What are the Best Festivals to Attend in France

France is just like almost every country in the world when it comes to festivals, because there are plenty to go around.  However, some of the festivals within this country are much better than the ones that are found anywhere else, especially when it comes to attendance and popularity.

Here are the best festivals to attend in France:

The Cannes Film Festival

No one can argue that this is one of the most popular festivals within the entire world, which is why it is at the top of the list of best festivals within the country.  The very first Cannes Film Festival was held in 1946, but it was actually eight years earlier when everyone started to vie for a festival similar to the Venice Mostra.  Every year, this festival grows larger, as people arrive from all over the world to see which film wins in each of the categories.

The Nice Carnival

This carnival takes place each year during the month of February and hundreds of thousands of people arrive in the region to celebrate with the locals over a two-week period.  Numerous parades are held throughout the streets, but the most popular ones are the Carnival Parade of Lights, which are held at night.  The Nice Carnivalbegan back in 1873, but it wasn’t held for some time after the first and second world wars, as well as after the Gulf War.

Festival des Jardins

This European Garden Event is held in Paris, and other cities and regions within the country, over three consecutive days.  Everyone can participate in guided tours of approximately thirty gardens, as well as see concerts, shows, and demonstrations during this festival.

Carcassonne Festival

This musical festival has taken place since 2006 and is normally held during the month of July.  Approximately two hundred and fifty thousand people arrive to listen to the year’s most sought-after artists from around the world.  Past performers have included Elton John, Deep Purple, Johnny Halliday, and Indochine.  The artists perform either on the La Fajeolle Main Stage at the Jean-Deschamps Theatre or on the stage at the Count’s Castle.  Of course, this festival isn’t all music, so guests can will also see different theatrical and dance performances too.

Bastille Day

people waving flag of France near buildingBastille Day is celebrated all over the country, but Paris is the place to be for those who want the best celebration.  The partying in Paris begins the night before, and everyone stays up all night having fun before pouring out onto the streets for the military parade the next day along the Champs Élysées.  The festivities continue all day long and end with a bang as fireworks light up the nighttime sky.

These are the best festivals within France, but no one should worry if they schedule their vacation for a different time then they are held.  There is always something fun going on, and the chances are that a visitor will find another festival that they will love just as much