10 FRANCE FESTIVAL

If you are looking for excitement and festive spirit, then France is the place to do so. With
many events for celebration adding color, France has become a tourist place of choice.
Each festival here has something to offer to tourists, but there are some that are more
popular. We give below the top 5 events celebrated in this alluring country
1. Cannes Film Festival:
!eld in "ay every year, this festival has many movie legends descending
on #annes, a town in southern France for le Festival de #annes or #annes Film Festival
as it is popularly called. "ovies are shown and talked about during this occasion and the
best stars compete for the much valued $alm d%&r. 'll the parties are strictly on an
invitation only basis and the attendance list has models, the wealthy and the renowned.
(isitors are drawn in large numbers with the hope that they can have a glimpse of their
favorite actors and actresses. )aturally this leads to a huge demand for lodging during the
festival season. 'ccommodations ranging from deluxe apartments, bungalows to hotel
rooms are grabbed by the stars and the fans alike. *ince the festive season is always
crowded, getting a place to stay is really tough. +ou would be well advised to make your
booking well ahead of time to avoid problems.
2. Festival dAvignon:
,his festival is a celebration of art in all forms. !eld every year in -uly, this
festival ranks among the oldest and most awaited. ,he event occurs in 'vignon, an
artistic city and includes all forms of art. It includes "usic, #inema, .ance and ,heatre.
,here are more than /0 venues spread all over the city where people can perform. $eople
flock to the town to watch and take part in the performances and to indulge in the free
atmosphere that is part of the celebrations.
3. astille !a":
#elebrated on 12th -uly every year, this event marks the invasion and entry
into 3astille. Fireworks are lit at the Eiffel tower which illuminates the night and this
makes it a ma4or attraction to outside visitors. ,his is accompanied by dance with
accordion music and brass bands in the $lace de la 3astille. $eople flock the streets to
watch the military parade on #hamps5Elys6es, which is supposed to be one of the largest
in the world. *maller towns across France mirror the celebrations that occur in $aris, at a
smaller level. !olidays are planned around these events by many visitors so that they get
a chance to participate.
#. Fete !e La $%si&%e:
7iterally meaning the festival of music this event invites expert and
budding musical skills from across the globe. )umerous renditions ranging from 4a88,
techno to orchestras and choirs can be listened to and savored at many places. ' huge
musical event that has some of the famous entities from the "usic world is the highlight
of this festival.

'. Ni(e Ca)nival:
,his event occurs in February and lasts for a fortnight. It features processions,
musical concerts, dance, fireworks and other festivities for a glorious time. Featuring
lavish displays this event offers delights to all the senses like huge puppets, floral
displays and gourmet foods. ,he city of )ice is full of visitors from across the globe
during this event. It would be prudent to book a place to stay well in advance to ensure a
comfortable stay. 's in #annes during the film festival, accommodation is in short supply
during this festive season in )ice.
*. +a)o)o(, :
,his festival kicks off France%s Festival season early, taking place in the first half
of 'pril. 7ocated in "armande in *outh5West France, the festival provides electro and
techno as well as rock and metal music and draws around 50,000 people per year. 'cts
that have played over the years from the festivals start in 199: include3abyshambles,
;o4ira, *eeed, .eftones, .e 7a *oul, "agnetic "an and ,he *treets.
-. $ain S&%a)e
Festival :
3ring
ing big names from
across the world
this festival takes
place in the first
week of -uly.
.ouble the si8e of
;arorock this is for anyone who wants to see all their favourite bands but abroad, rather
than the more uni<ue experience that the smaller French festivals offer. 3ut with a line5up
including #oldplay, ,he #hemical 3rothers, 7inkin $ark, 'rcade Fire, "oby, =aiser
#hiefs, =asabian and loads more who could turn down such an occasion, held in a town
s<uare in 'rras in the north of France.
.. E%)o(,eennes :
'lthoug
h you may be
already planning
your trip to "ain
*<uare Festival,
there is a problem.
Eurockeennes was
held on the same
weekend as "ain *<uare this year, causing a difficult choice for festival goers on which
of France%s largest two festivals to attend. While some bands such as 'rcade Fire, 3eady
Eye and >ueens of the *tone 'ge played at both festivals, the offer of ,he ,ing ,ings,
,ryo, "otorhead, ,he 'rctic "onkeys and others may have drawn festival goers to
"alsaucy near the *wiss border for the event. With a history stretching as far back as
19?9 the festival has seen performances from iconic acts such as "orissey and the $ixies,
this festival gives "ain *<uare a run for its money.
/. La Ro%te d%
Ro(, :
3ack
to the smaller
festivals, this mid5
si8ed festival takes
place in the
fortified city of *t.
"alo in 3rittany,
with music taking place in the fort and an auditorium on the beach, as well as free gigs on
other parts of the beach. ,aking place in mid5'ugust this festival has seen appearances
from Fleet Foxes, "ogwai, *imian "obile .isco, ,he xx, ,he Flaming 7ips and ,he
)ational and is now in its /1st year.
10. Ro(, en Seine :
&ut of our top five this festival is the closest to $aris. ,he festival falls on the
'ugust bank holiday weekend, and as well as being at the same time as @eading and
7eeds Festivals, the festival has the potential to attract the same fans who want a change
of scene. ,he festival usually features some of the same bands, such as "y #hemical
@omance and .eftones this year, but also features others, such as Foo Fighters and,he
'rctic "onkeys. While it is less than half the si8e of @eading or 7eeds it is around half
the priceA ,his is the festival that &asis announced their break5up at, moments before they
were due to play, cementing the event in music history.