Traditional festivals folklore and fairs France

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme has a rich history as a fishing port, so it is only natural that it celebrates the sea every summer. On the occasion of this festival, the very typical fishermen's quarter (the Courtgain) is transformed to pay homage to the missing sailors. The facades of the houses are then covered with 2,000 m of nets and multicoloured flowers. All kinds of events (exhibitions, concerts, procession and sheafing at sea, etc.) also await visitors. A local festival not to be missed!

In addition to themed events, each year the Villages & Vallées d'Azur communes honor their patron saints. These festivities generally take place in summer, and the list is long: Saint Roch is celebrated in Valbonne, Saint Félix in Courmes, Sainte Julie in Les Ferres, Saint Arnoux in Gourdon, Saint Louis in Caussols, Saint Claude in Cipières, Sainte Pétronille in La Roque-en-Provence, Notre-Dame de Canlache in Roquefort-les-Pins, Notre-Dame du Rosaire in Conségudes, Notre-Dame du Peuple in Bézaudun-les-Alpes... On the program: pilgrimage, pétanque competition, meal and ball.

The Fête des pêcheurs et de la mer is one of Agde's major traditional festivities. In honor of Saint Pierre, patron saint of fishermen, it takes place in Agde and Grau d'Adge over two days. Mass on Saturday, followed by a parade through the streets, a ceremony in tribute to the men of the sea, blessing of the boats and a concert in the evening. On Sunday, mass at Agde's Saint-Sever church, followed by an outing to pay tribute to fallen sailors. Great moments of conviviality!

Every year since 1928, the Festival d'Arvor (formerly Fêtes d'Arvor) has brought together thousands of people, culminating in the crowning of the Queen of Arvor on the steps of the town hall. The Vannes festival committee organizes events around Breton culture, highlighting the dynamism of the groups and bagadoù: fest-noz, shows, sea chanteys, dance initiations and costume parades punctuate these festive days. This year, the festival celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Vannes, which took place on August 4, 1944.

Every year, Provins brings back to life the Champagne Fairs of the ^12th and ^13th centuries, France's largest medieval festival. Share the moment with family and friends, discovering shows and fun activities. On the program: troubadours, acrobats and entertainers, games, jousts, music, dances and legends, as well as craftsmen demonstrating their skills in pottery, illumination and blacksmithing. Days that always leave unforgettable memories!

Near Toulouse, come and join us in September for the Campestral, a great country and Occitan festival open to all! Every year, the event mobilizes and unites the people of Aureville, of all generations and origins, around an original cultural project that has become a veritable institution, attracting thousands of visitors. Whether you're with friends or family, take advantage of the many events on offer: market, vintage car exhibition, multi-sport raid, touring theater in Occitan, children's ball, concerts...

In 2024, Francheville organizes the ^10th Fête du Bois in its history. On the evening of Saturday June 15, a free concert is organized. But the real party begins on Sunday 16th. On the program: wood companies discuss the management and transformation of this abundant raw material in Côte-d'Or. Craftsmen will share their know-how with you and showcase their creations. A traditional meal will be served at lunchtime, and competitions and events will enable you to learn more about wood and its uses.

Every year, Destination Agen celebrates Halloween, which has become one of the city's must-see events. On the afternoon of Thursday, October 31, children will have the opportunity to listen to tales in the spooky and singular atmosphere of a haunted house located in the medieval heart of the city of Agen. After the chills and shivers, the afternoon will continue with a mask-making workshop and a well-deserved snack.

This festival celebrated its 60th edition in 2019. It is one of the biggest regional folklore events. Every year it brings together around 400 artists from the five continents! All come to share their love of folk arts and traditions, in a spirit of brotherhood and equality. The main venue for the festivities is the leisure centre. A village set up for the occasion welcomes you throughout the day, where it is possible to refresh and eat. Every year, the programme mixes music and dance from places as diverse as Armenia and Brazil! A superb party.

Better known by its acronym, the RIFE, puts the children of the world in the spotlight every summer, inviting numerous groups of young dancers, acrobats and musicians. Direction cultures, arts and popular traditions from here (regional ensembles) and elsewhere (Mexico, Ukraine, etc.). As a family, you will admire the presence of these budding artists, as well as their colourful costumes. An event that will undoubtedly arouse vocations... Refreshment bar, concerts.

In the mountains of the Hautes-Pyrénées, not far from Saint-Lary-Soulan, Saint-Michel's Day is celebrated in Guchan, with a day of festive and convivial events at the Espace Pastoral: bodéga, market of local craftsmen and producers, apple juice and spit-roasted cake, garage sale, free events for children, sheep competition, vintage car rally, meals, dances... The day traditionally ends with a beautiful concert under the big top, as in 2023 with the presence of Collectif Métissé!

This traditional and popular holiday is animated by Lei Farandoulaire Sestian. Start of the festivities with the flame recovery, at 20 p. m., place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. Next, the Provençale cortège is located in the square of the Piétonne and its surroundings. Start a series of animations. The Provençal dances presented by Lei Farandoulaire Sestian are the highlight of the show. At 22 p. m., it's the blessing and the embrasement of the fireplace that opens the Grand Balèti, the popular ball. A great opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the summer!

Producer and artisan markets, conferences, workshops, screenings, guided hikes and outings... A wide range of activities are on offer throughout the day to help you discover the Parc des Préalpes d'Azur in a different way, during a festive and convivial interlude rich in encounters. The aim is to highlight the richness of the region and its surroundings. Each year, the event changes date and commune, always within the park.

In the past, abrivado was the term used to describe the driving of bulls from the pastures to the bullring under the watchful eye of the gardians. Today, it's a bullfighting tradition that consists of simulating these bull transfers by releasing them into the village streets during traditional Camargue festivals. The Abrivado at Grau-du-Roi is the first event of the year to launch the traditional cattle season. Would you like to experience it in Grau-du-Roi? Here, it's original: they take place both in the streets of the town center and, above all, on the beach!

A festival in honor of sheep, with numerous craft stands and local produce stalls in the afternoon. Complementing the event are sheep-related activities and pastoral practices: sheep-shearing and flock-dog competitions, a wool pool... In the evening, festive entertainment includes several concerts to create a convivial atmosphere. Refreshments and food available on site. A great way to showcase local producers and sheep farming in a friendly, family-friendly atmosphere.

Join the festivities in Aimargues for 10 memorable days! Every year, the program of festivities is monumental: a grand intervillage between Aimargues and the village of Vauvert, manade competitions in the arenas with numerous trophies awarded every day, musical aperitifs, pétanque competitions, bandas, traditional balls with orchestras, entertainment for young and old... and to round off the bullfighting festivities, a grand bandido of 100 bulls is organized! It's another great opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Gard!