NATIONAL FESTIVALS

Fête de la Musique
June 21, 2015
http://www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr/en [2]
First held in France in 1982 on the summer solstice, this music festival is now an international success, with events from Philadelphia to Brisbane to Beijing. It remains a popular gathering of, often, spontaneous events that give equal place to amateur and professional musicians with no particular focus on any one kind of music. More than anything, it is a showcase for new musical trends and a renewal of traditional music, whether world music, choirs, rap or techno.

European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine)
September 12 to 13, 2015
http://www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr/ [3]
Every year since 1984, the Ministry of Culture has thrown open the doors of its greatest monuments to the general public. Celebrated throughout Europe starting in 1991, guided access is now made available to any institution providing an important public service, form the best known to the most obscure. Today, more than 16,000 sites in France alone are responsible for 20,000 events, including guided tours, workshops and demonstrations, concerts, theatrical performances, walks etc.

Gastronomy Festival (Fête de la Gastronomie)
Fourth weekend of September 2015
http://www.economie.gouv.fr/fete-gastronomie [4]
The Fête de la Gastronomie is all about food and cooking, an occasion when the general public and food professionals get together to celebrate the unique, unifying, identity-creating elements of French heritage, now even registered on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The aim is to spotlight gastronomy in all its many and diverse forms and invite everyone, whether true foodies or just curious observers, to enjoy French gastronomy’s many treasures, wherever they may be.

ALSACE

Christmas Market in Alsace
Throughout Alsace
November 25, 2014 to January 6, 2015
http://noel.tourisme-alsace.com [5]
Christmas in Alsace is when towns and villages shine with a thousand lights. It's also a time of storytelling, caroling, renewing ancient regional traditions, enjoying recipes handed down through generations and rediscovering one's youth in a friendly and generous atmosphere. The festival period begins on the day of St. Catherine and finishes on the Epiphany.

AQUITAINE

Truffle Festival (Fête de la Truffe)
Sarlat (Aquitaine)
First weekend in January
www.sarlat-tourisme.com [6]
Every year, Sarlat gives itself over to the refinement of foie gras and truffles. The extremely popular festival is an homage to local gastronomy during which everyone can taste these noble products and meet great names in French cuisine. Events include cooking classes, demonstrations and competitions; truffle hunting and identification; and, of course, tastings!

Basque Music Festival
Throughout Basque Aquitaine
September 2015
http://www.musiquecotebasque.fr [7]
Over the course of six decades, Musique en Cote Basque has presented to the public the greatest soloists, ensembles and chamber orchestras in France. Always mindful of local realities and in search of ways to create unique moments in lively locales, Musique en Cote Basque brings to life the music of Schubert, Ravel, Falla, Franck and Rimsky-Korsakov in the exquisite, purple- and gold-tinted light of September's evenings.

AUVERGNE

37th International Short Film Festival (International du Court Métrage)
Clermont-Ferrand (Auvergne) January 30 to February 7, 2015
http://www.clermont-filmfest.com/index.php?nlang=2 [8]
Every year, more than 3,000 film professionals and enthusiasts converge on Clermont-Ferrand for the world’s largest short film festival. National, international and lab competitions present the best new groundbreaking films – animations, documentaries, comedies, fictions, genre films and even graduation shorts – complemented by a large number of retrospectives. Screenings are hosted throughout the city with concerts each evening.

30th Street Theater Festival of Aurillac (Festival d'Aurillac)
Aurillac (Auvergne)
August 18 to 22, 2015
http://www.aurillac.net/index.php/en [9]
This five-day international festival of street theater annually welcomes more 120,000 spectators, 500 visiting companies, 20 official troupes and plenty of acrobats, musicians, puppeteers and actors.

BURGUNDY

Saint-Vincent Tournante
Gilly-lès-Cîteaux & Vougeot (Burgundy)
January 24 & 25, 2015
http://www.st-vincent-tournante.fr [10]
Traditional festival of the patron saint of winegrowers, held the third weekend of January. Festivities, wine tastings and banquets in a different village every year.

Saint-Vincent Tournante du Chablisien
January 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.chablis.fr [11]
The Chablis vineyards also celebrate Saint-Vincent.

Donkey Festival (Fête de l’Âne)
Sens (Burgundy)
January 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.office-de-tourisme-sens.com [12]
Exhibitions, conferences, carriage rides, medieval food, activities and workshops in the Musées de Sens. All public performances.

Festival Art Danse
Dijon (Burgundy)
January 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.art-danse.com [13]
Contemporary dance festival allowing for the discovery and meeting of the choreographers, dancers and professionals who keep the discipline vital.

Chalon-sur-Saône Carnaval
Chalon-sur-Saône (Burgundy)
February 2015
http://www.carnavaldechalon.com [14]
Second only to Nice as the biggest carnival celebration! By the Saône River, laugh fully at the spectacle of giant cardboard heads.

Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges Wine Sale
Nuits-Saint-Georges (Burgundy)
February 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.ot-nuits-st-georges.fr [15]
The famous wine auction during which the previous year's harvest is sold. Many other activities also take place, like a half marathon through the vineyards, shows, a chocolate salon, tastings and more.

Fête du Crémant et du Tape Chaudrons
Châtillon-sur-Seine (Burgundy)
March 14, 2015
http://www.mairie-chatillon-sur-seine.fr [16]
Highly colorful festivities centered around bubbly wine.

Florissimo
Dijon (Burgundy)
March 19-29, 2015
http://www.florissimo.fr [17]
Considered one of the most prestigious in Europe, this flower expo only takes place every five years. The theme of the 10th edition in 2015, is “A Symphony of Light and Plant Life.”

Theater in May (Théâtre en mai) in Dijon
Dijon (Burgundy)
May 22-31, 2015
http://www.tdb-cdn.com/theatre-en-mai-0 [18]
Young talent and old masters, actor-authors and inventors of unique worlds all gather together to create atypical and high-quality performances.

Gourmand Days (Journées gourmandes) du Grand Morvan et des pays de Bourgogne
Saulieu (Burgundy)
May 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.saulieu.fr [19]
Food fair uniting producers from the Morvan and the Burgundy region.

Les Montgolfiades
Chalon-sur-Saône (Burgundy)
June 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.montgolfiades71.com [20]
This ballooning and wine festival brings together 50 balloons from all across Europe during the Pentecost weekend. Numerous activities include wine tastings, exhibitions, demonstrations, games, music, entertainment and, of course, hot air balloon flights.

Forgive the Sailors (Pardon des Mariniers)
Saint-Jean-de-Losne (Burgundy)
June 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.saone-tourisme.fr [21]
On the banks of the Saône, Pardon des Mariniers keeps alive the traditional jobs that take place on the water. It's a huge party for boaters and boatmen.

International Gastronomy Fair (Foire Internationale et Gastronomique)
Dijon (Burgundy)
June 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.foirededijon.com [22]
Attracting nearly 600 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors, the international and gastronomic fair of Dijon is the sixth-largest international fair in France and Burgundy's most important economic event. Every year, one country is given the honor of hosting the event through its culinary specialties. A wine fair also showcases a foreign vineyard (South Africa, Portugal).

Coupes Moto Légende
Prenois (Burgundy)
June 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.coupes-moto-legende.fr [23]
This is Europe's largest motorcycle rally, a truly festive gathering.

