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Ten family events in France to make your 2018 holiday extra special!

If you’re planning a family holiday in France this year why not check out one of the fantastic family-friendly festivals or events taking place in 2018?

Here’s our top 10 picks of the best in France this year:

1. Kite and Wind Festival, Chatelaillon-Plage

Saturday March 31st – Monday April 2nd 2018

This exciting annual festival on the west coast of France is a treat for all the family! See incredible kites of all shapes and sizes filling the skies in this stunning beach location and watch kite surfing, land sailing, kite fighting and acrobatic air displays as well as a stunning night flying show.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved trying wind sports or even crafting your own kite – a wonderful event your kids will love.

2. Festi-récré, Granville

26th April – 3rd May 2018

A festival designed especially for under 12 year olds that includes lots of exciting workshops and activities spanning the fields of art, sport and nature for children to enjoy. Try something new and make new friends!

For full details of what’s on check the official Festi-récré website.

3. The Great Roman Games, Nimes

28th – 30th April 2018

The 2,000 year old amphitheatre at Nimes comes to life each year as it hosts one of the biggest historical re-enactments in Europe!

This year’s theme honours Spartacus and over 500 actors will come together to put on a spectacular Roman show including chariot racing, gladiatorial combat and processions to entertain 24,000 spectators seated in the huge historic amphitheatre.

The whole city gets involved in the festivities with parades, museum tours and workshops where children can discover Roman weapons and artefacts first hand.

4. Jazz sous les Pommiers, Coutances

5th to 12th May 2018

This famous Brittany Jazz festival continues to attract visitors from far and wide to gather in this beautiful region and enjoy live music, delicious food and a relaxed festival atmosphere.

A great choice for a fun family day out, the festivities spread beyond the event itself into the town where you’ll find more music, carnival processions and special festival events at local restaurants too!

5. The Grand Falconers Medieval Festival, Cordes-sur-Ciel

14th -15th July 2018

Be transported back to the Middle Ages when you visit this fascinating festival full of music, re-enactments, shows, games and street theatre.

Wander the streets to see hundreds of players and local people in period costumes juggling, dancing and making music. There are also atmospheric torch-lit processions to watch. With so much to see and do children will be enchanted – it’s a living history lesson!

6. Festival Equestria, Tarbes

24th – 29th July 2018

If you have a horse-mad child there is no better event to visit on your family holiday than this! Tarbes has a long history with horses; the show takes place at the famous National Stud Farm and includes displays and performances involving hundreds of horses and players. The evening shows are a real highlight fusing art, theatre, horsemanship and highly skilled animals to breathtaking effect.

7. MiMa International Festival of Puppet Art, Mirepoix

August 2018

Creative children will be excited to take part in this art festival celebrating puppets in all their forms. See shows and take part in workshops to learn how to make and use puppets for yourself.

There is a different theme each year (not known at the time of writing) so look out for updates at the MiMa International Festival of Puppet Art website and plan your visit.

8. The Big Prune Show, Agen

August 2018

This fun festival celebrating the famous local prunes is about more than just food, the three-day event includes concerts, sporting events, street theatre and parades as well as a showcase of the prunes themselves.

Discover the heritage of prune farming in the area and taste and buy the fruit and produce made from it. The whole festival has a family focus so it’s a great choice for a fun day out.

9. The Arvor Festival of Breton folklore

August 2018

Celebrate historic Brittany at this three-day festival in Arvor that includes a fancy-dress parade where the festival Queen is crowned, traditional concerts of pipe band music and a chance to learn some Breton dance steps!

Don’t miss the fantastic firework finale on the last night of the event.

10. ‘Le Voyage a Nantes’ art event

Summer 2018

This family-friendly art trail leads you around the wonderful city of Nantes on a journey full of exciting surprises discovering contemporary artwork in unexpected places.

Nantes is a great family destination with the incredible Jules Verne elephant and magical Sea World carousel and this art trail is the perfect way to explore the city to the full; just follow the green line – the kids can lead the way!

 

We hope you have a chance to take your family to these or one of the many other wonderful festivals and events in France this year. For more news and ideas for your  French holidays follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/holidayfrancedirect/

 

 

 

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