Table Of Contents
- 47 Best French Festivals In 2023
- French Festivals : February 2023
- French Festivals : April 2023
- French Festivals : May 2023
- French Festivals : June 2023
- French Festivals : July 2023
- French Festivals : August 2023
- French Festivals : September 2023
- French Festivals : October 2023
- French Festivals : November 2023
- French Festivals : December 2023
- Conclusion
- What is the most famous French festival?
Bonjour Bonjour !
When I was student (and without children! 😉 ), I used to take advantage of the spring-summer season to discover great french festivals (and camping) !
France is a wonderful destination for festivals : music festival, films, wine, jazz…
French festivals are known for their organization, the places chosen and their original programming.
Now it’s less regular (and quieter) but I try to attend at least one festival a year!
So I selected for you my ultimate list of French festivals in 2023.
— Louise
PS : don’t hesitate to add your preferences in comments
Read Also : 21 Most Popular French Songs 2000s (My Personal Selection)
47 Best French Festivals In 2023
I have manually selected all the Frenchs festivals, sorted by months and added some informations for each festival, like :
- Dates : the exact dates of festival
- Category : this is the type of festival like french music festival, film festival, wine festival or jazz festival
- Region : region of festival (ex : Île-de-France)
- Department : department of festival ( ex : Paris)
- City : the city of festival (ex : Paris)
- Cities near festival : 3 cities nears the city of festival
- Description: my short description of festival
French festivals are sorted by month from February to AA 2023 :
French Festivals : February 2023
- Dates: February 11-25, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Nice
- Cities near festival: Cannes, Antibes, Monaco
- Description: The Nice Carnival is one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world, with colorful parades, floats, and entertainment that attract thousands of visitors each year.
Menton Lemon Festival
- Dates: February 11-26, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Menton
- Cities near festival: Nice, Monaco, Ventimiglia (Italy)
- Description: The Menton Lemon Festival celebrates the region’s renowned citrus fruit with vibrant displays, parades, and a variety of events that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the participants.
French Festivals : April 2023
Berck-sur-Mer International Kite Festival
- Dates: April 1-9, 2023
- Category: French kite festival
- Country: France
- Region: Hauts-de-France
- Department: Pas-de-Calais
- City: Berck-sur-Mer
- Cities near festival: Le Touquet, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Calais
- Description: The Berck-sur-Mer International Kite Festival attracts kite enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a stunning array of colorful kites in various shapes and sizes, filling the sky with a breathtaking spectacle.
Le Printemps de Bourges
- Dates: 18 to 23 April 2023
- Category: French music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Centre-Val de Loire
- Department: Cher
- City: Bourges
- Cities near festival: Orléans, Tours, Montluçon
- Description: Le Printemps de Bourges is the first event to open the festival season in France, featuring renowned French-speaking artists for five days of live performances.
French Festivals : May 2023
Cannes Film Festival
- Dates: May 16-27, 2023
- Category: French film festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Cannes
- Cities near festival: Nice, Antibes, Monaco
- Description: The prestigious Cannes Film Festival is an international event showcasing the best in cinema from around the world, attracting A-list celebrities, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.
Nuits Sonores
- Dates: May 17-21, 2023
- Category: French electronic music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Department: Rhône
- City: Lyon
- Cities near festival: Saint-Étienne, Grenoble, Valence
- Description: Nuits Sonores is an electronic music festival that brings together top international and emerging artists for a five-day celebration of music, culture, and creativity.
Joan of Arc Festival
- Dates: May 18-20, 2023
- Category: French historical festival
- Country: France
- Region: Normandy
- Department: Seine-Maritime
- City: Rouen
- Cities near festival: Le Havre, Caen, Amiens
- Description: The Joan of Arc Festival commemorates the life of the French heroine through historical reenactments, pageants, and various cultural events that take place throughout the city.
Monaco Grand Prix
- Dates: May 25-28, 2023
- Category: French car racing event
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Monaco
- Cities near festival: Nice, Cannes, Antibes
- Description: The Monaco Grand Prix is a prestigious Formula One motor race that takes place on the Circuit de Monaco, showcasing the world’s top drivers as they compete in the narrow, winding streets of Monaco.
Pentecost Feria, Nîmes
- Dates: May 24-29, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Occitanie
- Department: Gard
- City: Nîmes
- Cities near festival: Montpellier, Avignon, Marseille
- Description: The Pentecost Feria in Nîmes is a vibrant cultural festival that celebrates the city’s rich Roman heritage with bullfights, parades, street performances, and lively parties throughout the city.
