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Here are some of the
major festivals, events and shows happening in the South of France in 2020. And please check back as new events are continually being added.
JANUARY
JANUARY
AVIGNON: Cheval Passion, the annual festival of equestrian arts, is Jan 15 to 19, 2020 at the Avignon Parc Expo. It's the 3rd biggest horse show in all of Europe and attracts riders, breeders and horse-lovers from all over the world. Expect 10,000m² of exhibition space, more than 1000 horses, 250-plus exhibitor stands and lots of competitions including Western, Clinic Xtrem cow-boy, cattle sorting, Iberian horses, horse 'n buggy, trick riding and more. The high point of the show is the Crinières d'Or Gala where new talent and confirmed artists outdo each other with dramatic and creative performances. See the website for all details.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
PARIS: Maison & Objet Paris is Fri, Jan 17 to Wed, Jan 22, 2020 at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte. It's considered the leading home-decor fair connecting the international interior design and lifestyle community. Some 90,000 visitors are expected, 50% of them from outside France. The fall expo will be Sept 4 to 8, 2020. maison-objet.com/en/paris
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
PARIS: Maison & Objet Paris is Fri, Jan 17 to Wed, Jan 22, 2020 at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte. It's considered the leading home-decor fair connecting the international interior design and lifestyle community. Some 90,000 visitors are expected, 50% of them from outside France. The fall expo will be Sept 4 to 8, 2020. maison-objet.com/en/paris
FEBRUARY
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
MENTON:
87th Annual Menton Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), Feb 15 to March 4, 2020. Info here.
NICE:
Carnaval! This year the theme is "King of Cinema." Feb 15 to Feb 29,
2020. Info here.
MARCH
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
NICE: Paris to Nice Cycling
Race, March 8 to 15, 2020. Also known as "Paris-Nice" or the
"Race to the Sun," this event traditionally marks the start of the
international bike race season. Info here.
APRIL
ALL OVER FRANCE : Les Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art (April 3 to 12, 2020) throws open galleries, studios and workshops across Europe, with exhibitions, installations, open houses, performances and more, enabling you to discover all aspects of the arts, meet artists and explore the creative process.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE: The 11th annual Printemps de Chateauneuf wine festival will be April 3 to 5, 2020. Look for more than 100 wine domaines, master classes and more. Read my recent blog story here or go to: lesprintempsdechateauneufdupape.fr.
ALL OVER FRANCE : Les Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art (April 3 to 12, 2020) throws open galleries, studios and workshops across Europe, with exhibitions, installations, open houses, performances and more, enabling you to discover all aspects of the arts, meet artists and explore the creative process.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE: The 11th annual Printemps de Chateauneuf wine festival will be April 3 to 5, 2020. Look for more than 100 wine domaines, master classes and more. Read my recent blog story here or go to: lesprintempsdechateauneufdupape.fr.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The 53-year-old,
twice-a-year antiques fair in pretty Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was formerly known as
the Foire Internationale d’Arts et d’Antiquités. It's now called "l’Isle
sur la Sorgue Antiques Art & You"...but I trust everyone will just
keep calling it “The Big Antiques Fair” as they always have! And very big it is
indeed...one of the biggest in Europe, with 100,000 visitors expected at each
of two shows. It happens in Spring (usually Easter weekend) and again in late
summer. The 2020 dates are April 10 to 23 and August 13 to 16. You'll
find roughly 550 vendors selling all over town, including the 300 or stall-holders
and shops that normally call Isle-sur-la-Sorgue home. Look for antiques and brocante, ancient books, design
decoration, vintage pieces, artistic works and much more. I’m told you’ll also
find personal shoppers and restoration specialists on hand, along with
decorators and stylists. The April event is themed “Vintage” while the August
event’s theme is still to be decided, but will be more universal as it's a
more-popular show. The fair is produced by AntiquesArt
& You and
all the info is on their site here.
ARLES: Easter Festival (Feria du Pacques), April 10 to 13, 2020. Bullfights and bull games in the Arena and lots of other activities around town. For info: 08 91 70 03 70, arenes-arles.com or click here.
HYERES: The Sailing World Cup Hyères (April/May) is the third event in sailing’s premier international Olympic-classes regatta series. Competing at the 2019 edition were 574 sailors from 47 nations, along with the Rio 2016 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team representatives in 7 of 10 classes. The Semaine Olympique Française de Voile takes place April 18 to 25, 2020 featuring some of the world’s best sailors in the run-up to the next Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 and continuing Hyères’ over five decades’ long tradition of Olympic trials.
