Best time to go to France
The weather in France varies from region to region, from very cool in the north to very hot in the south, dependent upon season. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with temperatures comfortably warm in most regions. Long daylight hours make June an attractive month to visit, as long as the midsummer crowds are avoided.
July and August are particularly hot in the south, and the beaches and hotels of the French Riviera can be busy and expensive. During the second half of July and August, the French take their vacations and so roads are busy and many businesses close.
Winters can be cold in the north, though the south enjoys relatively mild temperatures and crowd free towns and cities, perfect for a city break or peaceful rural retreat.
Events
Bastille Day Celebrations
21st July 2010 (annual)
France
Public celebrations don't come much grander than France's Bastille Day. Be prepared for spectacular fireworks and the belting out of La Marseillaise as the French celebrate 1789 and a swarm of revolting peasants. Major cities and rural towns alike congregrate for this huge annual commemoration.
Perigord-Noir Music Festival
2 - 12 August 2010 (annual)
Aquitaine
If the delicious food and fantastic wine are not enough of a reason to make you want to visit this region in south-western France, this town also holds a music festival, which features dozens of concerts in churches and abbeys. Moreover, the festival offers one week in which the music is focused around a specific theme that changes every year.
Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival
August 2010 (annual)
Monte Carlo
The International Fireworks Festival takes place at the posh yacht harbour of Monte Carlo where you can enjoy an impressive fireworks show over the ocean. Moreover, there is a competition for the best show, which would ensure you that the displays really are magnificent.
Feria du Riz
September 2010 (annual)
Arles
The Feria du Riz is majorly attractive for its exciting bullfights which take place in the Roman Coliseum and are the centrepiece of the week-long festival.
Jazz a Beaune
September 2010 (annual)
Beaune
Jazz a Beaune is a wonderful parade of the local Burgundy wines and jazz music. Furthermore, the more curious can take part in the offered classes, both on wine tasting and the art of jazz.
Heralding the Harvest
September 2010 (annual)
Saint Emilion
The beginning of the grape harvest season in the picturesque city of Saint Emilion (UNESCO site) is an unforgettable event. Saint-Emilion's wines have a senturies-long history of being well recognized and respected as the "Nectar des Dieux" (Gods' Nectar) by Louis XVI. Nowadays, the wines are worldly acclaimed from both critics and enthusiasts.
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Oct 2010 (annual)
Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris
Paris's Hippodrome de Longchamp hosts the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the most exciting and prestigious horse race in France. Moreover, the prize money, equalling to almost €2 million exceeds any other European race. On top of this you can enjoy a wonderful display of hats and lots of champagne coolers.
Grand Prix Lyon Tennis Tournament
Oct - Nov 2010 (annual)
Palais des Sports de Gerland
The Grand Prix Lyon Tennis Tournament, hosted at the Palais des Sports de Gerland, is played indoors on a carpet surface. Grand names on the men’s tour are attracted by the major sum of US$800,000 total prize money.
Trois Glorieuses
15 – 17 Nov 2010 (annual)
The annual Trois Glorieuses Wine Festival is France’s grandest wine event and holds a weekend happening, featuring tastings and a wine auction in aid of the Hospices de Beaune. The auction is brought to a close by a great candlelit dinner in the medieval atmosphere of the stronghold of the Hotel-Dieu.
 |