Gay Culture in Bordeaux
Bordeaux (Aquitaine)
Saturday at 3pm (January 18, February 15, March 1st, March 29)
www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
Alexandre Sentucq's two-hour tour, offered by the Bordeaux Tourism Office, covers a century of gay history in Bordeaux. Through 40 establishments, a dozen known and forgotten people, anecdotes and some pillow talk, this history lesson sheds light on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life in 19th- and 20th-century Bordeaux. There is no talk of sexuality, only the city's LGBT heritage and origins.
Fest “in the footsteps of the Dukes of Burgundy”
Dijon (Burgundy)
www.bourgogne-tourisme.com
After several years of restoration, Dijon's Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) has reopened its refurbished and expanded Medieval and Renaissance rooms. Located in the former palace of the Duke's of Burgundy, the museum showcases treasures inherited from the last dukes, including the famous sculpted Mourners. Burgundy Tourism also invites you to explore throughout the region in the footsteps of the dukes and their contemporaries.
At the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
Dijon (Burgundy)
May 17 to October 13, 2014
mba.dijon.fr
This multimedia exhibit covers the palace, Sainte-Chapelle and residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, as well as the Court of Burgundy. A giant-screen virtual tour of the Sainte-Chapelle is complemented by digital reconstructions of the chancel, nave and transept of the building.
“In Tune with the Middle Ages”
Château de Germolles (Burgundy)
May 24th, 25th and 31st
www.chateaudegermolles.fr
Enjoy a variety of short theatrical productions – fables, shadow-puppet shows, stories and more. Scheduled for the evening of both days, “Golden Fleece, the Dream of a Duke,” a play combining ancient myth and its medieval interpretation, reveals the origins and nature of the chivalric Order of the Golden Fleece.
Medieval Festivals: Fête Médiévale and Fête de la Bague
Semur-en-Auxois (Burgundy)
May 24 to 25 (Fête Médiévale) and May 31 (Fête de la Bague)
www.tourisme-semur.fr
Every year, Semur-en-Auxois steps back in time to the Medieval period through farcical stage plays, music and dance performances, knights' tournaments and other games, a craft market, taverns, encampments and a “beggar's village.” The medieval city relives its past through costumed footraces and processions and, on May 31, a famous horse race (France's oldest) called the Courses de la Bague.
Medieval Festival (Les Médiévales)
Château de Couches (Burgundy)
July 12 to 14
www.chateaudecouches.com
Plunge into the Middle Ages through more than a dozen events each day: presentations about age-old trades, medieval tales and children's shows, acrobatic demonstrations, medieval calligraphy and bookbinding workshops, falconry displays and more.
Maillotines Nights (Les Nuits Maillotines)
Joigny (Burgundy)
July (12,19,25) and August (2,9,16,22,29)
www.tourisme-joigny.fr
Joigny, a “City of Art and History,” brings to life its rich historical heritage through a program of unusual guided tours that rely on music, song, dance and theater.
Medieval Festival of the Lords of Thil (Médiévale des Seigneurs de Thil)
Château de Thil (Burgundy)
August 12 to 14
enchantezthil.blog4ever.com
On the occasion of this 5th annual medieval festival – which includes encampments, magic, medieval games and markets, taverns and feasts – the castle is adorned as it was back in the Middle Ages.
Medieval Festival of Tonnerre (Médiévales de Tonnerre)
Tonnerre (Burgundy)
September 12 to 14, 2014
www.lesmedievalesdetonnerre.org
During this 4th celebration of the Middle Ages, a festival also marking the city's 851st anniversary, the streets will fill with artisans, dancers and musicians.
Fête de la Pressée
Chenôve (Burgundy)
September 20 and 21, 2014
www.ville-chenove.fr
Every third weekend in September, the old town of Chenôve comes to life along with the wine presses of the Dukes of Burgundy. Festival events include dance and folk music, concerts, children's games, exhibitions, crafts and local gastronomy.