Francos gourmandes
Tournus (Burgundy)
June 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.francosgourmandes.fr [24]
A two-day festival of music and gastronomy. Les Francos Gourmandes invites headliner acts to perform on stage and in the kitchen, all in a friendly atmosphere by the Saône. Between concerts, visitors dine in the Allée des Chefs or taste local specialties in numerous popup wine bars.

Festival Musical des Grands Crus de Bourgogne
Côte-d’Or, Saône-et-Loire and Yonne
June-October
http://www.musicalgrandscrus-bourgogne.fr [25]
Combine music and wine – that's what this festival is all about. Chablis, Noyers-sur-Serein, Meursault, Gevrey-Chambertin and Cluny are the scenes of around 50 concerts and 30 events focusing on wine.

Les Zaccros d'ma Rue
Nevers (Burgundy)
July 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://zaccros.org [26]
Circus troupes “invade” the streets of Nevers every summer. And with them they bring shows, concerts and performances, each one crazier than the next! More than 200 performances are on the program every year to the delight of all audience.

Chalon in the Street (Chalon dans la Rue)
Chalon-sur-Saône (Burgundy)
July 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.chalondanslarue.com [27]
This popular and sought-after street-performance festival uses the city as its playground. Chalon-sur-Saône turns into a huge stage where thousands of spectators become both the actors and the performers. There's theater, concerts, exhibition, poetry and humor for five days with over 1,000 artists who strut their stuff in front of 350,000 spectators.

Festival International d’Opéra Baroque
Beaune (Burgundy)
July 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.festivalbeaune.com [28]
One of the top European festivals focused on Baroque music. Enjoyed in the most prestigious places of the wine capital of Burgundy.

History Show at the Château de Saint-Fargeau
July & August, 2015
http://www.chateau-de-st-fargeau.com [29]
In the exceptional setting of the castle and park, 15 paintings are staged using as many as 600 actors, like Joan of Arc's epic, Héribert's hunt, the French Revolution and American troops passing through Puisaye. All in all, the show covers more than 1,000 years of history.

Maillotines Nights (Nuits Maillotines)
Joigny (Burgundy)
July & August, 2015
http://www.joigny-tourisme.com [30]
Unusual guided tours use music, song, dance and theater to share this “City of Art and History” in a different light.

Hurdy Festival (Fête de la vielle)
Anost (Burgundy)
August 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.ugmm.org [31]
This is one of the largest festivals of traditional music and dance. Over the course of four days, Anost rings with the sounds of bagpipes, violins, accordions and the hurdy-gurdy.

Music Festival under the Vaults (Festival Musiques en voûtes)
September 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.quatuormanfred.com [32]
This traveling festival offers chamber music concerts in exceptional Romanesque settings in the four Burgundian departments.

Fantastic Picnic
September 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.burgundy-tourism.com [33]
At the same time as the Fête de la Gastronomie in the first weekend of autumn, “Fantastic Picnics” take place in unexpected places throughout the region. They're the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and celebrate the gastronomic heritage of Burgundy.

Press Festival (Fête de la Pressée)
Chenôve (Burgundy)
September 18-20
http://www.ville-chenove.fr [34]
This vineyard festival takes place every year on the third weekend of September in the old quarter of Chenôve. The grape presses of the Dukes of Burgundy come alive at this unforgettable time of celebration.

Les Automnales de Pommard
http://www.beaune-tourisme.fr [35]
This fun family wine festival is all about discovering the Pommard appellation. Festival activities include wine tastings, cellar visits and vineyard walks.

Hospices de Beaune Wine Sale
Beaune (Burgundy)
Third weekend of November
http://www.beaune-tourisme.fr [35]
This most famous charity wine sale in the world has existed for more than 150 years. Every year, a celebrity lends a hand to help sell the best wines. This event includes many festivities: street shows, gala dinners and, of course, wine tasting, all in the bustling city.

Truffle Market (Marché aux truffes)
Noyers-sur-Serein (Burgundy)
November 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.noyers-et-tourisme.com [36]
Fans of black gold meet together in one of the most beautiful village in France, located in the Yonne.

Les Glorieuses de Bresse
Louhans (Burgundy)
Mid-December 2015 (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.glorieusesdebresse.com [37]
The volaille de Bresse festival takes place in mid-December. Four dates in four Bresse cities, including a festive weekend in Louhans, culminate with the annual AOC poultry beauty contest.

CHAMPAGNE

La Route Touristique du Champagne en Fête
Les Riceys (Champagne)
August 1 to 2, 2015
http://2014.routeduchampagne.com [38]
In the south of Champagne, wine growers from the Seine Valley invite 25,000 to 40,000 people to a musical and gourmet stroll in the heart of their villages. The goal of this extraordinary weekend is to open wine cellars and bottles in a different part of the Côte de Bar each year. A champagne glass and trip log provide access to a free tasting in every participating domain.

International Puppet Theater Festival (Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes)
Charleville-Mézières (Champagne)
September 18 to 27, 2015
http://www.festival-marionnette.com [39]
This is now the biggest event of its kind in the world. Every two years, the festival showcases cultures and traditions from all places and times, including Indonesian shadow puppets, Vietnamese water puppets, giant puppets from Mali, Pulcinella and so on. Some 600 shows by 50 quality performance groups over 10 days also reveal the sophistication and complexity of this constantly changing art form.

FRENCH ALPS

Christmas, A Magical Week
Courchevel (French Alps)
December 21 to 24, 2014
http://www.courchevel.com/winter/en/christmas-a-magical-week-n163-ev12.html [40]
La Semaine Enchantée de Noël sees the magical transformation of the ski station of Courchevel. Free entertainment for the whole family includes a Christmas market, ski spectacles, enchanting theater for young and old alike, children's workshops, fireworks and the arrival of Father Christmas.

Nocturnal Mens' Slalom World Cup
Chamonix (French Alps)
January 2 to 3, 2015
http://www.sarlat-tourisme.com [6]
Birthplace of the 1st Winter Olympics in 1924, the Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley has hosted some of the most prestigious international events, such as the 1937 and 1962 World Championships and 20 or so editions of the Kandahar (Alpine Skiing World Cup) since 1948. This winter, Europe’s best slalom skiers will be cutting edges in a nocturnal event to take place on the Planards red run. Thousands of spectators are expected to encourage the competitors from the sidelines. Just before the prize ceremony, the ski instructors of the Chamonix ESF French ski school will set the run ablaze one last time with a torchlight descent.

Red Bull Linecatcher
Les Arcs (French Alps)
January 17 to 24, 2015
http://lesarcs.com [41]
The world’s finest European and American freeskiers will return to Les Arcs PARADISKI for the seventh edition of the planet’s biggest backcountry competition. Part freeride, part freestyle skiing, participants hike up to the starting gate, then take turns heading back down in the most epic manner possible.

Alpine Skiing European Cup
Val d’Isère (French Alps)
January 19 to 24, 2015
http://www.valthorens.com [42]
The Bellevarde Face will play host to this major downhill alpine skiing race featuring the best European racers. The European Cup races include downhill and SuperG courses.

22nd Classicaval Music Festival
Val d'Isère (French Alps)
January 20 to 22 & March 10 to 12, 2015
http://www.festival-classicaval.com [43]
A not-to-be-missed winter event, the two parts of the Classicaval music festival have attracted classical music lovers to the Baroque church of Saint-Bernard de Menthon for more than 20 years. Sharing the emotional gift of the musicians is the heart and soul of Classicaval.

