Festival trip guides

Every October, the hilltop village of Montmartre in Paris's 18th arrondissement celebrates the grape harvest of its tiny Clos Montmartre vineyard with a multi-day festival of parades, tastings, concerts, and quirky traditions. This guide explains what to expect, how to plan your visit, and what to know before you go.

Every February, the French Riviera town of Menton hosts the Fête du Citron, a celebration built around giant citrus sculptures, themed parades, and an illuminated garden. This guide covers what to expect, typical timing, getting there, tickets, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

The Fête du Citron in Menton turns the French Riviera town into a citrus wonderland each winter. Its Corso parades require tickets for entry, but deciding between grandstand seats and standing promenade access takes planning. This guide compares ticket types, viewing strategies, arrival times, and essential entry rules to help you enjoy the Lemon Festival without a hitch.

The Fête de la Saint-Vincent is an annual January celebration honoring the patron saint of winemakers. In Épernay, the day features a grand procession along the Avenue de Champagne, a religious mass, and brotherhood ceremonies. Learn about its cultural significance and how to attend this free public event.

The Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans celebrate Joan of Arc every spring with a packed, mostly free program. The sword presentation, the May 1 procession, the medieval market, and the May 8 commemorations are all open to the public without a ticket. Only a few optional activities, such as some guided tours or special performances, may carry a fee.

The Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans is a centuries-old festival commemorating Joan of Arc's victory in 1429. Each May, the city center fills with medieval markets, processions, and sound-and-light shows. This guide covers the festival's history, key events, and practical tips for planning your trip.

The Fêtes Johanniques—now branded Reims, l'Épopée Légendaire—center on the Grande Parade along the Voie des Sacres. This guide explains the route from Basilique Saint-Remi to Cathédrale Notre-Dame, highlights the best free viewing spots, and offers practical crowd and transport tips for first-timers.

Each spring, Reims hosts the Fêtes Johanniques, a medieval weekend that recreates the coronation of Charles VII in the presence of Joan of Arc. Expect a grand parade, a market of nearly 100 artisan stalls, reenactments, and family workshops around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. This guide helps you plan your visit, from dates and locations to what to see and do.

The Grandes Eaux Musicales, or Musical Fountains Show, transforms the Gardens of Versailles into a baroque spectacle every spring and summer. This guide covers dates, ticket choices between the Passport and Fountains Show ticket, viewing strategies, and practical tips for navigating the crowds.

Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes transforms the Gardens of Versailles into a magical nighttime spectacle of illuminated fountains, baroque music, fireworks, and—since 2026—a dazzling drone finale. This guide covers what to expect, the 2026 season, ticket types, and practical tips for attending this uniquely strolling evening event.

Discover where to stay for Épernay's Habits de Lumière festival. Staying near the Avenue de Champagne offers late-night convenience, while Reims is a short train ride away. Get practical tips on transportation, timing, and booking to make your visit smooth and memorable.

Every December, Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne glows with light installations, video mapping, and fireworks over three evenings of free festivities. This guide explains what to expect from the Friday and Saturday night shows, the Saturday Habits de Saveurs culinary event, the Sunday vintage car parade, and how to plan your weekend in Champagne.