Medieval Night Tours
Charolles (Burgundy)
dates TBD : Tuesdays and Thursdays in Summer
www.ville-charolles.fr
You encounter 30 medieval characters during these guided night tours through the streets of the “Little Venice of Burgundy.” Troubadours and musicians, all in costume, present skits dramatizing the times of Charles the Bold and the Dukes of Burgundy.
Route du Rhum
Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)
October 25-November 2, 2014
www.routedurhum.com
The city of Pointe-à-Pitre will once again be the finishing line for the 10th edition of the most famous of all transatlantic sailing races, Route-du-Rhum.
Terre de Blues – Marie Galante Jazz Festival
Marie Galante (Guadeloupe)
June 6-9, 2014
www.terredeblues.com
The 15th Edition of the acclaimed Jazz Festival will take place on Marie Galante June 6-9, 2014.
Sound and Light at the Château of Blois
Blois (Loire Valley)
Every night from April 5 to September 21, 2014
www.bloischambord.com
The night spectacle at Blois' château tells of the important pacts, dramas, loves and mysteries that are part of the history of France. Cutting-edge sound and image technology (600 projectors, special effects, images cast on the facade of the castle) make for a magnificent show that is unique in Europe. Audio guides in English are available.
Festival de la Vézère
Vallée de la Vézère (Limousin)
June 18 to August 23, 2014
www.festival-vezere.com
World-class artists and young prodigies take to the stage in the Vallée de la Vézère, the apogee of classical music festivals. On the program are 19 high-caliber concerts covering everything from flamenco and jazz to Offenbach and more. There are concerts for all ages and a variety of accessible locations, including places like Tulle, the castle and chapel of Saillant, the theater at Brive, and churches of Objat and Orgnac. Young musicians will take the spotlight at special soirées focusing on Bach, Schubert and Mozart.
Storm the Castles!
Lorraine
Castle of Falkenstein : opened to public (winter 2013)
Castle of Waldeck : opened to public (January 2014)
www.tourisme-paysdebitche.fr
Closed and under restoration for 15 years, the castles of Falkenstein and Waldeck are now at last open to the public. It is safe for children to play knights and troubadours in these two iconic structures of the Pays de Bitche and northern Vosges.
Saint Nicolas Feast Day Festivities
Lorraine
December 6
www.tourism-lorraine.com
Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of Lorraine, where every town and village comes alive on his feast day to celebrate the man who gave presents and sweets to children long before Santa Claus did. In the region's largest cities, his festive feast day is a time of music, parades with beautiful floats, and fireworks.
Carnival
Martinique
March 2-5, 2014
www.martinique.org
Each year as revelers in other Carnival hot spots wind down with the close of Shrove Tuesday, the party in Martinique goes on, culminating on one of the most solemn days on the Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday. The fitting theme for Martinique’s “bonus” days of revelry is: “Rejoice Today, Repent Tomorrow.”
May in Saint Pierre
Martinique
May 2014
www.martinique.org
Formerly known as the Paris of the Caribbean, the northern coastal town of Saint Pierre was instantly transformed into the Pompeii of the Caribbean when on May 8, 1902 Mount Pelée erupted. Out of the centuries-old destruction Saint Pierre has emerged a quaint yet vibrant town, offering visitors a unique view of the island’s storied past. The May in Saint Pierre event commemorates the anniversary of the eruption with a series of lectures, presentations and guided tours offering greater insight into this historic event.
Fête de la Musique
Martinique
June 21st, 2014
www.martinique.org
Some of the world’s greatest musical forms hail from the Caribbean, with reggae (Jamaica) and calypso (Trinidad) the most widely known, but true music lovers know that Martinique also ranks among the music capitals of the region. Martinique is the birthplace of Zouk, a rhythmic musical form developed in the 1980′s through a mix of many different styles, including compas, balakadri, cadence and bal granmoun, mazurka and biguine, French and American pop, and kadans, gwo ka and other indigenous styles. La Fête de la Musique is a celebration of Martinique’s rich musical tradition with free concerts performed in the streets throughout the island.