LOURMARIN April 4 – May 31, 2020. Spring Concert Series. Five classical concerts held in the Salle de Reception of the Chateau de Lourmarin. +33 (04) 90 68 15 23,
chateau-de-lourmarin.com
ARLES: Easter Festival (Feria du Pacques), April 10 to 13, 2020. Bullfights and bull games in the Arena and lots of other activities around town. For info: 08 91 70 03 70, arenes-arles.com or click here.
HYERES: The Sailing World Cup Hyères (April/May) is the third event in sailing’s premier international Olympic-classes regatta series. Competing at the 2019 edition were 574 sailors from 47 nations, along with the Rio 2016 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team representatives in 7 of 10 classes. The Semaine Olympique Française de Voile takes place April 18 to 25, 2020 featuring some of the world’s best sailors in the run-up to the next Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 and continuing Hyères’ over five decades’ long tradition of Olympic trials.
LOURMARIN April 4 – May 31, 2020. Spring Concert Series. Five classical concerts held in the Salle de Reception of the Chateau de Lourmarin. +33 (04) 90 68 15 23,
chateau-de-lourmarin.com
SAINTES MARIE DE LA MER: A spring edition of the popular holiday fair, this one called Provence Prestige Village, will be held in the heart of the Camargue April 3 to 5, 2020. Decor, decorating, home goods, tableware, kids things, food and more. provenceprestige.com
MAY
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
LOURMARIN April 4–May 31, 2020. Spring Concert Series. Five classical concerts held in the Salle de Reception of the Chateau de Lourmarin. +33 (04) 90 68 15 23,
chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
NÎMES : Les Grands Jeux
Romains (Roman Games), May 1-3, 2020, bring together
over 500 volunteer participants and actors to re-enact ancient historical
events in Nîmes’ Roman amphitheater, with the Barbarian Kings as this year’s
theme. The whole town enters into the fun too, with special events, menus,
exhibitions and more – and as the actors remain in costume throughout the
weekend, visitors rub shoulders with centurions, gladiators, nobles and
peasants around the town. Nimes-tourisme.com
NÎMES: Pentecost Feria, May 27 to June 1, 2020. Held for the first time in 1952, the five-day festival runs from Thursday to Whit Monday. A huge carnival parade (Thurs May 28 at 9:15 pm) starts festivities, winding its way through the city streets and launching the mass celebrations of the thousands of people who come out to celebrate. The world’s best toreros demonstrate their skills in corridas in the ancient Roman amphitheater, together with courses camarguaises (where the bulls live to see another day), before the streets fill with revellers enjoying the open-air concerts, dance parties and drinking in bodegas that go on throughout the night. nimes-tourisme.fr
NÎMES: Pentecost Feria, May 27 to June 1, 2020. Held for the first time in 1952, the five-day festival runs from Thursday to Whit Monday. A huge carnival parade (Thurs May 28 at 9:15 pm) starts festivities, winding its way through the city streets and launching the mass celebrations of the thousands of people who come out to celebrate. The world’s best toreros demonstrate their skills in corridas in the ancient Roman amphitheater, together with courses camarguaises (where the bulls live to see another day), before the streets fill with revellers enjoying the open-air concerts, dance parties and drinking in bodegas that go on throughout the night. nimes-tourisme.fr
MONACO: 78th Monaco
Formula 1 Grand Prix (May 21-24, 2020). For all the info, click here.
CANNES: 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 12-23, 2020. For the website in English, click here.
JUNE
ALL OVER FRANCE: The 2020 Tour de France will be June 27 to July 19, 2020. For all the info, click here.
CANNES: 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 12-23, 2020. For the website in English, click here.
JUNE
ALL OVER FRANCE: The 2020 Tour de France will be June 27 to July 19, 2020. For all the info, click here.
ALL
OVER FRANCE: Fête de la Musique, Sunday, June 21, 2020. Day and night, free music will take over
streets, cafes, music venues, historic sites, gardens, parks and churches all
over France. For more info, see what I wrote here and check the website here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
AIX: The 7th Aix en Juin Festival (throughout the month of June, 2020) brings a marvelous schedule of performances to indoor and outdoor venues around the city. Music, dance and more. For info click here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
AIX: The 7th Aix en Juin Festival (throughout the month of June, 2020) brings a marvelous schedule of performances to indoor and outdoor venues around the city. Music, dance and more. For info click here.
