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Events & Festivals in France
France buzzes with festivals and events all year round, from rock concerts and film festivals to events with a more traditional flavour themed around regional customs and folklore. Wherever you find yourself in France there's bound to be something going on. And when it comes to celebrations the French certainly know how to throw a good party.
Planning your stay to co-incide with one of the many exciting happenings throughout the year can make your visit to France even more memorable. And many of these events take place in easy reach of Brittany Ferries' Channel ports so you needn't go out of your way to take part.
Whatever you enjoy doing - you'll find it in France.
Browse through our carefully selected events and festivals below. For even more event information, visit our France guide.
A selection of events & festivals
Jazz sous les Pommiers
Coutances, Normandy
8th - 15th May 2010
Jazz lovers from all over Europe flock to Coutances again this May for eight days of music and partying. Jazz sous les Pommiers - or 'Jazz under the Apple Trees' - is now in its 29th year and the bill is bursting at the seams with music greats as well as plenty of up-and-coming talent. Look out for the promenade concerts and jam sessions as well as ad hoc performances where the music literally spills out onto the streets.
D-Day Commemorations
Bayeux, Longues-sur Mer, Port-en-Bessin
5th - 7th June 2010
Locals and visitors alike gather in the coastal towns of Normandy to celebrate their freedom and remember the momentous events of June 1944. This year marks the 66th anniversary of the D-day landings and a the programme is packed with events including concerts, firework displays and picnics as well as historic walks and performances.
Le Mans 24 hours
Le Mans, Pays de-la-Loire
12th - 13th June 2010
50 cars, 3000 miles, 24 hours - but only one winner. Motorsport fans once again converge on the town of Le Mans to soak up the electric atmosphere of this legendary race where tactics, speed and endurance combine to create one of the greatest motorsport events on earth.
Festival of Impressionism
Normandy
Summer 2010
This summer, Normandy celebrates the life and work of the daring artists who rocked the nineteenth-century art world with their bold and innovative styles. Choose from an abundance of events including exhibitions and performances, as well as picnics, theatre productions and outdoor cinema. You'll also find dozens of colourful exhibitions dedicated to individual artists in the places where they worked.
Festival Beauregard
Château de Beauregard, Herouville Saint-Clair
2nd - 3rd July 2010
Hop across the Channel to enjoy some cool sounds in a stunning setting. This hip and fast growing rock festival is only in its second year but punches well above its weight, attracting big names like Mika, Iggy & The Stooges, Phoenix and The Editors. The partying take place in the grounds of a 19th Century chateau - just 5 minutes' drive from Brittany Ferries' port of Caen.
Vielles Charrues Rock Festival
Carhaix, Brittany
July 15th - 18th 2010
With more than a nod to Glastonbury this massive open-air music festival takes place over four days and attracts nearly a quarter of a milliong revellers to the heart of Brittany each summer. This year the likes of Muse, Mika, Indochine and Jamiroquai will grace the stage.
Fête de la Mer
Saint Vaast-la-Hougue, Normandy
18th July 2010
Head to pretty Saint Vaast-la-Hougue for this incredible sea-based spectacle, which only takes place once every ten years. The whole town and its boats bloom with the colour of nearly a million flowers, as tens of thousands of visitors join locals in a celebration of all things maritime. Don't miss the grand arrival of the boats into the harbour.
Bastille Day
Nationwide
14th July
The French first celebrated Bastille day in 1790 and there's nothing quite like the nationwide buzz on "quatorze juillet" as daily life give way to a day of partying. You'll be able to soak up the festive mood almost wherever you find yourself, with parades and special events, dramatic firework displays, dancing and much merriment. And of course it's also great excuse to enjoy some great French food and wine.
Festival of Cornouaille
Quimper
17th - 25th July 2010
For one week in July the streets of medieval Quimper come to life as hundreds of singers, dancers and performers join forces to celebrate all things Breton. It's a festival that celebrates the lively vibe of modern Brittany as well as its rich traditions during seven days packed with family fun, concerts, and 'Fest Noz' parties.
Fête des Ramparts
Dinan, Brittany
24th - 25th July 2010
With its half timbered houses and bustling narrow streets Dinan offers a fascinating glimpse into the middle ages at any time of year. But for two days in July a medieval feast unfolds with street entertainers, music, theatre and colourful costumes providing a great family-friendly feel. The weekend ends with a lively parade through the streets and a jousting competition.
Interceltic Festival
Lorient, Brittany
6th - 15th August 2010
Now in its tenth year, this colourful festival celebrates the diversity of Celtic culture, attracting musicians from all corners of Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Galicia, and of course Brittany. The bill features an eclectic mix of musical styles taking in both jazz and rock - as well as more traditional Celtic sounds.
Route du Rock
St Malo, Brittany
14th - 16th August 2010
This trailblazing festival takes place just a few minutes drive from Brittany Ferries' terminal, with thirty bands on three stages providing edgy and exciting sounds for curious, open-minded festival goers. This year the lineup includes several internationally acclaimed acts including Massive Attack, The Flaming Lips, and The National. Staged in stunning beachfront venues with St Malo's walled town and castle as backdrops, the setting is as compelling as the music.
Festival des Filets bleues
Concarneau, Brittany
20th - 22nd August 2010
Named after the traditional nets carried by Concarneau's fishing boats (fishing is still the town's lifeblood) this lively festival is one of the biggest and oldest celebrations of Brittany and its Celtic roots. Three days of merriment and fun offers a great chance to enjoy the cuisine and music of traditional Brittany while glimpsing the locals in their striking local costumes.
Deauville American Film Festival
Deauville, Normandy
3rd - 12th September 2010
Hollywood glitz meets Normandy chic at this famous annual film festival where moviegoers and film stars come together to take in the best of the year's American cinema releases. While Deauville has all the glamour of a big cinema festival, there's none of the elitism and screenings are open to all.
Dinard Film Festival
Dinard, Brittany
6th - 10th October 2010
In the 19th century the British aristocracy fell in love with the pretty resort of Dinard and the their influence lives on through the attractive belle-époque hotels and villas they built. Perhaps it's no surprise then that the town's annual film festival is dedicated to showcasing the very best of British cinema. Just a short drive from St Malo, the festival's very accessible and not only that, it's affordable too with tickets to screenings priced at just €5.50.
Food and Wine Show
St Malo, Brittany
11th - 14th November 2010
St Malo hosts the very first food and wine expo this November, organised in conjunction with France's leading cookery magazine, Elle à Table. With unique opportunities to sample and buy from a wide selection of delicacies - ideal for Christmas shopping - as well as tastings, cookery shows and demonstrations, there's plenty to please every palette.
