• Buy "Bataille de Fleurs" tickets to experience the flower battle—it's exactly what it sounds like and absolutely worth it.
• Bring a disposable poncho because you will get hit with confetti, flowers, and possibly foam.
• Try socca (chickpea pancake) from street vendors—it's the perfect carnival fuel.
• Learn the theme beforehand so you'll actually understand what those weird floats represent.

The French Riviera (where this festival is held) in winter means fewer tourists, reasonable prices, and perfect weather for parading (not too hot, not too cold). Plus, watching locals dress up in ridiculous costumes and throw flowers at strangers is a cultural experience you won't find in any museum.

Cannes Film Festival

When: May (for about 12 days)
Where: Cannes, French Riviera

Founded in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has grown to become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Held annually in May, it serves as a premier showcase for international cinema, attracting filmmakers, actors, and critics from around the globe.

While you probably won't be rubbing shoulders with Brad Pitt at the official screenings (unless you have connections we’d like to hear about), Cannes during the festival is an experience. Even without an industry badge, you can soak up the atmosphere, watch free beach screenings, and maybe photobomb a red carpet shot!

• Stay in nearby towns like Juan-les-Pins or Antibes unless you enjoy paying €500/night for a closet.
• Check out "Cinéma de la Plage" for free nightly screenings on the beach—bring a blanket!
• Pack one fancy outfit for your inevitable attempt to bluff your way into a party.
• Red carpet stalking is a legitimate tourist activity—head to the Palais des Festivals around 7 PM.
• Don't ask celebrities for selfies unless you enjoy being ignored by security.

If you will attend this festival in France, I highly recommend that you bring some of these phrases with you:

• "Y a-t-il des projections gratuites ce soir?" (Are there free screenings tonight?)
• "À quelle heure arrive le tapis rouge?" (What time does the red carpet start?)
• "Excusez-moi, êtes-vous quelqu'un de célèbre?" (Excuse me, are you someone famous?)
• "Non, je ne suis pas dans l'industrie du cinéma" (No, I'm not in the film industry)

Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre

When: October
Where: Montmartre, Paris

The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, or Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, celebrates the annual grape harvest in one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods. This festival has its roots in the region’s historic winemaking tradition, which dates back to Roman times. Montmartre was once a central wine-producing area, and this festival honors that heritage while embracing contemporary local culture.

• Grape Harvest Celebrations: Participate in or witness traditional grape harvesting activities. The festival often includes symbolic grape picking and crushing demonstrations, offering a hands-on experience of winemaking traditions.
• Wine Tastings: Enjoy a wide range of local wines from Montmartre’s vineyard and other regional French wines. Wine tastings and markets feature both well-known and boutique producers.
• Artistic Events: The festival also celebrates Montmartre’s creative spirit, with art exhibitions, live performances, street theater, and music adding to the festive atmosphere. Local artists showcase their work, and various cultural activities occur throughout the neighborhood.

Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale)

When: July 14th
Where: Nationwide, but Paris goes all out

France's national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which kicked off the French Revolution. It represents liberty, equality, and fraternity, the core values of the French Republic. Today, it's celebrated with military parades, fireworks, and parties that would make those revolutionaries proud.

• For the Paris military parade, arrive at Champs-Élysées by 8 AM or just watch it on TV like the locals do.
• Don't miss the firemen's balls (Bals des Pompiers)—yes, real fire stations open their doors for parties the night before and of Bastille Day.
• Book dinner reservations far in advance or plan to picnic (much more fun anyway).
• The Eiffel Tower fireworks are visible from many spots—try Montmartre, Champ de Mars, or even a Seine river cruise if you're fancy.
• Museums are often free on Bastille Day—culture AND savings!

Festival d’Avignon

When: July (for about three weeks)
Where: Avignon, Provence

The Festival d’Avignon, founded in 1947 by French actor and director Jean Vilar, is one of the world's most prestigious and influential performing arts festivals. Initially conceived to bring theater to a broader audience, the festival has evolved into a significant cultural event showcasing various performing arts. It is renowned for its commitment to artistic innovation and its celebration of theatrical excellence.

• There are two festivals: the official "IN" festival (prestigious, expensive) and the "OFF" festival (experimental, affordable, weird in a good way)
• Buy the "OFF" festival pass for discounts on shows
• Don't over-schedule yourself—allow time to stumble upon random performances
• Book accommodation months in advance or stay in nearby towns
• Bring a fan because it's Provence in July and air conditioning isn't guaranteed

To make the most of this event, be sure to use some of these French phrases:

• "Avez-vous des billets pour ce spectacle?" (Do you have tickets for this show?)
• "De quoi parle cette pièce?" (What is this play about?)
• "Est-ce qu'il y a des spectacles en anglais?" (Are there any shows in English?)
• "Il fait trop chaud!" (It's too hot!) – You'll use this one constantly

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How to Actually Learn French While Festival-Hopping

Between the wine, the shows, and the general sensory overload, your language learning might take a backseat. But fear not! Here are some practical ways to actually improve your French while enjoying these festivals:

Before You Go

• Learn festival-specific vocabulary for whichever events you're attending
• Practice ordering food and drinks because you'll do this constantly
• Download a flashcard app with French phrases you can review while waiting in lines
• Watch videos of previous festivals on YouTube to hear authentic French commentary

While You're There

• Eavesdrop shamelessly on conversations around you
• Ask questions in French first before defaulting to English
• Attend smaller events where you'll have more chances to chat with locals
• Use the "I'm learning" approach: Start with "Je suis désolé, j'apprends le français..." (I'm sorry, I'm learning French...)

Remember, most French people appreciate tourists who try to speak their language, even poorly. A few stumbling attempts at French will usually earn you smiles, encouragement, and often a switch to English if they speak it. But that initial effort changes everything about how you're received.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main festivals in France?

France hosts a variety of major festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, Nice Carnival, and Fête de la Musique. Other key celebrations are Bastille Day, the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, and the Festival d'Avignon.

2. What is the famous festival in Paris?

One of the most famous festivals in Paris is Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14th with a grand military parade, fireworks, and street parties. The city also hosts the Fête de la Musique, a massive music festival held on June 21st.

3. What is France's national festival?

The national festival of France is Bastille Day, commemorating the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789. It’s celebrated with patriotic events, parades, and fireworks.

4. What is the biggest event in France?

The Cannes Film Festival is often considered the biggest event in France. Held annually in May, it’s renowned worldwide for its red carpet, film premieres, and star-studded gatherings.