D-Day Festival
- Dates: May 27 to June 18, 2023
- Category: French historical and cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Normandy
- Department: Calvados, Manche, Orne
- City: Various cities in Normandy
- Cities near festival: Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre
- Description: The D-Day Festival commemorates the 79th anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II with various events, parades, and ceremonies throughout the region.
Read Also : Where Is Normandy ?
French Festivals : June 2023
Paris Nuit Blanche
- Dates: June 3, 2023
- Category: French art and culture festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Boulogne-Billancourt, Versailles, Nanterre
- Description: Paris Nuit Blanche is a unique cultural event where museums, galleries, and various public spaces stay open all night, showcasing illuminated art installations, concerts, and performances.
Rendez-vous aux Jardins
- Dates: June 4-6, 2023
- Category: French garden and cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Various regions in France
- Department: Various departments in France
- City: Various cities in France
- Cities near festival: Depending on the location
- Description: Rendez-vous aux Jardins is a nationwide event in which noteworthy gardens, both public and private, open their doors to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of French gardens.
Festival of St. Denis
- Dates: June 2-27, 2023
- Category: French classical music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Seine-Saint-Denis
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Boulogne-Billancourt, Versailles, Nanterre
- Description: The Festival of St. Denis is a prestigious classical music event, featuring internationally renowned artists performing in the stunning Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris.
79th Anniversary of the Normandy D-Day Landing (Jour J)
- Dates: June 6, 2023
- Category: French historical commemoration
- Country: France
- Region: Normandy
- Department: Calvados
- City: Various cities in Normandy
- Cities near festival: Caen, Bayeux, Cherbourg
- Description: The anniversary of the Normandy D-Day Landing (Jour J) commemorates the Allied forces’ invasion of Normandy during World War II with various ceremonies, reenactments, and gatherings in the region.
Rouen Armada
- Dates: June 8-18, 2023
- Category: French maritime festival
- Country: France
- Region: Normandy
- Department: Seine-Maritime
- City: Rouen
- Cities near festival: Le Havre, Caen, Evreux
- Description: Rouen Armada is a quinquennial event celebrating maritime heritage, where tall ships and other vessels from around the world gather along the banks of the Seine River in Rouen. The festival features concerts, fireworks, and various nautical-themed activities.
Le Mans auto race
- Dates: June 10-11, 2023
- Category: French motor racing event
- Country: France
- Region: Pays de la Loire
- Department: Sarthe
- City: Le Mans
- Cities near festival: Angers, Tours, Nantes
- Description: The world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance motor race held annually since 1923, featuring sports cars competing in a circuit that combines public roads and a dedicated racing track.
Read Also : 15 Most Popular Sports In France In 2023
Chorégies d’Orange
- Dates: June 19 – July 24, 2023
- Category: French opera and classical music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Vaucluse
- City: Orange
- Cities near festival: Avignon, Montpellier, Marseille
- Description: Chorégies d’Orange is the oldest running opera festival in France, taking place in the ancient Roman Theatre of Orange. The festival showcases operas, classical music concerts, and other performances featuring renowned international artists.
Fête de la Musique
- Dates: June 21, 2023
- Category: French music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Occurs in multiple regions throughout France
- Department: Occurs in multiple departments throughout France
- City: Occurs in multiple cities throughout France
- Cities near festival: Paris, Marseille, Lyon
- Description: Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is an annual music festival celebrated across France. The event encourages amateur and professional musicians to perform in public spaces, making music accessible to all.
Jazz à Vienne
- Dates: June 28 – July 13, 2023
- Category: French jazz festival
- Country: France
- Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Department: Isère
- City: Vienne
- Cities near festival: Lyon, Grenoble, Saint-Étienne
- Description: Jazz à Vienne is a prestigious jazz festival that takes place in the ancient Gallo-Roman theatre of Vienne. The event features a mix of international jazz artists and emerging talent, offering an exceptional program for jazz enthusiasts.
French Festivals : July 2023
Paris Plages
- Dates: July 9 – August 21, 2023
- Category: French summer event
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Boulogne-Billancourt
- Description: Paris Plages is an annual event that transforms the banks of the Seine and canals into temporary beaches, complete with sand, deckchairs, and entertainment. It offers Parisians and tourists a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy various activities in the heart of the city.
Jazz à Juan
- Dates: July 10 – 21, 2023
- Category: French jazz festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Antibes/Juan-les-Pins
- Cities near festival: Nice, Cannes, Grasse
- Description: Jazz à Juan is an internationally renowned jazz festival held in the coastal town of Juan-les-Pins, near Antibes. The festival features a lineup of top jazz artists from around the world, performing in an idyllic setting by the Mediterranean Sea.