AIX: The next Festival d'Aix (Opera) will be July 30 to July 18, 2020. It will be the 73rd annual festival. All details are here.
AIX: Salon Vivre Côté Sud, June 5 to 8, 2020. Find beautiful things for your home and garden in this popular annual fair. Click here for info.
ANTIBES:
Voiles d'Antibes, June 3 to 7, 2020. This year is he 25th annual version of the race that marks the opening of the Mediterranean circuit, and is the
first stage of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge or Trophée Panerai. It's a stunning
regatta drawing some of the world’s most-spectacular rare, vintage and classic
yachts, matching ancient cutters with professional crews against America’s Cup
yachts. And then there are the after-parties, just like you'd expect
in a town like Antibes, with many hosted on board the yachts themselves. voilesdantibes.com.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
MARSEILLE: The finals of the Sailing World Cup happen in June, 2020 dates TBA. Info here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
LACOSTE: From June 30 to July 18, 2020, Lacoste's old stone quarries and chateau provide the unique backdrop and exceptional acoustics for this summer festival, presented by Pierre Cardin. The program includes music, theater and dance. €10-120. festivaldelacoste.com, 04 90 75 93 12.
NÎMES: Kicking off with Sting on June 18, 2020, the Festival of Nîmes features concerts in the stunning Roman Arena, throughout June and July 2020. Check back because new artists and concerts are added throughout the spring and early summer. festivaldenimes.com.
NÎMES: Pentecost Feria, May 27 to June 1, 2020. Held for the first time in 1952, the five-day festival runs from Thursday to Whit Monday. A huge carnival parade starts festivities, winding its way through the city streets and launching the mass celebrations of the thousands of people who come to celebrate. The world’s best toreros demonstrate their skills in corridas in the ancient Roman amphitheater, together with courses camarguaises (where the bulls live to see another day), before the streets fill with revellers enjoying the open-air concerts, dance parties and drinking in bodegas that go on throughout the night. nimes-tourisme.fr
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
MARSEILLE: The finals of the Sailing World Cup happen in June, 2020 dates TBA. Info here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
LACOSTE: From June 30 to July 18, 2020, Lacoste's old stone quarries and chateau provide the unique backdrop and exceptional acoustics for this summer festival, presented by Pierre Cardin. The program includes music, theater and dance. €10-120. festivaldelacoste.com, 04 90 75 93 12.
NÎMES: Kicking off with Sting on June 18, 2020, the Festival of Nîmes features concerts in the stunning Roman Arena, throughout June and July 2020. Check back because new artists and concerts are added throughout the spring and early summer. festivaldenimes.com.
NÎMES: Pentecost Feria, May 27 to June 1, 2020. Held for the first time in 1952, the five-day festival runs from Thursday to Whit Monday. A huge carnival parade starts festivities, winding its way through the city streets and launching the mass celebrations of the thousands of people who come to celebrate. The world’s best toreros demonstrate their skills in corridas in the ancient Roman amphitheater, together with courses camarguaises (where the bulls live to see another day), before the streets fill with revellers enjoying the open-air concerts, dance parties and drinking in bodegas that go on throughout the night. nimes-tourisme.fr
ORANGE: Les Chorégies
d’Orange - the oldest festival in France - offers opera, lyrical and symphonic
concerts in a stunning Roman amphitheater, a semi-circular space seating 9,000.
Go early, get parked, eat nearby and bring cushions! The Chorégies festival is
held annually from June through August; this year’s dates are June 19 to August
1, 2020. choregies.fr.
SAINT-REMY: The 36th Annual Transhumance! Monday June 1, 2020. Yep, that's the one with all the sheep. Info is on the site of the Saint-Remy Tourist Office here.
SALON DE PROVENCE: Rendezvous aux Jardins, June 5 to 7, 2020. Click here for info.
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The 25th annual version of the wildly popular modern dance festival called Vaison Danses will be June 19 to July 29, 2020. Tickets are at the box office, by phone, online or FNAC. For all the info, click here or vaison-danses.com.
