France festival guides

Every winter Chambéry turns its city center into a stage for a community-built carnival parade. This guide covers what to expect, how the festival is made by locals, past themes, and how you can join the fun on your visit.

Held each June in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Film Festival celebrates mountain culture through a packed week of film screenings, debates, workshops, and free open-air cinema in Parc Couttet.

Chartres en Lumières is a free evening festival in Chartres, France, that illuminates heritage sites from April to January. Learn the typical dates, the nightly hours from dusk to 1am, and how to plan your visit.

Discover the illuminated heritage of Chartres with the Petit Chart'Train, a 45-minute commented ride that explains the art and history behind the light shows. Learn about schedules, prices, and practical tips to make the most of your visit to this free festival, which runs from April to January.

Chartres en Lumières is a free, nightly light festival that transforms the historic center into an open-air gallery from April to January. This guide covers the must-see cathedral projection, other notable illuminated sites, a practical walking route, and tips for enjoying the event without rushing. Perfect for first-time visitors planning an evening in Chartres.

Chartres en Lumières is an annual free event that lights up the historic center of Chartres with sound-and-light shows on more than twenty monuments. This guide covers the season, the best illuminated sites, and practical tips for walking the route, catching the cathedral shows, and planning your visit.

The International Short Film Festival in Clermont-Ferrand is a major event for cinema lovers and industry professionals. This guide explains the difference between public tickets and professional accreditation, where to buy them, and what to expect for the 2027 edition.

The International Short Film Festival in Clermont-Ferrand is a major event for cinema lovers and industry professionals. This guide covers its dates, ticketing, competitions, and practical logistics to help you plan your visit.

Colmar's six themed Christmas markets fill the historic old town with lights, crafts, and Alsatian flavors. This guide covers typical dates, opening hours, locations, parking, and tips for a magical visit.

Driving to the Colmar Christmas markets can be tricky because the historic center becomes pedestrian-only. Learn about park-and-ride lots, shuttle buses, festive bus lines, and train access so you can enjoy the magic without the parking stress.

Every June 21, the Fête de la Musique turns Colmar's old town into an open-air stage, with free concerts from gospel to rock. Learn how to make the most of this festive evening, from the best spots to practical tips.

The Foire aux Vins d'Alsace is a ten-day wine and music festival held each summer at the Colmar Exhibition Centre. This guide explains the fair's dual character, how to approach tastings and concerts, and how to combine the event with exploring the Route des Vins. Dates, prices, and line-ups change annually, so always verify current details with the official organizer.