23 December 2019
A year of events in France to look forward to in 2020!
The summer months are the most common time for holidays, and there’s no doubt that France comes alive with festivals for food, music and local culture during the peak season. It’s worth knowing though, that there are exciting events throughout the calendar to look out for. We’ve selected a whole year of attractions so you can plan 2020 holidays with a difference!
January
La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc 11th – 19th January 2020
This exciting annual event sees dog sled teams of huskies and ‘mushers’ competing in a gruelling 10 stage race for prestige and a big cash prize! Cheer on the racers and enjoy the festivities; there are chances to try your hand at driving a dog sled, snow shoe trekking or even building an igloo!
https://www.grandeodyssee.com/en/
February
La Folle Journee, Nantes 29th January – 2nd February
If classical music is your thing, this wonderful celebration of music in Nantes is a must! Over the 5 days there are more than 250 concerts and performances to see; each lasts around 45 minutes making it a great opportunity to hear new types of music and introduce children to the genre.
http://www.follejournee.fr
March
Sarlat Goose Festival, 7th – 8th March
Visit the heart of gastronomic France and see this unique festival celebrating the local geese used to create the famous delicacy Foie Gras. There are markets and food stalls, banquets and feasting, and you can even see the flocks of geese being herded along the streets in the traditional way.
https://www.sarlat-tourisme.com/je-selectionne-mes-activites/agenda/
April
Châtelaillon-Plage Wind Festival 11th – 13th April 2020
This fun family festival takes place on the wide sandy beach at Chatelaillon-Plage. See hundreds of kites take to the skies to display skillful moves and even ‘fight’! Try wind surfing, kite surfing, land sailing, mountain boarding or just watch the experts in action – it’s a real spectacle.
https://www.chatelaillon-plage-tourisme.fr/A-faire/Grands-evenements/Festival-de-cerf-volant
May
The Great Roman Games, Nimes 1st-3rd May 2020
Go back in time at the Roman amphitheatre in Nimes to watch a Roman Games like no other! 500 re-enactors come together to create dazzling displays including military parades, chariot racing and gladiatorial combat; an unforgettable experience for all the family.
https://www.arenes-nimes.com/en/events
June
VitiLoire wine festival in Tours 6th – 7th June 2020
Discover the wines of the Loire at this charming festival where over 150 local vintners come together to exhibit their produce. It’s a fascinating opportunity to taste the different grape varieties and compare regions, and there are demonstrations, tasting sessions and guided vineyard tours. It’s a fantastic experience for any wine lover.
July
Carcassonne Festival 17th – 31st July 2020
A pop concert in the ultimate venue! In July the historic walled city of Carcassonne hosts a series of concerts with the 2020 line up including Mika, Deep Purple, James Blunt and French rockstar ‘-M-‘. There are various stages in and around the medieval city providing stunning backdrops to the entertainment.
https://www.festicket.com/festivals/festival-de-carcassonne/
August
The Dignes les Bains Lavender Parade August 2020
A wonderful celebration of the local lavender harvest with parades of floats, marching bands, dances and floral displays, fireworks, festivities and fun! It’s free to attend and every year thousands of spectators flock to visit.
https://www.cdf-dignelesbains.fr
September
The Great Bulwark, La Rochelle September 2020
This huge nautical fair is a chance to see, and even test-drive boats from over 800 international brands. The pretty harbour at La Rochelle is filled with exhibitors all keen to show off their latest models. From yachts to luxury motor cruisers you’re sure to enjoy exploring, even if it’s only for window shopping this time!
October
White Night, Paris, 3rd October 2020
White Night is a huge festival where you can enjoy tourist attractions, museums, street theatre, art trails and special events all night long. Overnight opening offers a unique and different way to enjoy the cultural side of this wonderful city and an exciting way to discover something new.
https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-show-exhibition/135251/nuit-blanche-in-paris
November
Beaujolais Nouveau, 19th November 2020
On the third Thursday of every November the new vintage of Beaujolais is celebrated with special meals and festivities in restaurants, hotels, towns and villages across France. The race is on to get the newly bottled wine to the table and a wonderful atmosphere is guaranteed!
https://www.beaujolaisnouveauday.com/
December
Fete des Lumieres, Lyon, 4 days to include 8th December
The magical Festival of Lights in Lyon dates back centuries to a candlelit procession made to honour the Virgin Mary for sparing townsfolk after the plague lifted in 1643. Today this annual event sees all the windows in town lit up with candles, and the Basilica illuminated, for four nights each December. Around 8 million traditional candles are used each year and over 4 million people come to see the beautiful glow of candlelight in every window. A real festive treat!
https://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr
Plan your 2020 french adventures with us! We have thousands of holiday properties to choose from for your stay and every booking entitles you to 20% off your Brittany Ferries crossings so you can start your holiday in style.