SALON DE PROVENCE: Rendezvous aux Jardins, June 5 to 7, 2020. Click here for info.
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The 25th annual version of the wildly popular modern dance festival called Vaison Danses will be June 19 to July 29, 2020. Tickets are at the box office, by phone, online or FNAC. For all the info, click here or vaison-danses.com.
JULY
ALL
OVER FRANCE: July 14, Bastille Day. Also called the Fête Nationale. This public holiday
commemorates the day that Parisian commoners and peasants stormed the fortress
and prison of Bastille, provoking events that would end the monarchy and usher
in the age of liberty, fraternity and equality. In Paris, there's a traditional
military parade along the Champs Elysées and a festival atmosphere throughout
the day, finishing with the city night-sky turned bright by magnificent and
noisy fireworks shows. In smaller cities and villages throughout France, you'll
find parades, street fairs, live music, fireworks, bals (dances) and much more. Check local listings for specifics.
ALL OVER FRANCE: The 2020 Tour de France will be June 27 to July 19, 2020. For all the info, click here.
ALL OVER THE RIVIERA AND
COTE D’AZUR: The Soirées Estivales brings 400-plus free performances to
numerous villages and towns throughout the summer and early fall. See the
schedule here, searching by month, village or type of
performance.
AIX: The next Festival
d'Aix (Opera) will be July 30 to July 18, 2020. It will be the 73rd annual festival.
All details are here.
ARLES:
The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are
June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end;
others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
ARLES: 25th Annual
"Les Suds à Arles" World Music Festival, July 11 to 18, 2020. A week filled with concerts, master classes, "meet the musician" events and more, in the heart of the historic city. suds-arles.com
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
AVIGNON: The Festival
d'Avignon (July 3 to 23, 2020) is a huge theater, music and dance festival that takes over
the whole city. This year's dates will be confirmed soon. Tickets can be
purchased by phone, on the website, or
at the ticket office at the Cloitre Saint-Louis (on rue
Portail Boquier). A day-by-day "Spectators’ Guide" (with info
on readings, films, exhibits, live radio broadcasts and other
events) will be available in early July at all venues. You can
also get info on all Festival d’Avignon and Off Festival events and activities
at the Avignon Tourist Office (41, cours Jean Jaurès). Meanwhile,
the festival website is now available in English, making it
super easy to get all the current performance and ticketing info.
AVIGNON: The ''Off Broadway'' or "alternative" version of the Avignon Festival is called the Avignon Off Festival. Dates are July 3 to 26, 2020; in previous years there were as many as 1500 different performances. The festival kicks off with a parade of costumed performers (date TBA but probably July 2), many of them with their instruments, starting at 8 pm. There could be as many as 3000 performers marching up the Rue de la République and performing "au chapeau" (for tips in the hat) around town. It's a fun, festive evening and the perfect way to kick off the Off! For info on Off Festival events and ticket purchasing, see the website or visit the Off Village at the École Thiers, #1, rue des Ecole. You can also buy event tickets at each performance venue. In July, the Avignon Tourist office (41, cours Jean Jaurès) will also have an Off Festival booth in the lobby, where you can get programs by festival discount cards. Note: The 2020 festival schedule will be released on March 25. While the Off Festival website is currently only in French, an English version should be live soon. Once the online program is available, shows appropriate for non-French speakers will be highlighted. avignonleoff.com
DIGNES-LES-BAINS: Love lavender? Dignes-les-Bains has not one but two major lavender events each year. *The Corso de Lavande (July 31 to Aug 4, 2020) celebrates its 74th anniversary this year. It features music, fireworks, a dance, international marching bands, a musical "tattoo" (competition), processions and a night parade on Tues Aug 4. For all the info, call +33 (0)6 34 41 86 29 or click here and here. *The 98th annual Lavender Fair (Foire de la Lavande) is August 19 to 23. Over a five-day period, stroll more than 200 stands offering every possible lavender product plus gourmet fare, decor, gifts and more. For info call +33 (0)4 92 31 05 20 or click here.
