Events in France

What's Happening in France:

The Fête de la Musique on June 21^st set the tone: the summer has started, and it’ll be an eventful one in France! With the Tour de France underway and the recent heat wave that hit the country in the last 10 days (and is still there in southern France), there is a smell of holiday in the air! In July and August, you will find plenty of festivals taking place throughout the country, from the small village festival to the big city one. Whether you like music, theater, dance or art, you’ll find an event for you, for sure! So here is our “Festivals tour de France”!

For those of you traveling to Provence, there is of course the Festival of Avignon. It starts on July 7th until July 29th, and features theatre plays, concerts and ballets among other. Also, several "side-events" take place at the same time too. There is a market, called the "marché du festival", taking place from 11am to 1am everyday, from July 3rd to 26th. More information at www.festival-avignon.com

Also, each saturday July 11th to 25th included at the Halles, several local chefs will prepare, in front of the public, a meal using products from the Halles markets. It takes place from 11am to 12pm.

In Arles, there is "Les Rencontres d'Arles" from July 7th to September 13th. The festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. This event is dedicated to photography, and several exhibitions are organized throughout the city. From July 7th to 12th is the opening week, with various conferences and exhibitions planned. More information at www.rencontres-arles.com

Then, from July 13th to 19th is the Festival les Suds, dedicated to world music and dance. The full program is available at www.suds-arles.com

In the Languedoc region, there is the "Festival de Radio France et Montpellier Languedoc-Roussillon", from July 13th to 31st. Dedicated mainly to theater and classical music, it celebrates its 25th anniversary. More information at www.festivalradiofrancemontpellier.com

In Carcassonne takes place the "Festival des Cités", a cultural festival that uses the beautiful background of Carcassonne's medieval town to create a magical event. Dedicated to music, dance and theater, it is not to be missed if you are in the area! Details available at www.festivaldecarcassonne.com

In Dordogne, you'll have plenty of events to discover too! In Sarlat, from July 18th to August 5th the "Festival des Jeux du Théâtre" takes place. Centered on theater, it features several plays, from renown authors or young artists. Full programme can be viewed at www.festival-theatre-sarlat.com

In Bergerac and its surroundings the festival "L'été musical en Bergerac" takes place from July 23rd to August 14th. A total of 15 events will be held in Bergerac and its surroundings (Abbaye de Cadouin, Bastide de Monpazier among others). This festival is dedicated to music (all genres, from classical to blues) as well as dance. More information at http://festivalbergerac.blogspot.com

In the Bordeaux area, there is the festival “Vivacité fait son cabaret” in La Réole, on July 17^th and 18^th. It features several street animations and shows, for all ages! More information at vivacite.info.

In August is the “Itinérance Médiéval en Valley du Dropt”. This festival travels through the Dropt Valley (Saint Macaire, Sauveterre de Guyenne area) from August 6^th to 30^th, with shows and animations presenting what life was in this region in the Middle Age, using the many monuments (bastides, castles…) as a beautiful background. More information at www.medieval.dropt.org.

More information about festivals in other regions of France coming up soon!

Sent by Laura in our France office.