Five Fun French Fêtes

Tour de France

Photo Credit:   ljcybergal

The Tour de France, one of the world’s most famous sporting events, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a French festival or holiday. But the race, held during most of the month of July each year, brings the riders to parts of France not normally on the typical visitor’s itinerary. And these usually little-known towns and villages throughout the country, as well as the locations along the route itself, throw massive day-long celebrations that show you just how welcoming France can be.

Fête de la Musique



Photo Credit:  missexpatria

Fête de la Musique is a national music festival that takes place every year on the summer solstice, June 21, and it turns the entire country into one huge open-air block party. No matter where you may find yourself on Fête de la Musique, you will literally find a band on every corner. For more traditional French music, stick to the smaller villages; for huge headliners, big cities are the places to go. Pick up drinks and food all day and night from the outdoor stalls of bars and restaurants, stroll around and experience music as only the French can.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

Photo Credit:  missexpatria

By midnight on the third Thursday of November, you’d think most of the French would be tucked into their beds - but no. Chances are, they’re packed into bars, restaurants and town squares, ceremoniously uncorking bottles of wine. Sometimes there are fireworks; maybe some music; even dancing is not unheard of. And the party lasts right on through the next day and night. It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day, when the new Beaujolais wine - meant to be drunk as soon as possible, not years down the line - is, well, drunk as soon as possible. Try the different labels, snack on some wine-friendly treats, and raise a glass to a holiday only the French could pull off.

Christmas

Photo Credit:  missexpatria

While you may not be able to be in France on Christmas Day, don’t worry; the season lasts from the beginning of December through the Epiphany in the first week of January. And although in certain parts of France it’s not exactly strolling-around weather, the Christmas season is not to be missed. The French go all-out - the main squares are festive with lights and decorations, store windows are decked out in jaw-dropping finery, and vin chaud is ladled out with joy and tidings. Lyon is the undisputed champion of the season, with their Fête des Lumières around the second week of December - a spectacular city-wide light show that is worth an overnight trip from Paris to see.

Bastille Day

Photo Credit:  missexpatria

Known by Americans as the “French July 4th,” Bastille Day, which is on July 14 each year, is the perfect chance for the visitor to get a sense not only of French national pride, but regional fun as well. The French flags proudly fly, and local, regional and national dishes are carefully prepared and served. And, this being France, the wine flows like water. Then nighttime brings parties and, no matter how small or remote, every town in the country lights off fireworks for hours - and they’re usually spectacular. It’s a fun day that gives you a deeper insight into how France came to be one of the greatest countries on earth.

Christine Cantera writes the France Travel Guide for BootsnAll. Montpellier, France is her adopted home, but she is in love with weekend trips to the French Riviera, especially Nice, and is mortified that she has yet to go to Lyon. Follow her on Twitter at @WhyGoFrance, and keep up with her travels and tips on the WhyGoFrance Facebook page.