Yoles Boat Race
Martinique
July/August 2014
www.martinique.org
Carnival and sea are brought together for a celebration unlike any other during Martinique’s famed Yoles Boat Race (Tour des Yoles Rondes). Held each summer over a one-week period, the Yoles Race attracts local and international yachtsmen skilled in sailing traditional yawl boats for a race around the island. The race is contested in stages with throngs of locals and visitors crowding the shores to cheer on the racers. Carnival-style celebrations punctuate each day’s victory earned along the way, while on the high seas hundreds of yachts, catamarans, speedboats, and other private vessels trail the racers, partying along the way.
Le Tour de Martinique
Martinique
July 2014
www.martinique.org
Le Tour de Martinique is a smaller version of the famed Le Tour de France bicycle race. Just like its larger cousin, Le Tour de Martinique is held each summer and features and international field of riders competing in stages. The race reaches virtually every corner of the island, with fans and spectators lining the day’s route to offer cheers and support.
La Belle Martinique
Martinique
September 2014
www.martinique.org
Less competitive than Le Tour de Martinique, this amateur cycling race is ideal for recreational riders seeking an alternate way to tour The Isle of Flowers. Local as well as visiting riders participate annually, with crowds lining the course each day.
Martinique Jazz Festival
Martinique
November-December, 2014
www.martinique.org
The Caribbean’s longest running jazz festival; the Martinique Jazz Festival has long provided a showcase for local and international artists to share their talents with a lively and appreciative crowd of music lovers from all corners of the globe. Jazz luminaries who have performed at the Martinique Jazz Festival in years past include the Marsalis brothers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito d’Rivera, Chucho Valdes, and many more.
Evening candle-lit tours of the Château de Cénevières
Saint Cirq-Lapopie (Midi-Pyrénées)
June-September 2014
www.chateau-cenevieres.com
Every Wednesday evening from June to September, the Château de Cénevières offers visitors a very special costumed tour by candlelight. Close to Saint Cirq-Lapopie (voted 'France's favourite village' in 2012) and the famous Pech Merle Cave, the Château de Cénevières, which towers over the River Lot and offers a panoramic view of the river, is one of the most remarkable Renaissance châteaux in the Quercy region. A host of events is held at the château, including concerts, exhibitions, medieval entertainments, Renaissance feasts, open-air cinema, theatre and storytelling.
Medieval Festival of the Grand Falconer
Cordes-sur-Ciel (Midi-Pyrénées)
July 14, 2014
www.grandfauconnier.com
Taking place in the beautiful perched village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, visitors step back in time to the Middle Ages and are entertained by troubadors, jugglers, falconers and other relics of the village's medieval past.
Jazz in Marciac
Toulouse (Midi-Pyrénées)
July 24-August 13 2014
This legendary festival whose patron is Wynton Marsalis, has featured many international jazz stars over the years including Keith Jarret, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diana Reeves and of course Wynton Marsalis.
Piano aux Jacobins
Toulouse (Midi-Pyrénées)
September 2014
www.pianojacobins.com
The first festival in France entirely dedicated to piano performances, this event is a highlight of the city's festive autumn calendar.
70th Anniversary of D-Day - June 6, 1944
Normandy
www.the70th-normandy.com
For a complete list of events throughout 2014 commemorating D-Day in Normandy, please click here: www.the70th-normandy.com
World Equestrian Games
Normandy
August 23-September 7,2014
www.normandy2014.com
The world's most important equestrian event, the Games will showcase the finest riders and horses from over 60 countries competing at the highest echelon of the sport and will attract 500,000 spectators, 1200 journalists and 1000 competitors. For more information about events open to spectators, please click here: www.the70th-normandy.com
Rouen Cathedral Light Show
Rouen (Normandy)
June 1-September 29, 2014
www.rouentourisme.com
The Rouen Cathedral was transformed this past summer during its first-ever light show where massive colorful light projections illuminated the centuries-old cathedral. With 410,000 spectators in 2013, 2014’s rendition will take place from June 1 to September 29.