AVIGNON: The ''Off Broadway'' or "alternative" version of the Avignon Festival is called the Avignon Off Festival. Dates are July 3 to 26, 2020; in previous years there were as many as 1500 different performances. The festival kicks off with a parade of costumed performers (date TBA but probably July 2), many of them with their instruments, starting at 8 pm. There could be as many as 3000 performers marching up the Rue de la République and performing "au chapeau" (for tips in the hat) around town. It's a fun, festive evening and the perfect way to kick off the Off! For info on Off Festival events and ticket purchasing, see the website or visit the Off Village at the École Thiers, #1, rue des Ecole. You can also buy event tickets at each performance venue. In July, the Avignon Tourist office (41, cours Jean Jaurès) will also have an Off Festival booth in the lobby, where you can get programs by festival discount cards. Note: The 2020 festival schedule will be released on March 25. While the Off Festival website is currently only in French, an English version should be live soon. Once the online program is available, shows appropriate for non-French speakers will be highlighted. avignonleoff.com
DIGNES-LES-BAINS: Love lavender? Dignes-les-Bains has not one but two major lavender events each year. *The Corso de Lavande (July 31 to Aug 4, 2020) celebrates its 74th anniversary this year. It features music, fireworks, a dance, international marching bands, a musical "tattoo" (competition), processions and a night parade on Tues Aug 4. For all the info, call +33 (0)6 34 41 86 29 or click here and here. *The 98th annual Lavender Fair (Foire de la Lavande) is August 19 to 23. Over a five-day period, stroll more than 200 stands offering every possible lavender product plus gourmet fare, decor, gifts and more. For info call +33 (0)4 92 31 05 20 or click here.
GIGONDAS: The 8th annual Gigondas sur Table
happens Monday July 20, 2020. In an idyllic setting on the town square, this
sell-out event shines the spotlight on the best local wines and regional
cuisine. Four guest chefs, a maître fromager and a maître
patissier will be preparing their dishes paired with Gigondas wines, while
some 40-50 wine growers and négociants will be pouring their finest. Time: 8 pm – 11pm. Cost: 50€ (adults), 15€ (children under 12). Booking
is essential: promotion@gigondas-vin.com or call +33 (0)4 90 37 79 60. Info here.
JUAN LES PINS: The 60th
Annual Jazz à Juan Festival will be July 9 to 22, 2020. Also don't miss the
Jazz Off ("Fringe") Festival, with some 200 musicians in the
streets and on the squares of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, sharing jazz in all
its forms. For info, click here or go to: antibesjuanlespins.com or jazzajuan.com.
LACOSTE: From June 30 to July 18, 2020, Lacoste's old stone quarries and chateau provide the unique backdrop and exceptional acoustics for this summer festival, presented by Pierre Cardin. The program includes music, theater and dance. €10-120. festivaldelacoste.com, 04 90 75 93 12
LACOSTE: From June 30 to July 18, 2020, Lacoste's old stone quarries and chateau provide the unique backdrop and exceptional acoustics for this summer festival, presented by Pierre Cardin. The program includes music, theater and dance. €10-120. festivaldelacoste.com, 04 90 75 93 12
LA ROQUE D’ANTHERON:
International Piano Festival, July 18 to August 18, 2020. Considered by many to
be the most important piano festival in the world, with concerts in outdoor and
indoor venues. This year will be the 40th annual and the website also has info
on performances held throughout the year, outside of festival dates. festival-piano.com.
LE THORONET: Annual Medieval Music Festival at the Abbaye du Thoronet. July, 2020, with exact dates to be fixed in early
April. Tickets from 10
to 22€. musique-medievale.fr, +33 (0)4 94 60 10 94.
LOURMARIN, July to Oct, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the Chateau or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning artists. A lovely opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” +33 (04) 90 68 15 23, chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
LOURMARIN, July to Oct, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the Chateau or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning artists. A lovely opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” +33 (04) 90 68 15 23, chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
MONTE CARLO: Monte Carlo
Sporting Summer Festival of Live Music, July/August, 2020. For info,
click here or sportingsummerfestival.com.
NÎMES: Kicking off with Sting on June 18, 2020, the Festival of Nîmes features concerts in the stunning Roman Arena, throughout June and July 2020. Check back because new artists and concerts are added throughout the spring and early summer. festivaldenimes.com.
NÎMES: Kicking off with Sting on June 18, 2020, the Festival of Nîmes features concerts in the stunning Roman Arena, throughout June and July 2020. Check back because new artists and concerts are added throughout the spring and early summer. festivaldenimes.com.