Skicolor: Colorful Action on the Pistes
Les Gets (French Alps)
January 31, 2015
http://www.skicolor.com [44]
Mont Chéry's immaculate white slopes will be the setting for this vividly colorful new event – a first for a ski resort. Dressed in white, skiers will plunge down the piste through an explosion of color bursting from the 100% naturally colored powder snow shooting over them. The aim is to be the most colorful by the time you reach the bottom. In the evening there will be music with live DJs, all with Mont Blanc as a backdrop!

12th Gorzderette
Champagny en Vanoise (French Alps)
January 31 to February 1, 2015
http://gorzderette.free.fr [45]
Gorzderette is a fun and original event, a cult happening that has become one of the top meetings for mountain enthusiasts. Last year, 450 participants competed in the multi-activity tournament: ice climbing and other trials or events that combine different alpine disciplines.

Ice Climbing World Cup
Champagny en Vanoise (French Alps)
February 5 to 7, 2015
http://laplagne.com [46]
The Ice Climbing World Cup event in Champagny en Vanoise has become one of the most important in the international competition schedule. In 2014, the ice tower was scaled by more than 100 athletes from 19 different countries, competing in both the difficulty and speed trials.

Live in Tignes
Tignes (French Alps)
February 7 to March 7, 2015
http://www.tignes.net/en [47]
This winter, the holidays in February will echo with the sound of free concerts. The "Live in Tignes" concerts are back with four weeks, four concerts and four internationally renowned artists on the program. This year the artists and their fans will meet outside, in the heart of the natural mountain amphitheater at 7,000 feet.

International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art
Courchevel (French Alps)
February 12 to March 5, 2015
http://www.courchevel.com/winter/en/international-festival-of-pyrotechnic-art-n163-ev22.html [48]
Looking ahead to its 13th year, the Festival International d’Art Pyrotechnique is a one-of-a-kind pyrotechnics competition between companies specializing in fireworks displays and keen to demonstrate their skills to more than 8,000 spectators.

70th Anniversary of the ESF French Ski School of Chamonix
Chamonix (French Alps)
February 27, 2015
http://www.esfchamonix.com [49]
In keeping with tradition, all the ski instructors of the Chamonix ESF are teaming up to organize a fabulous party! On February 27, young and old alike are invited at the end of the afternoon to join the procession heading for the Maison de la Montagne for a evening with the happy crowd. Expect street artists, live music, a giant afternoon tea offered to all, hot wine and a giant tartiflette. A giant tombola will also be set up to raise funds for the Emergency Fund and a light show will bring the evening to a colorful close. Don’t miss the torchlight descents organized on the Planards or Savoy runs every week during the winter school vacations.

Rock the Pistes Festival
Les Portes du Soleil (French Alps)
March 14 to 21, 2015
http://www.rockthepistes.com [50]
This event, marking the start of the festival season, combines snow sports and music. There are free, open-air daytime concerts in a different Portes du Soleil resort each day, and your ski-pass is good as your ticket. Ski from venue to venue, between France and Switzerland and find the surprise festival stages erected over night. Many well-known artists have already graced the slopes: Ben l’Oncle Soul, Pete Doherty, BB Brunes, Klaxons, Bertignac, Superbus, Caravan Palace and Shaka Ponk.

Winter Golf
Val d’Isère (French Alps)
March 25 to 29, 2015
http://www.valdisere.com/valdisere/en/evenements/temps_forts/winter_golf [51]
Golf on snow? You bet. This is the third Winter Golf Cup in the Manchet Valley, and it is a competition, events and courses open to everyone. Yes, when the Winter Golf comes to Val d’Isère, things really heat up in the village with street golf at nightfall. Then, at dawn, 40 teams of two players (Pro-Am) head out to the specially prepared nine-hole course in the Manchet Valley.

Black Weekend
Chamonix (French Alps)
April 3 to 6, 2015
http://www.chamonix.com/black-week-end [52]
For the eighth consecutive year, a wave of electronic music will unfurl in the Chamonix valley. The festival will take music to greater heights, with concerts programmed up in the mountains for enthusiasts' pleasure.

Spring Skiing in Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry
Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry (French Alps)
April 11 to 24, 2015
http://lesarcs.com [41] / http://peisey-vallandry.com [53]
Fifteen days of out-of-this-world activities, challenges and shows take over the slopes of Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry. Highlights include a demonstration and introduction to slack-lining and Ride ‘n Golf; a beach party with a water slide for skiing or snowboarding across the pool; and, at the 10,584-foot summit of the Aiguille Rouge, Europe's highest concert!

Les 3 Vallées Enduro
Val Thorens (French Alps)
April 12, 2015
http://www.valthorens.com [42]
The leading 3 Vallées spring skiing event is about to start a new chapter. Over the past 10 years, it bas become the biggest gathering of amateur skiers in the world. More than 1,500 participants every year earn points in teams of three by completing various challenges (big-air bag, speed skiing, freeriding, ski cross, freestyle, parallel slalom) in locations all around the ski area. Activities can be carried out on downhill or cross-country skis, as well as snowboards.

Feria Blanche Courchevel
Courchevel (French Alps)
April 18 to 19, 2015
http://www.courchevel.com/winter/en/feria-blanche-courchevel-2015-n163-ev511.html [54]
Celebrate the end of the Courchevel winter season with the Feria Blanche. Do some spring skiing in a festival atmosphere complete with live music, Easter egg hunts, clearance sales and opportunities to try out new products and materials.

Apothéose Days
Val Thorens (French Alps)
May 2015
http://www.valthorens.com [42]
The unmissable end-of-ski-season party in France is a new snow-sports concept that alternates between morning spring skiing and afternoon entertainment, including activities to be enjoyed with family and friends. This fun international sports event adds enjoyment to the long spring days through a number of activities and a wide range of entertainment, such as a water slide, ski jumps, performances and street art.

Two New Lifts for "Step into the Void®"
Chamonix (French Alps)
http://www.compagniedumontblanc.fr [55]
The Aiguille du Midi cable car that began operating in 1955 was for a long time the highest in Europe. For years it has carried thousands of passengers – oglers and mountaineers – to the high mountain area in just 30 minutes, all to enjoy the panorama of the Mont Blanc range and the neighboring Alps. "Step into the Void®" – an eight-foot-long glass cage suspended over a 3,000-foot drop – inaugurated in 2013 marks a new era in the history of this site. On the strength of its success, to improve access to the terrace at the summit and to "Step into the Void®", the Mont Blanc Company is building a second lift up the centre peak. When ready by the end of April 250, two lifts will transport up to eight passengers each instead of a single lift transporting 16.

GUADELOUPE ISLANDS

Shrove Tuesday
Pointe-à-Pitre/Basse-Terre (Guadeloupe)
February 2015
http://www.guadeloupe-islands.com [56]
Shrove Sunday begins with parades, dancing, costumes, masquerades and street parties. Two days later, on Shrove Tuesday, pajama-clad masqueraders dance in the streets throughout the day and late into the night. This is Guadeloupe’s Carnival, but it is unique in that it finishes on Ash Wednesday. The biggest parades are held in Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre, but Carnival is celebrated in every town and village.

Crab Festival (Fête du Crabe)
Morne à l’eau (Guadeloupe)
April 19-20, 2015
http://www.maguadeloupe.ca [57]
Crab-oriented events made the reputation of this annual crowd-pleasing festival. Crab races, biggest crab competitions, and crab-tying and crab-eating tournaments, as well as cooking competitions using crab-based recipes and discussions about crabs are all part of the festivities. The festival is also a time for great entertainment and and cultural exchange.

