France festival guides

Menton’s festival calendar is anchored by two iconic events: the Fête du Citron® in February, when citrus sculptures and parades fill the town, and the Menton Music Festival in summer, where classical concerts take place in an open-air setting above the sea. This guide explains what to expect at each, how to plan your logistics, and how to confirm current dates before you book.

The Fête de la Mirabelle in Metz is a beloved annual festival celebrating the mirabelle plum, held each August across two weekends. From the coronation of the Reine de la Mirabelle to the market, concerts, and fireworks, discover what to expect and how to plan your visit.

Every June 21, Nice joins France's Fête de la Musique with a free, city-wide celebration of live music. From Vieux-Nice to Parc du Ray, expect pop-rock, jazz, classical, and world music spilling out of bars and onto the streets. Here's how to plan your evening, find the schedule, and soak up the atmosphere.

Every June 21, Versailles fills with free concerts across its neighborhoods. This guide explains the typical format, where music happens, and how to find the official programme each year.

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.