Festival Paris l’Été
- Dates: July 10 – 30, 2023
- Category: French performing arts festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Boulogne-Billancourt
- Description: Festival Paris l’Été is a celebration of performing arts, featuring theater, dance, and concerts in various locations throughout Paris. The event showcases both emerging and established artists from around the world, offering a diverse program to cater to all tastes.
Vieilles Charrues Festival
- Dates: July 13 – 16, 2023
- Category: French music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Brittany
- Department: Finistère
- City: Carhaix
- Cities near festival: Brest, Quimper, Lorient
- Description: Vieilles Charrues Festival is the largest music festival in France, attracting top international artists and a diverse audience. The event takes place in Carhaix, Brittany, and offers a mix of musical genres, from rock and pop to electronic and world music.
Bastille Day
- Dates: July 14, 2023
- Category: French national celebration
- Country: France
- Region: Various regions
- Department: Various departments
- City: Various cities
- Cities near festival: Nationwide event
- Description: Bastille Day, also known as “le 14 Juillet,” is a national holiday in France commemorating the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The day is celebrated with various events, parades, and fireworks throughout the country.
International Fireworks Festival
- Dates: Six nights between July 14 – August 24, 2023
- Category: French fireworks festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Cannes
- Cities near festival: Nice, Antibes, Grasse
- Description: The International Fireworks Festival is a mesmerizing display of pyrotechnics in Cannes, featuring world-class fireworks designers competing to create the most spectacular show. The event is held on six nights throughout the summer, with each display choreographed to music.
Nice Jazz Festival
- Dates: July 17-21, 2023
- Category: French jazz festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Nice
- Cities near festival: Cannes, Antibes, Monaco
- Description: The Nice Jazz Festival is one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. It’s a must-see event for jazz enthusiasts, hosting top international jazz musicians.
Cornouaille Festival
- Dates: July 19-23, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Brittany
- Department: Finistère
- City: Quimper
- Cities near festival: Brest, Lorient, Rennes
- Description: The Cornouaille Festival in Quimper is a week-long celebration of Breton culture, with traditional music, dance, and other cultural festivities.
Jazz in Marciac
- Dates: July 20–August 6, 2023
- Category: French jazz festival
- Country: France
- Region: Occitanie
- Department: Gers
- City: Marciac
- Cities near festival: Tarbes, Auch, Pau
- Description: Jazz in Marciac is a renowned jazz festival that takes place every year in the small town of Marciac, turning it into a jazz hub for a couple of weeks.
French Festivals : August 2023
Corso de la Lavande
- Dates: August 4–8, 2023 (likely)
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- City: Digne-les-Bains
- Cities near festival: Gap, Manosque, Aix-en-Provence
- Description: The Corso de la Lavande is a celebration of lavender, the symbol of Provence. The festival features parades of lavender-covered floats, music, and fireworks.
Jasmine Festival
- Dates: August 4–6, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Department: Alpes-Maritimes
- City: Grasse
- Cities near festival: Cannes, Nice, Antibes
- Description: The Jasmine Festival celebrates the flower that has contributed so much to the fame of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. The event features flower-themed parades and a festive atmosphere.
La Route du Rock Summer
- Dates: August 16–19, 2023
- Category: French rock music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Brittany
- Department: Ille-et-Vilaine
- City: Saint-Malo
- Cities near festival: Rennes, Dinard, Cancale
- Description: La Route du Rock is a notable summer music festival held in the historic city of Saint-Malo, featuring a selection of indie rock acts.
Fête de la Saint-Louis
- Dates: Likely August 17–22, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Occitanie
- Department: Hérault
- City: Sète
- Cities near festival: Montpellier, Béziers, Agde
- Description: The Fête de la Saint-Louis in Sète features parades, fireworks, and the unique tradition of canal-boat “water-jousting”.
Silhouette Festival
- Dates: Likely August 25–September 2, 2023
- Category: French film festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Description: The Silhouette Festival in Paris is a short-film festival showcasing a variety of film genres from around the world.
Jazz at La Villette
- Dates: Likely August 30–September 10, 2023
- Category: French jazz festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Description: Jazz at La Villette is a celebration of jazz music, featuring a variety of performances by international and local artists.
French Festivals : September 2023
Festival d’Automne à Paris
- Dates: September–mid-February
- Category: French arts festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Description: The Festival d’Automne à Paris is a major arts festival that spans several months, showcasing theatre, dance, music, and visual arts.