Land Rover Fishing Festival
Saint-François (Guadeloupe)
May 28 to June 1, 2015
http://www.landroverfishingfestival.com [58]
The Marina of Saint-François hosts this deep-sea fishing tournament. A minimum weight is required for each fish caught, so as not to deplete local resources. (Small fish are counted but released.) Prizes are awarded to the top three boats as well as to the tournament record fish, the largest fish by species, the best woman angler and the best junior. Special activities take place each day in the fishermen's village, including fishing instruction for kids, fish tasting and sales.

Terre de Blues – Marie Galante Jazz Festival
Marie-Galante (Guadeloupe)
June 6-9, 2015
http://www.terredeblues.com [59]
The 16th annual edition of this acclaimed four-day jazz festival will continue the tradition of bringing exceptional music to more than 15,000 people. In addition to the main stage and large food court on the festival grounds of the historical Murat Plantation, in town there's a artisan's exhibition and a central performance area open to amateurs giving free concerts.

Gwo Ka Fesitval
Sainte-Anne (Guadeloupe)
July 10-14, 2015
http://www.guadeloupe-islands.com [56]
This is a traditional, annual drum festival that draws in both locals and visitors. The term "gwoka" today describes the music, songs and dance steps using a Guadeloupean drum of the same name. Although once considered part of a subculture, gwoka has become an integral and unique part of Guadeloupean society, with the drum itself recognized as a special musical instrument and the drumming techniques and repertoire taught in music schools.

Tour de Guadeloupe Traditional Sailing Race (en Voile Traditionnelle)
Guadeloupe Islands
July 11 to 19, 2015
http://www.tgvt.fr [60]
Sail around the Guadeloupe Islands on traditional sailboats. Enjoyed by thousands of aficionados over the course of more than 10 years, this annual sailing race is a keystone of Guadeloupean culture. During nine days, sailors make their way cross around the archipelago aboard their traditional boats and celebrate at each of eight stops.

International "Tour de Guadeloupe" Cycling Race
Guadeloupe Islands
August 1-10, 2015
http://www.guadeloupe-islands.com [56]
The Tour de Guadeloupe is an annual men's multiple-stage road bicycle race. It is the country's oldest and most popular sports event, as the entire nation joins in. Over the course of nine or 10 days, cyclists cover more than 750 miles and everyone celebrates their progress.

Jou a Tradisyon
Baie-Mahault (Guadeloupe)
December 15, 2015
http://www.baiemahault.fr [61]
Held in at the Jarry Economic Activities Park in partnership with the Farmers Association of Baie-Mahault, this is an annual agricultural, artisanal, culinary and floral gathering. It is the island's largest celebration of local products and economic and cultural heritage.

ILE-DE-FRANCE

Provins Christmas Festival
Provins (Ile-de-France)
December 13-14, 2014
http://provins.net [62]
In December, this World Heritage-listed city comes to life with a vibrant Medieval market, day and night, on the plaza before the castle; a living crèche with 50 actors; an underground storytelling theater; an artisanal village market with a large ice-skating rink; a steam train; as well as a dance spectacle, concerts, illustrators and much more.

Natalie Dessay & Laurent Naouri
Château de Versailles (Ile-de-France)
February 1, 2015
http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en/spectacles/2014/natalie-dessay-laurent-naouri [63]
Melodies are a part of a strong French musical tradition. The modern versions are, to a certain extent, heirs to baroque court arias, the brief melodies that also inspired French 19th- and 20th-century composers. A couple in life as on stage, Laurent Naouri and Nathalie Dessay have developed an art of melody, nourished and enriched by their experiences in operatic roles. These two exceptional singers have chosen the intimate setting of the Opéra Royal to share their melodic secrets.

Vaux le Vicomte Race, 3rd edition
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
February 1, 2015
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
The third edition of the "Foulées de Vaux le Vicomte" will be held on the first Sunday of February: a unique race in the heart of the French formal garden of Vaux le Vicomte.

Fontainebleau Castle Carnival
Fontainebleau (Ile-de-France)
February 21, 2015
http://www.amischateaufontainebleau.org [65]
At this commemoration of the traditional grand royal festivals of the past, you are invited to don a disguise, visit the castle and take part in a variety of events.

Public Opening of the Château Vaux le Vicomte
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
March 8th, 2015
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
The château of Vaux le Vicomte opens on March 8th.

Musical Fountains Show
Château de Versailles (Ile-de-France)
April to October 2015
http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en [66]
Discover the groves of Versailles, and the fountains whose jets of water rise and fall in time to the music.

Vaux le Vicomte Easter Celebration
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
April 4-6, 2015
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
A large Easter egg hunt will be organized in the gardens. With the support of Leonidas, more than 50,000 eggs (or 3 tons of chocolate!) will be hidden throughout the gardens.

The Keys to the Castle
Fontainebleau (Ile-de-France)
April 18-30, 2015
http://www.amischateaufontainebleau.org [65]
Travel back in time and meet major historical figures played by actors wearing period costumes. Whom do you think you'll confront in the castle's Grands Appartements?

Candlelit Evenings at Vaux le Vicomte
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
Every Saturday evening from May to October
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
Vaux le Vicomte can be visited under the glow of 2,000 lit candles. To accompany this festival of light, classical music is played, evoking a night of festivities that dates back to 1661.

History of Art Festival (Festival de l’Histoire de l’Art)
Fontainebleau (Ile-de-France)
May 29-31, 2015
http://www.festivaldelhistoiredelart.com [67]
More than 300 free happenings - conferences, debates, roundtables, screenings, concerts, lectures, activities and more - are slated to take place as part of a commitment to help kids learn about the history of art in a fun way.

The Fountains Night Show
Château de Versailles (Ile-de-France)
Mid-June to Mid-September 2015
http://en.chateauversailles.fr [68]
When night falls, the palace gardens transform into a stunning visual and musical treat. This year once again, lighting and stage-effects artists will illuminate the gardens and display their surprising installations to visitors: water features in the Mirror Fountain, lasers streaking across the dark in the Colonnade Grove and a fireworks display in front of the Grand Canal.

11th Edition of the 'Journée Grand Siècle'
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
June 21, 2015
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
Experience life in the royal court during the 17th century featuring activities such as: a luncheon on the grass, a 17th-century elegance contest, fencing, horse show, baroque dance & more. Costume-hire possible at the chateau.

Louis XIV Night by William Christie
Château de Versailles (Ile-de-France)
June 25 to 26, 2015
http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en/spectacles/2014/louis-xiv-night-william-christie [69]
This historical and entertaining performance marks the 300th anniversary of the death of the Sun King. It is also a perfect occasion for William Christie and the Arts Florissants to do a day of music at Louis XIV’s court. The master of ceremonies will be Louis XIV himself. He will guide the spectators through the palace (Opéra Royal, Chapelle Royale and Hall of Mirrors) and describe the splendors of the Court ceremonies.

Anna Netrebko Gala
Château de Versailles (Ile-de-France)
July 4, 2015
http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en/spectacles/2014/anna-netrebko-gala [70]
Anna Netrebko is one of the most acclaimed and widely-recognized classical singers in the world today, a soprano regularly headlining productions at virtually every leading opera house across the globe. Hailed by the Associated Press as "the reigning new diva of the early 21st century," she will appear for a night at the Château de Versailles to sing opera arias, duos and trios.

