Festivals & Events
Here is a selection of French festivals and events in 2010; some
established and widely-known, others newer and often quirkier.
28 - 31 January 2010: 37th Festival International de la Bande Dessinée (International Comic Strip Festival)
France has a stirring history of comics, covering more than merely children’s stories- this is a major literary medium in France. This festival delves into the enormity of all this.www.bdangouleme.com (website in French)
February 2010: Toulouse Violet Festival
The flower which is the symbol of Toulouse is celebrated with a special show of them in the centre.12 - 28 February 2010: Nice Carnival
Concerts, fireworks, float processions and flower parades.www.nicecarnaval.com
March 2010: Festival Guitares du Monde- Troyes, Aube
Guitarists from around the world come to play.www.fgmat.com (French site)
10 - 28 March 2010: Festival Vidéoformes- Clermont-Ferrand
This festival has a range of exhibitions and screenings of new media and digital art forms, spread throughout the town.www.videoformes-fest.com (French-language site)
March - April 2010: Le Printemps de Rire
A comedy festival throughout Toulouse featuring a range of stand-up comedians, comic drama and music.12 - 13 May 2010: Cannes Film Festival
One of the most important aspects of the festival is how many original films, away from the more cliché-packed world of mainstream Hollywood cinema, break through after being aired at Cannes. Enjoy the glitterati, yes; but there is so much more to Cannes.www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html
12 - 16 May 2010: Nuits Sonores, Lyon
One of France’s finest electronic music festivals, it shows no sign of losing its penchant for a refreshingly inventive line-up, with well-known acts alongside an eclectic range of lesser-known artists with original styles. The 2010 roster includes such luminaries as Laurent Garnier, Josh Wink, Dizzee Rascal and Ricardo Villalobos. See the website (in French) for more details: www.nuits-sonores.com24 May - 6 June 2010: French Open
One of tennis's worldwide Grand Slam events, held at the Roland-Garros Stadium.June 2010: Fête de la Musique, various cities and towns
An integral event on the French calendar is this huge outdoor celebration of music, which takes place around the time of the summer solstice. Bands and individual performers flock to join a bill of musicians that turns many towns into one huge extended stage. It's quite something to be amongst it!12 - 13 June 2010: Le Mans 24 Hours Race
The 78th running of the world’s most famous sportscar race, and still one of the finest races internationally, has not lost its prestige. After years of Audi domination, Peugeot won in 2009 and will be firmly intent on retaining its position as victors of this legendary event.See here for how to book: www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/pages/accueil_gb.html
Suggested hotels: Chateau de La Barre
July 2010 : Festival d'Avignon
First held in 1947, the festival has increased in stature over the years, with an array of theatrical, dance, and musical performances including opera.3 - 25 July 2010: Tour de France
Considered by many to be the world’s greatest cycle race, the 21-stage event will start in Rotterdam, ending at the Champs-Elysées in Paris.July - August 2010: Paris Plage
On the right bank of the Seine, a makeshift beach is put together each summer. Introduced in 2002, this may strike some as a tacky idea in a city where people go for plenty of purposes other than just the sun, but in summer, you can see why this beach has become a popular point of respite within the city. There are various activities on offer to give it even more pizazz.August 2010: Twins Festival, Pleucadeuc
This annual festival in Brittany has Europe’s largest gathering of twins.1 - 4 October 2010: Le Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Paris
First run at Longchamp Racecourse in 1920, this is still the venue for one of the world’s highest-paying turf races.November 2010: Hot Air Balloon Festival, Le Puy-en-Velay
Balloonists come from all around for this event, with about 40 balloons on show.November 2010: Buskers Festival
Singers and actors converge on the streets of Quintin in northern Brittany for the annual Festival des Chanteurs de Rue. Coinciding with the Saint-Martin fair, those attending can try regional delicacies including the famous bolée de cidre (bowl of cider), to the backdrop of charming old Breton songs.18 November 2010 : Beaujolais Nouveau release
Midnight of the third Thursday in November each year initiates the launch of this young, but well-known wine. There are an incredible amount of events to celebrate this- once counted at 120! The Sarmentelles Festival in Beaujeau begins at 5pm the day before the release, and has a tasting followed by a torchlit procession, before the new release. Lyon celebrates with music and fireworks at midnight, and then two days of tasting.Monthly: La Nuit des Rollers, Bordeaux
The Place Pey Berlan is the stage for this huge monthly gathering of skaters. There are displays of some of the best skating talent, and courses for those who wish to learn a bit of skating, including related sports such as roller-hockey and ice skating.www.assoair.com/cms/ (French website)
