Festival trip guides

The Théâtre Antique d'Arles is a working Roman theatre in the centre of Arles, used for concerts and performances. This guide covers its history, location near the arena and Boulevard des Lices, daytime visiting hours, and how to check current event listings and tickets. Perfect for planning a show night in this ancient setting.

The Fêtes de la Saint-Louis in Fontainebleau is a free, family-friendly day held along the Grand Canal of the Château de Fontainebleau, typically in late August. Expect water jousting, vintage swings, kite workshops, a white-and-gold picnic, and more. Plan your visit with our guide.

The Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon is a historic annual fair held each November in Dijon, France. Focused on regional and international food, the fair offers tastings, cooking demos, themed restaurants, and a lively family atmosphere. Plan your visit with practical tips on access, what to see and do, and how to combine the fair with broader Burgundy food tourism.

Every first weekend of September, Lille transforms into an enormous open-air flea market drawing over two million visitors. With a history reaching back to 1127, the Grande Braderie is both a treasure hunter's paradise and a vibrant street festival. This guide covers its origins, practical travel tips, and what to expect when you go.

The Grande Braderie de Lille is Europe's biggest flea market, drawing over 2 million visitors and 10,000 stalls each September. This guide explains what to look for—from vintage clothing and vinyl to local food—and, crucially, what to moderate your expectations about: antiques. Recent visitor reviews suggest the antique section may be disappointing, so we focus on other treasures.

The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction takes place every third Sunday of November in Beaune, France. The weekend is packed with events: street performances, a half-marathon, cellar visits, tastings, and the world-famous charity auction. Our guide helps you navigate the schedule, know what's free, and plan your trip—including how to reach Beaune from Dijon.

The Hospices de Beaune wine auction, held annually in Beaune, offers two ways to participate: buying a full barrel (or fraction) after registration, or buying online from just one bottle. Albert Bichot, the official buyer partner, manages both processes. This guide explains the steps from selection to delivery, plus what to expect at the Halle de Beaune and practical tips for your visit.

Each November, wine lovers turn to Beaune for the Hospices de Beaune auction, a charity sale of barrel-aged wines from a historic estate. This guide covers the event's roots in a 15th-century hospital, the annual auction weekend known as the Trois Glorieuses, the celebrated Pièce des Présidents, and the practical paths to buying or attending.

The Jazz in Calvi festival brings intimate, high-quality jazz concerts to Corsica every June. The 2026 edition runs from June 23 to 26, alternating between the Salle de Spectacle di Calvi and the Spaziu Laetitia Casta in Lumio, plus a special vineyard event. This guide covers the lineup, how to get tickets, and where to stay for a smooth trip.

Lille 3000 is a recurring thematic arts festival that transforms Lille and the surrounding region with exhibitions, installations, and participatory events. Each edition focuses on a single theme, such as the past 'Fiesta' edition, and unfolds across museums, historic sites, and public spaces. Planning a visit means checking the latest edition's dates, selecting venues, and allowing time to explore beyond the city center.

The Lille Christmas Market transforms Place Rihour each winter with wooden chalets, local crafts, and festive food. Opens typically from mid-November to late December, with hours from 11am to 8:30pm on weekdays and Sundays, and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Find out how to get there and what to expect.

Plan your festive trip to Lille's Christmas market on Place Rihour. Typically open from mid-November to late December, this compact market offers local treats, crafts, and family rides. Use our guide for dates, location, food, and practical tips.