Commemoration of Nicolas Fouquet’s Magnificent Party
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
August 17, 2015
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
The château will organize a festival on August 17, to celebrate Nicolas Fouquet's lavish party in 1661, which founded the château .

Palace of Chocolate
Château de Vaux le Vicomte (Ile-de-France)
November 7 & 8, 2015
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en [64]
Awaken your senses and admire the skills of great chocolate-makers, savor their chocolate creations, and discover the secrets of cocoa.

LANGUEDOC

The Great Roman Games (Les Grands Jeux Romains)
Aigues-Mortes (Languedoc)
May 2 to 3, 2015
http://grandsjeuxromains.com [71]
A spectacle like no other in France. Staged combat, shows, field camps, theme visits, displays, conferences and more bring to life this annual historical reenactment of life in Roman times. In 2015, the festival weekend will focus on Hannibal, considered one of the world's greatest military strategists. More than 500 participants will participate in military parades through the city, as well as gladiator battles and circus games in the arenas.

Medieval Festival of Saint Louis (Les Fêtes de la St Louis)
Aigues-Mortes (Languedoc)
August 22 to 23, 2015
http://www.ot-aiguesmortes.fr/en/ [72]
In mid-August, the whole city opens its eyes to a time warp, as if thrust back into the Middle Ages, complete with costume parades, taverns, medieval markets, flag throwers, knights in combat, shows, balls, field camps and old-fashioned farms.

LORRAINE

Foie Gras Regional Festival (Fête Régionale du Foie Gras)
Phalsbourg (Lorraine)
December 13 to 14 & 20 to 21, 2014
http://www.phalsbourg.fr [73]
This unmissable gourmet rendezvous gives pride of place to foie gras. Forty or so producers and artisans offer tastings and sale of their regional products in parallel with activities like cooking demonstrations with regional chefs and workshops. Other regional products are also on display, including wine, mirabelle plums, cheese, bread, chocolate, oils, honey, farm produce and even oysters.

Lorraine Mondial Air Ballon
Chambley-Bussières (Lorraine)
July 24 to August 2, 2015
http://www.pilatre-de-rozier.com [74]
Every two years, in July, the largest international gathering of approximately 1,000 hot air balloons and their pilots from more than 60 countries and all seven continents takes place at the Chambley-Bussières air field, between Nancy and Metz. Fun programs include first flights, aerial demonstrations, kites, mini balloons, imaginative balloons in new shapes and night flights.

Mirabelle Plum Festival (Fête de la Mirabelle)
Metz (Lorraine)
August 2015
http://www.tourisme-lorraine.fr/mirabelle [75] / http://www.fetesdelamirabelle.fr [76]
The delicate and subtle aroma, and sweet and juicy pulp make the mirabelle plum a true treasure of Lorraine. More than 250,000 trees account for 90% of global production. In fact, since 1996, the mirabelle plum of Lorraine has benefited from a PGI (protected geographical indication) label, a guarantee of its provenance and quality. The mirabelle plum festival celebrates this golden fruit through parades, balls, performances and fireworks.

St Nicolas Festival
Nancy (Lorraine)
Dates TBC
http://www.tourisme-lorraine.fr [77]
Amid so many other festivities, the St Nicolas in Nancy is the event not to be missed, the most important weekend celebration of the year. The whole city gives itself over to the party with theater, acrobats or musicians in every decoration-draped street. Kids typically receive gifts, and in some cases they're more important than those shared at Christmas. There are also major St. Nicolas festivals in the villages of St. Nicolas de Port and Bar-le-Duc, and the cities of Metz and Epinal.

Christmas Markets in Metz
Metz (Lorraine)
November 22 to December 28, 2015
http://www.noel-a-metz.com [78]
This is the most important Christmas market in the east of France, marking the beginning of the end of the year. Like a little village set in the center of the city, more than 80 pine-wood chalets of all different colors sprout into being and draw crowds of young and old into a welcome fairytale setting. The Christmas market takes over several locations in the city and includes Europe's largest Ferris wheel and a huge skating rink.

MARTINIQUE

Rum Festival (Fête du Rhum)
Sainte-Marie (Martinique)
December 14, 2014
http://www.martinique.org [79]
In the gardens of the St James distillery, look for a craft village, rides on board the plantation train, concerts, group walks and Christmas carols.

Martinique Caribbean Carnival
Fort-de-France (Martinique)
January 25, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
Carnaval festivities kick off with musical street parades and an exhibition village centered around the crafts and activities associated with the celebrations.

Martinique Cata Raid
January 26 to 31, 2015
http://martiniquecataraid.com/fr/Accueil [80]
This sports catamaran regatta of 45 vessels circles the island in five stages.

Arrival of the Panerai Transat Classique
Fort-de-France (Martinique)
Late January, 2015
http://www.paneraitransatclassique.com [81]
For the first time ever, Martinique is part of this celebrated transatlantic race only open to classic and vintage sailboats.

Arrival of the Transquadra
Le Marin (Martinique)
Beginning February 7, 2015
http://www.transquadra.com [82]
Teams of one or two compete in this triennial transatlantic sailboat race for amateur skippers at least 40 years old. The race departed Barcelona and Saint-Nazaire in July 2014 and will push ahead from Madeira on January 24, 2015.

Nautical Week (Semaine Nautique Internationale)
Schoelcher (Martinique)
February 13 to 17, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79] Participants from the Caribbean, Europe and North America are present for this international sailing competition, pitting themselves against sailors from Martinique in a variety of disciplines.

Carnaval!
February 15 to 18, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
Group parades, music, costumes, floats, burlesque weddings, red devil days and masks. During Carnaval, Martinique becomes a swirl of color and jubilation.

Festival Martizik
Sainte-Anne (Martinique)
May 1 to 3, 2015
http://www.martizik.com [83]
This festival of electronic and tropical music is the first eco-conscious festival in the Caribbean.

Gastronomy Week (Semaine Gastronomique)
Sainte-Marie (Martinique)
May 11 to 17, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
Creole cuisine takes center stage during this week showcasing the best chefs of Martinique and elsewhere.

Martinique Yole Festival
May 14, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
A festival celebrating the yole ronde, the traditional boat of Martinique, through yole ronde races, concerts, a crafts village and activities.

Haute Taille and Quadrilles Festival (Festival de Haute Taille et des Quadrilles du Monde)
Le François (Martinique)
June 19 to 23, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
Home of the traditional Haute Taille dance, the city of Le François celebrates it and the quadrille, both intimately linked to the history of Martinique. There are five days of performances, teaching workshops, exchanges and conferences.

Cultural Festival (Festival Culturel de Fort-de-France)
Fort-de-France (Martinique)
July 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
Every year there are favorite and unforgettable moments at this festival of world culture.

Le Tour de Martinique des Yoles Rondes
July 26 to August 2, 2015
http://www.martinique.org [79]
The most popular event in Martinique is this colorful weeklong water festival. More than 600 racers train with their yoles rondes, watched by pleasure boaters and thousands of passionate supporters.

MIDI-PYRENEES

Open Altitoy, World-Class Ski-Mountaineering Race
Luz Ardiden (Midi-Pyrénées)
January 31 to February 1, 2015
http://www.altitoy.com [84]
Open Altitoy has been declared one of the world's six best ski-mountaineering races and added to the Grande Course, a championship ski-mountaineering competition. The most popular and technical sporting event in the Pyrenees, Open Altitoy covers a different course every year and attracts more than 550 competitors.

