[French Festivities] Top 10 Must-Visit French Festivals All Year Round | Bastille Day, Paris Fashion Week, Avignon Art Festival

France's Ultimate Festival Guide! This romantic and artistic nation hosts numerous incredible festivals throughout the year, showcasing French culture while offering visitors unique experiences. Even during the Paris Olympics this year, there are festivities to enjoy! This article lists must-visit festivals in France all year round, allowing you to plan your itinerary around the most exciting celebrations and immerse yourself in the French way of life!

**January:** French Winter Sales (early January to mid-February) **February:** Nice Carnival (mid-February) **April:** Easter **May:** Cannes Film Festival (mid-May) **June:** Music Festival (June 21st) **July:** Bastille Day (July 14th), Avignon Art Festival (early to late July), Provence Lavender Festival (early July) **September:** Paris Fashion Week (late September) **October:** Nuit Blanche in Paris (first weekend of October) **November:** Bordeaux International Wine Festival (mid-to-late November, held every two years), Lyon Lights Festival (early December) **December:** Strasbourg Christmas Market (late November to late December)

The Carnaval de Nice is one of the most grand and historic carnivals in France. Parade participants wear vibrantly colored costumes with creative designs and masks, moving through the streets to the sound of music. The scene is exceptionally lively. During the event, there are also exciting programs such as large-scale flower floats and fireworks displays, presenting a unique celebratory atmosphere.

Regarded as the world's most prestigious film event, it takes place every May in Cannes, a coastal city. Numerous international stars gather on the red carpet and film fans have the opportunity to get up close to their idols. During the festival, films from around the world compete for the Palme d'Or, and you can also watch screenings at the Palais des Festivals or on the beach.

On June 21st, the day of the summer solstice, France holds its national music festival (Fête de la Musique). There are live performances on every street corner, ranging from classical music, jazz to pop and rock. Young artists also perform, bringing youthful vitality to the city! Take a casual stroll and immerse yourself in the urban revelry woven with melodies.

Every July 14th is Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. Paris hosts a grand military parade and National Day parade, with a large fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Various cities also hold different celebrations on this day, with people picnicking, dancing, and reveling in the festive atmosphere together.

Held annually in Avignon in July, the festival features nearly 40 performances encompassing theater, dance, music, and circus arts. Events are held in various indoor and outdoor venues, including the Papal Palace and city center squares. Besides enjoying the captivating performances, visitors can explore the charming old town of Avignon during the day. The festival's unique atmosphere allows you to fully savor the summer artistic flair.

Provence is famous for its lavender fields, with the best viewing period from June to August. Besides the beautiful purple sea of flowers, there are lavender festival activities throughout July. Valensole hosts a lavender exhibition with music performances and craft experiences, while Sault offers traditional activities such as harvesting lavender and distilling essential oils. Immerse yourself in the fragrant flower sea and experience a romantic purple dream.

As the fashion capital, Paris Fashion Week has always been highly anticipated. Every September, top designer brands gather in Paris to showcase their latest collections. Besides watching the shows, you can also visit concept stores and fashion exhibitions, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of fashion art~ Photographers flock to take pictures, making Paris the most fashionable runway for a while.

During the first weekend of October, Paris will host an all-night art event. Museums and galleries will be open all night, as well as installations and performances in various districts. Artistic creations will be found everywhere on the streets, allowing you to explore the beauty of Paris from a new perspective. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience an unforgettable arts and culture feast in the city that never sleeps.

Bordeaux is a world-famous wine region that hosts a grand wine festival every other year. The event takes place in late November, attracting merchants and sommeliers from all over the world to participate in tastings, lectures, and workshops. Visitors can also join winery tours and sample Bordeaux wines. This lively wine feast is definitely worth a visit for wine lovers.

Every December, Lyon welcomes a dazzling festival of lights. Large and small light installations illuminate the old city, creating a magical atmosphere. Light artists use creativity, leveraging light and shadow, projection technology to create visual spectacles. Strolling through this dazzling sea of lights feels like being in a fairy tale. Besides admiring the decorations, you can also enjoy light projections at Place Saint-Jean. The Lyon Lumiere Festival is full of surprises and worth a special trip to experience.

When it comes to Christmas markets, Strasbourg is the place to be! From late November to December, this city, known as "Little France," transforms into a magical Christmas village. The huge Christmas tree and carousel on Kleber Square are picture-perfect, and the market stalls are lined up with everything you could imagine. You can enjoy spiced hot wine (vin chaud) and buy souvenirs like handmade wooden dolls. Christmas decorations adorn every corner of the city, creating a festive atmosphere. Come here to experience the most authentic French Christmas! In addition to the Christmas market, the cathedral light show and Christmas concerts in various churches are also worth seeing.

France boasts a rich and diverse calendar of festivals throughout the year, from lively carnivals and innovative art festivals to luxurious and romantic fashion weeks, film festivals, and wine-scented wine festivals~ offering something new to discover each month! Whether you're an art and culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a fashionista, France is sure to have a festival that suits your taste.

Of course, besides the festive activities, you shouldn't miss France's classic attractions, such as Paris' Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Provence's lavender fields, and Bordeaux's wineries. A combination of rich festivities and famous sightseeing will surely make your trip to France full of surprises, leaving you with unforgettable memories.