Many towns now organize festivals which run through the summer for both local people and tourists. If you are staying on a farm or in a country area, you may be invited to join in local festivities. Almost every town and village has its own fête during the summer; these range from simple boules competitions with a dance, hosted by an enthusiastic (sometimes excruciating) band, playing traditional music (or, if you’re unlucky, ancient pop songs), to a full-blown carnival with street theater, fireworks and sophisticated entertainment.
France's climate
The French climate is varied and seasonal and, in most of the north, it is typically temperate with moderate summer temperatures, damp autumns, early springs and chilly winters. Around the Atlantic coasts, especially northern Brittany and Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, the ocean weather is extremely changeable, while in southern Brittany and the Loire Valley, the climate is milder and noticeably warmer; there can also be occasional
heavy storms.
The east, including the Alps and the Massif Central, tends to have warm summers and cold winters with snow, as do the Pyrenees, and at any time of year there are big temperature differences between low and high altitudes. The Mediterranean coast is characterised by very hot, dry summers and mild, showery winters; strong winds can be annoying when they whip up. With the exception of this coast, rainfall is sporadic all year round, with the most precipitation between January and April and the least in July and August; Mont Aigoual in the Cévennes National Park is the wettest place in France.
The weather in Paris is generally good, especially during spring; summer is often hot, fall warm and winter tolerable, although the city has been dusted with snow in the last few years.
High and low season in France
France is a great country to visit, whatever the time of year. However, it’s best to avoid the south in August when the French traditionally take their vacations and the roads can get very busy.
Many stores and restaurants close in Paris in August, but this quiet period can be a good time to explore the French capital as hotel rates are generally lower then.
High season in popular areas runs from mid-June to mid-September; July and August elsewhere. The ski resorts operate from mid-December to May, but avoid British and French school vacations when prices rise, elevator lines are long and the mountain roads are jammed.
Festivals and events in France
Listed here are brief details of the main annual events; there are hundreds more taking place in the smaller towns and villages. For more specific information, contact the local tourist offices or visit www.culture.fr and www.viafrance.com, where you can search events in France by month, location and category.
January
- What: La Grande Odyssée: Savoie and Haute Savoie
Mushers head to the Alps to take part in one of the world’s most challenging dog-sled races. Check www.grandeodyssee.com for exact dates
February
- What: La Folle Journée: Nantes
France’s largest classical music festival celebrates different composers each year. Music recitals, each no longer than 45 minutes, take place in non-traditional surroundings. Check www.follejournee.fr for exact dates.
- What: Nice Carnival: Nice
This, one of the world’s major carnivals, has existed since at least 1294. More than a million visitors descend upon the city each year for two weeks of rambunctious fun. Check www.nicecarnaval.com for exact dates.
April
- What: International Kite Festival: Berck-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais)
Kite enthusiasts from around the world visit this family-friendly resort in northern France each year for Europe’s largest kite-flying festival. Check www.cerf-volant-berck.com for exact dates.
- What: Spi Ouest-France Regatta: La Trinité-sur-Mer
Europe’s largest gathering of yachts sees around 400 vessels sail into this picturesque port in southern Brittany for a week of races. Check www.spi-ouestfrance.com for exact dates.
May
- What: Cannes Film Festival: Cannes
This upmarket yet charming seaside resort hosts the world’s glitziest film festival in one of the ugliest buildings on the Côte d’Azur. Glimpsing an A-lister is almost guaranteed. Check www.festival-cannes.fr for exact dates.
- What: French Open Tennis Tournament: Paris
- When: Usually from last week of May to first week of June
Top tennis stars battle it out on the clay courts at Roland Garros to land this prestigious Grand Slam title. Check www.rolandgarros.com for exact dates.
June
- What: Feria de Nîmes: Nîmes
Five days of bullfighting and courses camarguaises (non-mortal bull baiting) in Nîmes’s magnificent Roman arena. Most tourists visit for the atmosphere and street parties. Check www.ot-nimes.fr for exact dates.
- What: Rendez-Vous aux Jardins (Yard Open Days): National
Some of France’s finest public and private yards offer guided tours to visitors during three days. There’s a different theme each year. Check www.rendezvousauxjardins.culture.fr for exact dates.
July
- What: Avignon Festival: Avignon
France’s most important theater festival takes place in one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Check www.festival-avignon.com for exact dates.
- What: Bastille Day: Paris/National
- When: 14th
An impressive military parade in Paris marks the start of the Revolution, but the whole of France celebrates.
- What: Lorraine Hot Air Balloon Festival: Chambley-Bussières
The world’s largest hot air balloon festival attracts around 3,000 pilots and more than 400,000 visitors over 10 days. Check www.pilatre-de-rozier.com for exact dates.
- What: Tour de France: National
This annual three-week international cycle race covers around 3,600km (2,200 miles) in about 20 stages, including arduous Alpine climbs. Check www.letour.fr for exact dates.
August
- What: Interceltic Festival: Lorient
Seven days of music, art, literature and dance celebrate Europe’s Celtic cultures in the town that also happens to be France’s second-largest fishing port. Check http://festival-interceltique.com for exact dates.
September
- What: Journées du Patrimoine: National
- When: Third weekend of September
Public and private buildings of artistic or architectural importance open their doors to the public on the third weekend of September.
December
- What: Christmas Market: Strasbourg
- When: End of November–end of December
France’s oldest Christmas market is in an atmospheric location in the city’s old town. The Children’s Village will delight little ones. Check www.noel.strasbourg.eu for more information.
- What: Fête des Lumières: Lyon
- When: 8th
The Festival of Lights celebrates the Virgin Mary with a candlelit procession, illuminated facades and artistic light displays. Legend has it that she saved Lyon from the plague in 1643. Check www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr for more information.