Poney Session, Premier Snowboard Freestyle Event
Saint Lary (Midi-Pyrénées)
February 28 to March 1, 2015
http://www.poneysession.com [85]
Poney Session, now a five-star event on the World Snowboard Tour (WST), has become the largest snowboard gathering in France, one of the leading match-ups in Europe and also part of the Snowboard World Cup.

Rio Loco Celebrates 20 Years
Toulouse (Midi-Pyrenees)
Summer 2015 (Date TBD)
http://www.rio-loco.org [86]
In mid-summer, artists from the banks of the Nile, Ebre, Arno and Mississippi rivers, not to mention elsewhere, will all come together for Rio Loco, Toulouse's largest music festival, now in its 20th year. One musician already confirmed is Edmar Castaneda, whom the New York Times has called "almost a world unto himself."

Gavarnie Festival Turns 30
Gavarnie (Midi-Pyrenees)
Summer 2015 (Date TBD)
http://www.festival-gavarnie.com [87]
This remarkable open-air theater festival, held right at the gates of Pyrenees National Park, marks its 30th year in 2015. The Festival de Gavarnie is set in the Cirque de Gavarnie, part of the Pyrenees-Mont Perdu area that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the summer success in 2014 of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, who knows what surprises are planned for 2015?

Lourdes Launches the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2015
Lourdes (Midi-Pyrénées) June 11 to 14, 2015
http://www.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk/ [88] The International Cycling Union (UCI) Mountain Bike World Cup will launch its 2015 calendar with a downhill event on the Pic du Jer overlooking Lourdes. Although new to the World Cup, Lourdes has already hosted the French Cup and will present riders with a 1.5-mile-long course that descends 2,000 feet in altitude. The race will be broadcast live and followed by a worldwide internet audience of 2 million.

Medieval Festival of the Grand Falconer
Cordes-sur-Ciel (Midi-Pyrénées)
July 13 & 14, 2015
http://www.grandfauconnier.com [89]
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.

Evening candle-lit tours of the Château de Cénevières
Saint Cirq-Lapopie (Midi-Pyrénées) July 15 – August 26, 2015
http://www.chateau-cenevieres.com [90]
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.

EquiRando 2015 Gallops into Tarn-et-Garonne
Beaumont-de-Lomagne (Midi-Pyrénées)
July 24 to 26, 2015
http://www.ffe.com/equirando [91]
EquiRando is one of the largest European gatherings of equestrians and horse leaders who prefer to ride in the great outdoors. Simply for the love of it, participants travel from all over France and Europe to spend three days sharing and celebrating a passion for horses and nature.

Jazz in Marciac Marciac (Midi-Pyrénées)
July 27 – August 16, 2015
http://www.jazzinmarciac.com/ [92]
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 2015
http://www.pianojacobins.com [93]
The first festival in France entirely dedicated to piano performances, this event is a highlight of the city's festive autumn calendar.

Albi Welcomes International Cycle Tourism Week 2015
Albi (Midi-Pyrénées)
August 2 to 9, 2015
http://sf2015.ffct.org/international/uk-presentation.html [94]
Every year since 1927, cycle tourists from France and elsewhere have gathered together to discover the beauty and charm of a region in France. Their annual assembly (La semaine fédérale internationale du cyclotourisme) has become Europe's largest cycle tourist event, uniting more than 15,000 participants. In 2015, it is all happening in Albi.

Pope Francis Visits Lourdes
Lourdes (Midi-Pyrénées)
Date TBD
http://en.lourdes-france.org [95]
The little mountain town of Lourdes that every year receives six million travelers from 140 countries is preparing in 2015 to welcome one more very special one: Pope Francis. Dates have not yet been set.

NORMANDY

Scallop Festivals
Port-en-Bessin-Huppain & Grandcamp-Maisy (Normandy)
Winter 2015 (Dates TBC)
http://www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com [96] / http://www.isigny-grandcamp-intercom.fr [97]
Lower Normandy is a maritime region par excellence, where the scallop represents the main fishing product. Every year, in le Bessin, two fishing villages celebrate the start of scallop harvesting with festivals: "Le Goût du Large" in November in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain (north of Bayeux) and "La Coquille Saint-Jacques en Fête" in December in Grandcamp-Maisy (east of the Baie des Veys). Food tasting, cooking demonstrations, fish auctions, a book fair, concerts and guided tours are all on the program.

PARIS

Paris Jazz Festival
Paris
Early June to late July 2015
http://www.parisjazzfestival.fr [98]
Paris' premier jazz festival unfolds over the course of eight weeks in the Parc Floral botanical gardens of Paris. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014, it has been instrumental in helping jazz to keep reinventing itself rather than settling into a routine.

Paris Plages
Paris
Mid-July to mid-August 2015
http://www.paris.fr/english [99]
A Seine-side holiday. That, in a nutshell, is what Paris Plages is all about. The Seine’s banks become pedestrian byways and sandy beaches are spread across three spots – Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare and Bassin de la Villette – complete with deck chairs, ice cream sellers and concerts for French and foreign guests. Holidaymakers at the Bassin de la Villette can also borrow books free of charge, play beach volleyball, take an aqua-gym class in a mini pool, kayak around the lake or, of course, just chill and enjoy.

Rock en Seine
Paris
Late August 2015
http://www.rockenseine.com/en [100]
This three-day rock music festival is held in the park of the Château de Saint-Cloud, west of Paris, inside a garden designed by André Le Nôtre. 2014’s lineup included: The Hives, Arctic Monkey, Lana Del Ray, Queens of the Stone Age, Portishead and more.

Paris Design Week
Paris
Early September 2015
http://www.parisdesignweek.fr [101]
The design event of the season brings together the major players in Paris to celebrate design and share with a growing French and international audience the emerging trends of the year. It is imagined as an itinerary – free-ranging and free of charge – sprinkled with exhibits and parties, aimed at people passionate about furniture, decoration, fashion, gastronomy and art. Over 180 spaces – showrooms, concept stores, designers' workshops, galleries, cultural institutions, hotels and restaurants – 250 participants and 100,000 visitors join forces to offer an accessible, broad-based view of design.

Paris Electronic Week
Paris
Mid-September 2015
http://www.pariselectronicweek.fr [102]
This 10-day festival celebrates electronic music and culture through performances and workshops. Paris Electronic Week is organized by Technopol – Techno Parade, an association that, since 1996, has assisted in the development and promotion of electronic music and culture, as well as its adherents' networking and professionalism.

Nuit Blanche
Paris
October 3, 2015
http://quefaire.paris.fr/nuitblanche [103]
Nuit Blanche, a free, annual, dusk-to-dawn carnival of arts and culture, has become one of the most popular events on the Paris cultural calendar. It is an informal and relaxed way for the general public to become acquainted with contemporary artists in many settings – outdoors, in famous places in Paris, with children or friends, or just after eating in a restaurant. The success of this event, started in Paris in 2002, has led to its adoption in other cities like Rome, Brussels, Madrid and Montreal.

POITOU-CHARENTES

International Comic Strip Art Festival
Angoulême (Poitou-Charentes)
January 29 - February 1, 2015
http://www.bdangouleme.com [104]
Each year in Angoulême, the International Comic Strip Festival invades the town during the last weekend in January. Over 250 exhibitors and 1,600 authors from 36 nationalities will congregate with 220,000 festival goers. In 2014, the 41st edition was chaired byillustrator Willem. The Jury awarded the First Prize to Bill Watterson for Calvin and Hobbes.

