Top 10 Festivals for 2009 in France

• By: Editor
• On: 23/Mar/2009
• In: France Travel Tips

1.    Fete de la Musique - 21st June 2009

If music is your thing then the Fete de la Musique is the festival for you.  Each year on the 21st June amateur and professional musicians come together to perform in a variety of venues throughout the wonderful city of Paris. 

From jazz to salsa, orchestras to techno, you name it, music can be heard echoing through the cobbled laneways, streets, parks, opera houses, castles, museums, train stations and doorways!  This is a wonderful festival not to be missed and you can join in with the festivities that include dancing, eating and drinking!  This is a great festival to get to know Paris and you can follow a music itinerary or literary play it by air!

2.    Bastille Day - 14th July 2009

Bastille Day takes place each year on 14th July and celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution with ceremonies, dancing, parties and balls throughout the city.  The festival starts in the morning with a colourful grand military parade that takes place along the amazing Champs Elysees.  Overhead you will be entertained with impressive jet formations and many more forms of entertainment. 

Bastille Day finished with a spectacular fireworks display that takes place near the magnificent Eiffel Tower.  For further details please contact the Paris Tourist Office on +33 (0)892 683 000 or email info@paris-touristoffice.com

3.    The French Open - 24th May to 7th June 2009

One of the biggest sporting events on the French sporting calendar has got to be The French Tennis Open.  France plays host to one of four major events with Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open being the other three. 

4.    Le Salon du Chocolate - 29 October to 2 November 2009

Calling all chocoholics…. Le Salon du Chocolate is a wonderful festival that has proved very popular over the years and guarantees to please and treat those taste buds!  Here you can partake in the many tasting sessions, learn from the masters with the many chef demonstrations, and purchase the many goodies on offer.  For more information contact the organisers on +33 (0)1 4503 2126 or email info@chocoland.com

5.    Tour de France - 4th to 26th July 2009

Again this is another high profile and major sporting event not to miss.  Each year hundreds of local and international cyclists come together to battle it out for the famous yellow jersey given to the winner of the Tour de France each year.  Spanning over 2,175 gruelling miles the race is split into 21 daily stages and completes a clockwise loop around the country finishing in Paris.

6.    Cannes Film Festival - 13th to 24th May 2009

One of the most renowned film festivals in the world is the Cannes Film Festival.  Each year The Cannes Film Festival has a selection of the finest filmmakers from the international scene judge entries from across the globe.  This festival attracts thousands that include the media, celebrities and the public.  Here you can view some of the winning films on a large outdoor screen in wonderful surroundings.

7.    Paris Plage – July to August 2009 (TBC)

Paris-Plage is a festival that runs every July and August and was set up in 2002 by the City of Paris.  The festival involves beaches that are set up along the river Seine!  The roadways on the right bank of the Seine are blocked off and host various activities that include palm trees and sandy beaches!  The Paris Plage provides a wonderful summer experience to the locals and visitors who can enjoy sun, fun and themed activities.

8.    The Nice Carnival - 13th February to 1st March

This is a wonderful carnival bursting with colour from paper mache giants to dazzling floats, street theatre, and music, song and dance groups from all over the world.  This is a festival that attracts thousands and guarantees a great family day out. 

9.    JVC Jazz Festival – 10th October to 18th October 2009

The JVC Jazz Festival brings jazz to the city of Paris for ten days every October.  Here you will be treated to some of the world’s most exciting jazz performers when they take centre stage in Europe's jazz capital. All events are held in concert halls and clubs across the city of lights and this is a festival not to miss!

10.    Montoire Dance Festival – 11th to 16th August 2009

The Montoire Dance Festival was launched in 1973 and has become one of the most respected dance festivals in Europe.  This festival brings a huge selection of dance groups together and attracts some 20,000 visitors each year.  During the festival you can also attend the Musikenfete which consists of 500 traditional instruments from all over the world in one place. Here visitors are invited not only to look, but also to play!  For further details please telephone +33 (0) 2 54 85 35 16.

The above festivals are just some of the many reasons to choose France as your next holiday destination.  Why not feel the freedom and independence of the open road and reserve car hire in France securely online today.

Have you been to France and experienced some of its wonderful festivals? Perhaps you have some questions or would like to leave a comment.  Please feel free to do so in the comment box below.  Thank you.