France festival guides

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.

Lille's music scene peaks in June with two distinct festivals: the free, citywide Fête de la Musique on June 21 and the ticketed, multi-venue Lille Piano(s) Festival. Learn what each offers, how to choose, and practical tips for enjoying both.

The Lille Piano(s) Festival is a classical, jazz, and electro piano festival held annually in Lille since 2004. Discover its typical June dates, multi-venue locations, ticket booking methods, and programming highlights in this guide.

Plan your visit to the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale 2026, running from September 19 to December 13. Explore venues like macLYON, Grandes Locos, and more. Discover the theme and practical tips for enjoying this city-wide art event.

An essential guide to the Lyon Dance Biennale, a major contemporary dance festival that transforms the city every two years. From its founding in 1984 to its participatory Parade, discover the festival's history, format, and key venues.

Discover the best viewpoints and a practical walking route for Lyon's Fête des Lumières. Learn how to navigate crowds, find quieter spots, and enjoy the festival's highlights, from Place des Terreaux to the Saône riverbanks.

Lyon's Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) transforms the city each December with artistic light installations across landmarks and rivers. Plan your visit with this guide covering typical dates, top sites, crowd avoidance, and practical tips.

Dijon's Fééries de Noël turns the historic center into a winter playground with a grand Ferris wheel, an outdoor ice rink, artisan chalets, and a nightly sound-and-light show. This guide covers the market's locations, typical season, family highlights, and practical tips for planning your visit.