Nuits Romanes (Roman Nights)
Throughout Poitou-Charentes
June to September
https://nuitsromanes.poitou-charentes.fr/Presentation [105]
All types of free entertainment, from street musicians to theatre and dance, enliven the evenings throughout Poitou-Charentes and underscore the region's rich Roman heritage. With something for adults and children alike, this amazing series of events fosters the discovery (and rediscovery) of new places in uncustomary guises.

Floating Market
Le Vanneau (Poitou-Charentes)
July 25, 2015
http://www.tourisme-deux-sevres.com/votre-sejour/a-voir-a-faire/130223-le-vanneau-irleau-et-son-marche-sur-leau [106]
In the heart of Deux-Sèvres, the Marais Poitevin is a marvelous aquatic labyrinth interspersed with little villages. In one such hamlet, Le Vanneau Irleau, the last Saturday of July sees a big floating market. Nearly 15,000 people attended the market last year, music to the ears of over 50 local producers selling their wares along the canals.

Cognac Blues Passions
Cognac (Poitou-Charentes)
June 29 – July 5, 2015
http://www.bluespassions.com [107]
World class music festival on the banks of the Charente. Cognac’s most famous export is undoubtedly its namesake but the town’s fame is now rising in the music world too thanks to its annual festival, Cognac Blues Passions. While the heart of the festival remains the blues and blues-derived music, the recent festivals have broadened their repertoire to include other music from across the world. Choose from simply enjoying the festival atmosphere at one of the many pavement bars and restaurants or buy a ticket to one of the daily events held in the beautiful botanic gardens.

Francofolies
La Rochelle (Poitou-Charentes)
July 10 – 14, 2015
http://www.francofolies.com [108]
All styles of French language music converge at one of France’s leading festivals held each summer. Les Francofolies welcomes all genres from soul to folk as well as hip hop, electro, blues and rock. With more than 250 concerts in eight different venues programmed across five days and nights, there is plenty to keep the most enthusiastic festival-goers entertained.

A Violin on the Sand
Royan (Poitou-Charentes)
July 18 – 25, 2015
http://www.violonsurlesable.com [109]
Classical and lyrical music festival with a symphonic orchestra comprising some 80 musicians from Paris Opera and other major orchestras. A Violin on the Sand is an invitation for kids and grownups alike to sit on the beach, facing the ocean with their heart amongst the stars, and to enjoy some of the most beautiful and unexpected classical music ever heard in such a location.

Fête du Cognac
Cognac (Poitou-Charentes)
July 23– 25, 2015
http://www.lafeteducognac.fr [110]
A celebration of the Charente area, the Fete du Cognac is a gastronomic event promoting cognac … and music. Over 22,000 plates of regional specialties were served last year and 55,000 glasses of cognac, pineau and various cocktails including the emblematic ‘Summit’. So feast during the day – there are five bars and 350 volunteers ready to serve you - and then enjoy some top line musicians performing in the evening. Stars such as The Stranglers are artists that have recently made an appearance.

Coup de Chauffe
Cognac (Poitou-Charentes)
September 2015
http://www.avantscene.com [111]
The 19th arts festival takes place annually in Cognac with thirty or so regional, national and European companies taking part to show more than 60 free shows – art in the streets.

Les Gastronomades
Angoulême (Poitou-Charentes)
November 2015
http://www.gastronomades.fr [112]
This unique annual event – a weekend dedicated entirely to regional food products and today's cuisine – welcomes more than 100,000 visitors eager to learn about farm-to-table practices and interact with masters of the kitchen: chefs, caterers, producers and journalists. It's an opportunity for everyone to learn about the culinary arts.

PROVENCE-ALPS-COTE D’AZUR

Truffle Festival (Fête de la Truffe)
Avignon (Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur)
February 2015
http://www.avignon-tourisme.com [113] / http://www.festiv-halles.com [114]
Every year, the covered market (les Halles) of Avignon fills with the fragrance of truffles, the black diamond once enjoyed by the resident pontiffs. Open until 3pm, the market also showcases Vaucluse chefs demonstrating their talents through culinary demonstrations. In the adjacent square, this one-day market makes it possible for everyone to sample and buy truffles and truffle-based products.

Truffolio
Pernes les Fontaines (Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur)
January 25, 2015
http://www.truffolio.org [115]
For the sixth time, the annual Truffolio truffle festival will bring together truffle producers, truffle tree farmers, cooks, scientists, artists and tour guides. On one day open to all, chefs, food lovers, enthusiasts, the uninitiated and the curious can enjoy the truffle and other local produce in the covered market hall. There will be truffle-hunting demonstrations, a procession of the truffle brotherhood, speeches about the truffle, truffled scrambled eggs and omelets tasting and more.

NORD-PAS DE CALAIS

Lille Flea Market (Braderie de Lille)
Lille (Nord-Pas de Calais)
September 5 to 6, 2015
http://www.braderie-de-lille.fr/ [116]
The Lille Flea Market is the largest and most famous flea market in Europe. Every year, more than two million visitors from all over the continent (and beyond) take to the streets of the city in search of bargains. Many events also take place throughout the weekend, not the least of which are focused on gastronomy.

RHONE-ALPS

Truffle Festival (Fête de la Truffe)
Saint Paul Trois Châteaux (Rhone-Alps)
Second weekend in February
http://www.truffle-and-truffe.com [117]
Everything you want to know about truffles, complete with sales, a market, truffle hunts, and of course sensory and taste appreciation.

Venice-Style Carnaval (Carnaval Vénitien)
Annecy (Rhone-Alps)
Mid-February
http://www.lac-annecy.com [118]
The canals of Annecy's old town remind people of those in Venice. And, just as in the City of the Doges, more than 200 people in masks parade along Annecy's canals during Carnaval.

Egg Festival (Fête des Oeufs)
Montrottier (Rhone-Alps)
Early April
http://www.fetedesoeufs.com [119]
Ever year since 1963, the Fête des Oeufs in this small village has attracted plenty of attention. More than 40,000 fresh eggs hidden by the locals are there for the finding. Free outdoor kids' events also help attract more than 15,000 people to the town and surrounds.

Nuits Sonores Music Festival
Lyon (Rhone-Alps)
Ascension weekend (May)
http://www.nuits-sonores.com [120]
Electronic music – techno, house, electronica – fills the streets, concert halls, passages, movie theaters, museums and other emblematic places of architectural heritage in Lyon.

Nuits de Fourvière Festival
Lyon (Rhone-Alps)
June-July
http://www.nuitsdefourviere.fr [121]
An eclectic program of summer cultural events takes place in the special setting of Lyon's ancient Roman theater.

Transhumance Festival (Fête de la Transhumance)
Die (Rhone-Alps)
Mid-June
http://www.diois-tourisme.com/lagenda/language/en.html [122]
The long-standing tradition of transhumance – herding sheep through town and then up to summer mountain pastures – is slowly disappearing. Perhaps this festival of music, song, crafts and grilled food will breathe life back into the ancient pastoral practice.

Savoie Cheese Festival (Fête des Fromages de Savoie)
In a different location every year
Late June
http://www.fromagesdesavoie.fr [123]
In Savoie or Haute Savoie since 2004, 10,000 cheese-lovers come together to celebrate the curds of Savoie: Abondance, Beaufort, Chevrotin, Emmental de Savoie, Reblochon de Savoie, Tome des Bauges and Tomme de Savoie. Other happenings include the French herding-dog championships, cheese-making workshops and cheese tasting, as well as cultural activities, art exhibitions, kids' events and much more.

