We know what you’re thinking. How can France, a destination that lives and breathes culture, history, and art, get any more passionate about all these things?! Well, as it turns out, by spending the entire summer celebrating them!
Summertime in the Hexagon isn’t just about sun-drenched vineyards, chic Riviera getaways, and leisurely strolls through charming villages — it is also a season of grand festivities. From glittering film premieres to medieval reenactments, France’s summer festivals promise an unforgettable chance to witness the country’s heritage at its most enchanting. So, why not enhance your next summer getaway to France by capturing one of these remarkable events!
Bastille Day Festivities – Nationwide (July 14, 2025)
Vive la France! A defining date in French history, Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. Today, this event sees the entire country unite in a palpable display of patriotism, propelling France’s glorious essence into the stratosphere. If in Paris, take the opportunity to revel in the stately military parade on the Champs-Élysées, a tradition presided over by the French President, followed by a dazzling fireworks display above the Eiffel Tower, best enjoyed from the banks of the Seine or a private rooftop terrace.
Cannes Film Festival – Cannes (May 13-24, 2025)
Get ready for your close-up as you witness one of the most prestigious cinematic affairs on the planet! Beyond the red carpet, the Cannes Film Festival is a beacon of art, elegance, and gleaming allure that the French Riviera is known for. Feel like a movie star as you stroll along La Croisette and soak up the glitz and glamor that embody this city or grab a ticket to the Cinéma de la Plage, which offers open-air movie nights by the Mediterranean, where cinephiles can experience the festival’s magic under the night sky.
Provins Medieval Festival – Provins (June 14-15, 2025)
Many places have you feeling like you’ve travelled through time — but the charming medieval town of Provins makes it a reality! Prepare to come face-to-face with knights and troubadours as this UNESCO-listed town returns to the 13-th century through costumed parades, jousting tournaments, and immersive reenactments. Marvel at falconry displays and traditional performances set against the backdrop of ancient stone walls, as you feast on rustic delicacies before taking part in medieval dance workshops. Offering a unique glimpse into France’s past, this event is perfect for history lovers and families alike.
Lavender Festival – Provence (July 2025, Various Dates)
So vivid that you can sense their fragrance just by picturing them, the rolling lavender fields of Provence is what keeps postcard companies in business. Each July, towns across the region, from Sault to Valensole, celebrate the lavender harvest with lively festivals dedicated to nature’s mesmerizing lilac creation. Take this opportunity to witness traditional lavender-cutting demonstrations, browse artisan stalls selling lavender-infused treats such as honey, ice cream, and liqueurs, and enjoy the soothing scent of this beloved flower filling the air as you bring the most iconic images of the French countryside to life.
(Dates of the festival may shift based on the blooming period.)
Fête de la Musique – Nationwide (June 21, 2025 / First Day of Summer)
Let the rhythm take hold as you see France come alive with the sound of music! Every summer, the Fête de la Musique sweeps across the nation like a glorious symphony, turning streets, squares, and cafés into open-air concerts. From Paris’ Latin Quarter to the promenades of the French Riviera, musicians of all genres fill the air with their melodies, infusing the country’s unmistakable allure with even more zeal. Whether enjoying a violin solo beneath the Eiffel Tower or dancing to Afro-Caribbean beats in Marseille, this summer celebration brings travelers and locals together, offering an immersive and joyous musical experience.
Avignon Theatre Festival – Avignon (July 5-26, 2025)
To be or not to be, in France during the summer festival season? Well, you already know the answer — especially if you’re a lover of performing arts! Since 1947, Avignon has hosted one of the most prestigious theatre festivals in the world, setting the stage for everything from avant-garde productions to classic Shakespearean dramas, attracting artists and audiences from around the globe. Whether attending an open-air show in the heart of the historic city or an intimate performance in a hidden courtyard, the Avignon Festival is a unique celebration of creativity and artistic expression that opens an unbridled window into France’s exquisite soul.
A Summer En Fête!
Whether you’re sipping champagne at Cannes, applauding thespians in Avignon, or commemorating the revolution, France’s unique summer festivals are an invitation to experience the country’s cultural brilliance in its most vibrant form. And with Travelive’s bespoke itineraries ensuring that you enjoy these events in absolute style and comfort, all that’s left to do is choose which one to attend!