Deauville American Film Festival
Deauville (Normandy)
September 5-14, 2014
www.festival-deauville.com
Because Normandy loves everything American, the town of Deauville will roll out its red carpet to film enthusiasts this September during the American Film Festival from September 5 to September 14.
The Luminessences of Avignon
Avignon (Provence-Alps-Cote d'Azur)
Mid-August to end of September
www.lesluminessences-avignon.com
In the Court of Honor of the Popes' Palace, a monumental 3D video show takes you back through the centuries. The very stones of the palace, witness to a time when Avignon was an important capital, vibrate with the sounds and glow of this amazing festival.
The Great Odyssey
Rhône-Alpes
January 11th – 22nd, 2014
www.hautemaurienne.com / www.grandeodyssee.com
This dog sled race from Avoriaz to Lanslebours covers over 600 miles of trails and features participation of more than 300 dogs from 11 countries. Numerous places are visited en route and many supplementary events surround this race.
La Foulée Blanche
Autrans - Isère Rhône-Alpes)
January 15rd – 19th, 2014
www.lafouleeblanche.com
A traditional cross-country skiing contest that takes place over distances of between three to 26 miles, this is the most popular long distance Nordic ski race in France. Since it began in 1979, over 170,000 skiers have taken part.
International Ice Sculpture Competition
Valloire – Savoie Mont-Blanc (Rhône-Alpes)
January 14th – 17th
www.valloire.net
French and international sculptors will take part in this ice sculpture competition which is followed by a sound and light show.
Nuits Sonores (Electro and Indie Music Festival)
Lyon (Rhône-Alpes)
May 28th – June 1st, 2014
www.nuits-sonores.com
In its eleventh year, this event is a veritable panorama of electronic music (techno, house and more) held in different venues all over the town – in concert halls, galleries, cinemas, museums and architectural sites of Lyon. This year, the “guest” city invited to entertain the public and organize several concerts and events will be Brussels.
Montgolfière Festival
Annonay – Ardèche (Rhône-Alpes)
June 1st - 2nd, 2014
www.ardeche-verte.com
Reenactment of the first hot-air balloon flight – all performed in period costume and attracting aficionados from all over the world. The event will take place on the first Sunday in June.
Fourvière Nights
Lyon (Rhône-Alpes)
June 3th – July 30th, 2014
www.nuitsdefourviere.fr
Eclectic cultural and seasonal events take place in the exceptional setting of the Roman ruins of Fourvière.
Fête de la Transhumance
Die (Rhône-Alpes)
3rd week of June
www.diois-tourisme.com
Big festival celebrating the ascent to the mountain meadows, involving music events, local produce markets and of course the procession of herds of sheep in Die and at Rousset pass in the Vercors.
Lyon Biennale (Dance)
Lyon (Rhône-Alpes)
September 10-30, 2014
www.labiennaledelyon.com
16th edition of this festival.
Light Festival
Lyon (Rhône-Alpes)
December 5 to 8, 2014
www.lumieres.lyon.fr
On the evening of 8th December, the people of Lyon put candles in their windows as they have done for the last 150 years to celebrate light! There are artists from all disciplines who design the most ephemeral works around the subject of light.
UNESCO Heritage
Grasse (Riviera)
www.grasse.fr
Grasse has submitted application to UNESCO for consideration of its perfume knowledge, tradition and industry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Les Alpes de la Mer
Riviera
http://fr.marittimemercantour.eu
Since the creation of two adjacent parks – Mercantour National Park in France and Alpi Marittime National Park in Italy – with a shared cultural wealth and natural landscape, they have developed an increasingly close collaboration. Officially twinned in 1987, the two parks signed a charter of cooperation in 1998 and, as of 2011, approved the creation of a legal means for pursuing cross-border management.
101st Tour de France
www.letour.fr
Running from Saturday July 5th to Sunday July 27th 2014, the 101th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,656 kilometres (before ratification). The Tour de France will start in Yorkshire, England and will finish in Paris.