Cabaret Frappé Festival
Grenoble (Rhone-Alps)
July
http://www.cabaret-frappe.com [124]
For 15 years, this Grenoble summer music festival has celebrated an eclectic mix of both new talent and established artists. Free and paid concerts attract more than 50,000 people.

Lavender Festival (Fête de la Lavande)
Ferrassières (Rhone-Alps)
First Sunday in July
http://www.fete-lavande.com [125]
The magical blue-purple flower is the special object of admiration during this annual festival in Ferrassières, the capital of fine lavender.

Reblochon Festival (Fête du Reblochon)
La Clusaz (Rhone-Alps)
Mid-August
http://www.laclusaz.com [126]
Artisans and farmers hold the place of honor amid parade floats, activities, bread-making and folk dances.

Ultra Run Around Mont-Blanc
Chamonix (Rhone-Alps)
Late August
http://www.ultratrailmb.com [127]
Since its first year, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc has been called "the race of all the superlatives." A complete tour of the Mont Blanc Massif, it passes through three countries – France, Switzerland and Italy – and is the race that every ultra runner should complete at least once. The course starts in Chamonix and covers 104 miles and 31,500 feet of positive height gain.

Contemporary Art Biennial / Dance Biennial
Lyon (Rhone-Alps)
Mid-September to January, odd years for art and even years for dance
http://www.biennale-de-lyon.org [128]
The Biennale d’Art Contemporain was started in 1991 by Thierry Raspail and Thierry Prat. It occurs only during odd years, alternating with the Biennale de la Danse.

Beajolais Nouveau Festival (Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu)
Beaujeu (Rhone-Alps)
Third Wednesday in November
http://www.beaujolaisvignoble.com [129]
The Beaujolais Nouveau festival not to be missed is Sarmentelles de Beaujeu, which hopes to become the international rendezvous for drinking this wine.

Light Show in Lyon (Fête des Lumières)
Lyon (Rhone-Alps)
December 7-11
http://www.lumieres.lyon.fr [130]
Wrapped around December 8 – a night during which more than 150 citizens of Lyon decorate their windows with tea lights – artists and creators of all disciplines complete work on ephemeral pieces associated with the light.

RIVIERA

A New City Tour About Cannes and Film
Fridays at 2:30pm (and 9:15am in July and August)
Cannes (Riviera)
http://www.cannes-destination.com/guided-visits/cannes-cinema [131]
The Cannes Tourist Office has launched a second city tour focused on film history. Called 'Cannes and Film: A Glamorous Tandem,' it is a novel way to discover the city in 90 minutes, told through offbeat anecdotes and secret locations. In nine segments, from the red-carpeted steps of the Film Festival to the famous murals paying homage to the world of cinema, this tour touches on the silver screen's biggest names as well as iconic locations used as the backdrop for many cult films.

Mimosa Festival (Fête du Mimosa)
Mandelieu - La Napoule (Riviera)
February 18-25, 2015
http://www.ot-mandelieu.fr [132]
The mimosa, symbol of Mandelieu, adorns just about everything during this festival's afternoon and evening parades and musical spectacles. Mandelieu is one stop along the 80-mile Route du Mimosa, which provides an excellent reason to discover the Côte d'Azur in winter.

Nice Carnaval
Nice (Riviera)
February 13 to March 1, 2015
http://www.nicecarnaval.com [133]
Carnival floats topped with giant heads, elegant flower battles, glamorous soirées, shows and fireworks give Nice even greater-than-usual appeal during the three weeks of its annual Carnaval. The 2015 theme: King of Music.

Bicentennial of Napoleon's Landing at Golfe-Juan
Vallauris Golfe-Juan (Riviera)
February 28 to March 1, 2015
http://www.vallauris-golfe-juan.fr [134]
This commemoration of Napoleon's return from exile in 1815 and the start of the Hundred Days of Napoleon is the only 19th-century historical event celebrated in the Provence Alps Côte d’Azur region. A tent village in the parking area of the Vieux Port is the focal point for exhibitions and activities about the First Empire, including a metal forge, miniature battle displays, military music concerts and dance performances. On the beach, more than 150 volunteer recruits display and fight in period soldiers' uniforms. An army camp, parades and battle simulations round out the weekend, which culminates with a reenactment of Napoleon's landing.

82nd Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron)
Menton (Riviera)
February 14 - March 1, 2015
http://www.feteducitron.com [135]
The Biovès Gardens play host to giant displays composed of citrus fruits. Parades of giant-headed figurines decorated with golden fruit ride on floats covered in oranges and lemons. These are just a couple of the festival's highlights. Don't miss the International Orchid Festival (Festival International d’Orchidées) and the Menton Country Crafts Show (Salon de l'Artisanat du Pays Mentonnais).

31st Springtime Arts Festival (Printemps des Arts)
Monaco (Riviera)
March 20 - April 12
http://www.printempsdesarts.com [136]
This festival features a selection of musical events, as well as theater, film, visual arts and dance happenings.

Cannes Shopping Festival
Cannes (Riviera)
April 3-5, 2015
http://www.cannesshoppingfestival.com [137]
Cannes keeps to the beat of major French and foreign brands' fashion shows. Many events are also organized around the theme of fashion.

9th Antibes Yacht Show
Antibes (Riviera)
April (Date TBD)
http://www.antibesyachtshow.com [138]
This luxury exhibition set in Europe's leading marina showcases nearly 120 boats, both new and used, as well as all of the services and products related to yachting.

43rd Antibes Art Fair, Antiques Show
Antibes Juan-les-Pins (Riviera)
April 18 to May 4, 2015
http://www.salon-antiquaires-antibes.com [139]
This major meeting of antique collectors, enthusiasts and bargain hunters is the most anticipated one of the year, organized by exhibitors coming from all over Europe.

68th Cannes Festival
Cannes (Riviera)
May 13 to 24, 2015
http://www.festival-cannes.com [140]
The most important film event in the world. Every year, the biggest international stars climb the steps of the world-famous Cannes Palais to share their films with critics and industry professionals. The Festival de Cannes is second only to the Olympics as the most publicized event in the world.

73rd Grand Prix of Monaco
Monaco (Riviera)
May 21-24, 2015
http://www.grand-prix-monaco.com [141]
One of the oldest and most prestigious car races along a city circuit, first conceived in 1929.

Electronic Beaches (Les Plages Electroniques)
Cannes (Riviera)
July to August, 2015 (Exact Dates TBD)
http://www.plages-electroniques.com [142]
This electronic music festival transforms the beach of the Cannes Palais into a giant temporary dance floor during themed evening events.

10th Stars of Mougins (Les Etoiles de Mougins)
Mougins (Riviera)
September (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.lesetoilesdemougins.com [143]
Mougins is transformed every year by this food and lifestyle festival. Sensory, culinary and wine workshops, as well as cooking demonstrations are all part of the initiation process.

Mediterranean Flavors and Food Show (Salon des Saveurs et Terroirs en Méditerranée)
Mandelieu (Riviera)
November (Exact Date TBD)
http://www.ot-mandelieu.fr [132]
Festive food products, gastronomy, and culinary and wine activities are on the program of this three-day show at the Centre Expo Congrès.

Nice-Cannes Maritime Alps Marathon
Nice to Cannes (Riviera)
November (Exact Date TBD) http://www.marathon06.com [144]
The Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes is the flagship sports event of the Maritime Alps. The 26.2 miles of coastal course overlook the sea's blue waters from Nice to Cannes.