There’s nothing like a party to add something extra special to your holiday, so heading to your chosen destination when there’s a carnival or festival planned is a great way to ensure that your time away is especially memorable.
There are plenty of amazing carnivals and festivals in France throughout the year, so this is the perfect place to head if you’re hoping to find an event that offers a great atmosphere, fantastic entertainment, and lots of excitement.
Nice Carnival – February
Nice Carnival is definitely the place to be if you want to see a truly spectacular event. With lots of remarkable floats, mesmerising parades, exceptional dancers, and talented musicians taking to the streets throughout the carnival, you will find that you are constantly entertained.
See the famous ‘Battle of the Flowers’ where people in elaborate costumes throw flowers from their beautiful floats out into the crowd. 80% of the flowers are locally sourced so this offers a great opportunity to show off the area’s produce, plus it is a fantastic display for everyone watching.
The Nice Carnival is one of the largest events in the French Riviera, and because this region of France boasts warm weather for much of the year, you will find that February is a perfectly lovely time to visit.
Berck-sur-Mer Kite Festival – April
Of all the festivals in France, the Berck-sur-Mer Kite Festival is one of the best options for all the family, as you can drive there in under 45 minutes from the port in Calais and it offers plenty to see and do.
Held on the beach in April each year, this kite festival invites people from all around the world to show off their kite flying skills in front of excited crowds, which means that there are loads of different kite styles to see and colourful displays to watch.
This free event also offers a number of kite workshops and exhibitions, plus the chance to fly kites for yourself too.
Fête de la Musique – 21st June
One of the most widespread festivals in France is the Fête de la Musique which is held each year on 21st June, the summer solstice. This festival takes place all over the country and gives both professional and amateur musicians the chance to head outside and play their music for all to hear.
If you are lucky enough to be in France on this day you will find plenty of opportunities to sing, dance, eat, and drink in different locations, including churches, museums, parks, or simply out on the streets.
No matter what genre of music you appreciate you will find something to listen to, as this festival offers everything from DJ sets and classical sounds, to rock music and choirs. What makes the Fête de la Musique even better is that all concerts are free, and you can enjoy them from 2pm until 11pm, with some running later into the night.
Bastille Day in Paris – 14th July
France comes alive on the 14th of July every year as this is the day when they celebrate the storming of the Bastille, which was a turning point in the history of French democracy.
Paris is one of the best places to spend Bastille Day as the city celebrates throughout the day, starting with a military parade which begins at the Arc de Triomphe and ends in the Place de la Concorde. You will also be able to watch fireworks that light up the Eiffel Tower, which is something that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
When night falls, head to one of the many Firemen’s Balls held around the city where you can dance until the early hours of the morning. You will need to pay an admission fee at some of the venues, but many simply ask for a donation towards the fire service’s working conditions.
With so many amazing carnivals and festivals in France to visit, book your Dover to Calais crossing today and go to see one, or all of them, for yourself!
