Top Five Festivals in France

Finding joie de vivre in France is easy, with several festivals and events that make the country such a sought after tourist destination. While all French festivals have something special to offer tourists, some are better known than others. Here is a look at the top 5 festivals in beautiful France.

Cannes Film Festival

Every year in the month of May, show biz stars from across the world descend on the Southern French town of Cannes to celebrate le Festival de Cannes or Cannes Film Festival, as it is known across the world. Films are promoted and screened throughout the festival, with some of the best vying for the esteemed Palm d’Or. The glamorous invitation-only parties see models, celebrities and the rich-and-famous come together.

Cannes attracts large tourist traffic, with visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite movie stars. So, it is but obvious that demand for accommodation in the town also peaks during this time of the year. Luxury Cannes apartments, villas and hotels are rented out to visitors who come to this picturesque town to get a glimpse of the who’s who of the movie industry. Accommodation is hard to find in Cannes when the festival is on – reserving well in advance is the best option. If you fail to make a reservation you might find yourself spouting off some dirty French phrases.

Festival d’Avignon

Held annually in the month of July, Festival d’Avignon is one of the country’s oldest and best known. Celebrated in the artistic city of Avignon, the festival comprises all art forms including cinema, music, dance and theatrical events. Performances are held in over twenty venues across the city. Every year, thousands of people flock to Avignon to revel in the beautiful performances in the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and bohemian spirit that accompanies the festival.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day is celebrated on July14 each year commemorating the storming of Bastille. The firework displays at the Eiffel tower, which light up the night sky, is one of its biggest attractions. A huge dance party with accordion music and brass bands is held in the Place de la Bastille. A military parade at the Champs-Elysées is one of the largest in the world, with people lining the streets to watch the procession go by. The celebrations at Paris are mimicked on a smaller scale in other French cities. Tourists to France often plan their holidays during Bastille Day time to join the celebrations with the French people.

Fete De La Musique

Held in June each year, Fête de la Musique celebrates amateur and professional musical talents from around the world. Myriad musical performances, from jazz, techno to orchestras and choirs – just about every type of musical performances can be enjoyed on the streets, in restaurants, museums and public places. A big concert, open to all, features some of the well known names from the field of music.

Nice Carnival

Beginning in February and extending over two weeks, the Nice Carnival comprises of parades, music, dance, fireworks and festivities at their joyous best. A festival marked with extravagance, it offers spectacular sensory pleasures, from giant puppets, flower floats to gastronomical delights. During Carnival time, Nice is buzzing with tourists. If you are looking to indulge in the celebrations, it is best you book your accommodation in advance. Just like the luxury Cannes apartments get booked quickly during the film festival, hotels and holiday apartments are in big demand during the carnival time in Nice.