Braderie de Lille
- Dates: September 5–6, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Hauts-de-France
- Department: Nord
- City: Lille
- Cities near festival: Roubaix, Tourcoing, Kortrijk (Belgium)
- Description: The Braderie de Lille is the world’s largest flea market, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to explore the stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Festival Musica
- Dates: Likely September 14–October 1, 2023
- Category: French contemporary classical music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Grand Est
- Department: Bas-Rhin
- City: Strasbourg
- Cities near festival: Offenburg (Germany), Kehl (Germany), Colmar
- Description: Festival Musica invites audiences to explore contemporary classical music through a series of innovative performances.
Heritage days (Journée du patrimoine)
- Dates: September 16–17, 2023
- Category: French cultural festival
- Country: France
- Region: Nationwide
- Department: Nationwide
- City: Nationwide
- Cities near festival: N/A
- Description: Heritage Days is an annual event during which monuments and other historical sites across France open their doors to the public, many offering special tours and exhibitions.
Technoparade
- Dates: September 24, 2023
- Category: French music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Description: Technoparade is a vibrant parade celebrating electronic music, with floats carrying DJs through the streets of Paris.
Monaco Yacht Show
- Dates: September 27–30, 2023
- Category: Yacht exhibition
- Country: Monaco
- Region: N/A
- Department: N/A
- City: Monaco
- Cities near festival: Nice, Antibes, Menton
- Description: The Monaco Yacht Show is a prestigious exhibition of mega-yachts, attracting an international crowd of yachting enthusiasts and industry professionals.
French Festivals : October 2023
Fête des Vendanges
- Dates: October 11–15, 2023
- Category: French wine festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Description: Fête des Vendanges is a grape harvest festival in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, with wine tastings, concerts, and parades.
Festival de La Pomme
- Dates: Likely October 29, 2023
- Category: French harvest festival
- Country: France
- Region: Normandy
- Department: Calvados
- City: Trévières
- Cities near festival: Caen, Bayeux, Lisieux
- Description: Festival de La Pomme is an apple harvest festival near Honfleur, featuring apple tastings, cider, and local food products.
Les Trois Glorieuses
- Dates: November 17–19, 2023
- Category: French wine festival
- Country: France
- Region: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
- Department: Côte-d’Or
- City: Beaune
- Cities near festival: Dijon, Mâcon, Chalon-sur-Saône
- Description: Les Trois Glorieuses is a prestigious wine auction and festival in the heart of Burgundy, featuring tastings, winery tours, and lavish events.
French Festivals : November 2023
Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël)
- Dates: Late November–December 24, 2023
- Category: French Christmas festival
- Country: France
- Region: Varied but most known are Alsace in Grand-Est
- Department: Varied but most known are Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin
- City: Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse…etc
- Cities near festival: For Strasbourg: Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Frankfurt; For Colmar: Mulhouse, Basel, Freiburg;
- Description: The Christmas markets in region of Strasbourg or Colmar, are particularly fun, with a festive atmosphere, beautiful decorations, and a wide range of crafts and food stalls.
Read Also : Where Is Alsace?
French Festivals : December 2023
Christmas In Paris (Noël à Paris)
- Dates: December 2023
- Category: French Christmas festival
- Country: France
- Region: Île-de-France
- Department: Paris
- City: Paris
- Cities near festival: Versailles, Saint-Denis, Argenteuil
- Description: The City of Lights transforms into a Christmas wonderland in December, with beautifully decorated carousels, outdoor skating rinks, and avant-garde Christmas trees adorning the city.
Les Rencontres Trans Musicales
- Dates: December 6–10, 2023
- Category: French pop and rock music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Brittany
- Department: Ille-et-Vilaine
- City: Rennes
- Cities near festival: Saint-Malo, Nantes, Angers
- Description: Les Rencontres Trans Musicales is a music festival that features a range of up-and-coming pop, rock, and other musical acts.
Rise Festival
- Dates: December 9–16, 2023
- Category: French dance music festival
- Country: France
- Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Department: Isère
- City: Les Deux Alpes
- Cities near festival: Grenoble, Lyon, Valence
- Description: The Rise Festival is a unique blend of dance music and skiing at the popular Les Deux Alpes ski resort.
Conclusion
I hope you will find your favorite French festival in this complete list of French festivals in 2023.
But this list is not exhaustive!
It’s my personal selection…
Don’t hesitate to post in the comments your discoveries or your propositions of festivals, small or big !
I will add it with pleasure !
Louise from Paris 🙂
People also ask about French festivals :
What is the most famous French festival?
The most famous French festival is without hesitation the Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes).
The Cannes Film Festival is founded in 1946 and located in Cannes (France) each year.
In 2023, the dates of Cannes Film Festival are from Tuesday, May 16 to Saturday, May 27, 2023.