ORANGE: Les Chorégies d’Orange - the oldest festival in France - offers opera, lyrical and symphonic concerts in a stunning Roman amphitheater, a semi-circular space seating 9,000. Go early, get parked, eat nearby and bring cushions! The Chorégies festival is held annually from June through August; this year’s dates are June 19 to August 1, 2020. choregies.fr.
PERNES LES FONTAINES: The annual Ceramics Market returns to Pernes on Sunday July 19, 2020, from 9 am to 7 pm. Held on the shaded riverfront Quai de Verdon, this is a wonderful market offering high-quality pottery of all types, from 33 artists from all over the region. For info, click here and here.
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The 25th annual version of the wildly popular modern dance festival called Vaison Danses will be June 19 to July 29, 2020. Tickets are at the box office, by phone, online or FNAC. For all the info, click here or vaison-danses.com.
VALENSOLE: Always held on the third Sunday of July, the 28th annual Valensole Lavender Festival will be July 19, 2020. In the heart of lavender-growing country, this is definitely the most-famous lavender fair
in Provence. The festival includes visits to lavender
fields and essential oil distilleries, photo exhibits, films, musical
and folk dancing show – and of course a market featuring lavender in its every possible form. Click here or call: +33 04 92 74 90 02.
AUGUST
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
AVIGNON: The Vibrations sound and light show has become a super popular annual summer and early fall evening event. The 2020 dates have yet to be announced but last year it ran from mid August to mid October, 2019. This is a dramatic 30-minute sound-and-light show using the latest videomapping techniques, taking place each evening in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. In August, there are two shows each evening at 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm, while September and October feature one performance at 9.30 pm nightly (plus a second show at 10.30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights only in September). For all the info, click here.
AVIGNON: Now in its 29th year, the annual Avignon Jazz Festival (Aug 5 to 9, 2020) held in the picturesque Cloitre des Carmes cloister, continues to promote young jazz musicians in a mix of musical genres through a program blending informal events, high-profile concerts and what many feel is Europe’s premier jazz competition. tremplinjazzavignon.fr
AVIGNON: Now in its 29th year, the annual Avignon Jazz Festival (Aug 5 to 9, 2020) held in the picturesque Cloitre des Carmes cloister, continues to promote young jazz musicians in a mix of musical genres through a program blending informal events, high-profile concerts and what many feel is Europe’s premier jazz competition. tremplinjazzavignon.fr
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
DIGNES-LES-BAINS: Love lavender? Dignes-les-Bains has not one but two major lavender events each year. *The Corso de Lavande (July 31 to Aug 4, 2020) celebrates its 74th anniversary this year. It features music, fireworks, a dance, international marching bands, a musical "tattoo" (competition), processions and a night parade on Tues Aug 4. For all the info, call +33 (0)6 34 41 86 29 or click here and here. *The 98th annual Lavender Fair (Foire de la Lavande) is August 19 to 23. Over a five-day period, stroll more than 200 stands offering every possible lavender product plus gourmet fare, decor, gifts and more. For info call +33 (0)4 92 31 05 20 or click here.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The 53-year-old, twice-a-year antiques fair in pretty Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was formerly known as the Foire Internationale d’Arts et d’Antiquités. It's now called "l’Isle sur la Sorgue Antiques Art & You"...but I trust everyone will just keep calling it “The Big Antiques Fair” as they always have! And very big it is indeed...one of the biggest in Europe, with 100,000 visitors expected at each of two shows. It happens in Spring (usually Easter weekend) and again in late summer. The 2020 dates are April 10 to 23 and August 13 to 16. You'll find roughly 550 vendors selling all over town, including the 300 or stall-holders and shops that normally call Isle-sur-la-Sorgue home. Look for antiques and brocante, ancient books, design decoration, vintage pieces, artistic works and much more. I’m told you’ll also find personal shoppers and restoration specialists on hand, along with decorators and stylists. The April event is themed “Vintage” while the August event’s theme is still to be decided, but will be more universal as it's a more-popular show. The fair is produced by AntiquesArt & You and all the info is on their site here.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The 53-year-old, twice-a-year antiques fair in pretty Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was formerly known as the Foire Internationale d’Arts et d’Antiquités. It's now called "l’Isle sur la Sorgue Antiques Art & You"...but I trust everyone will just keep calling it “The Big Antiques Fair” as they always have! And very big it is indeed...one of the biggest in Europe, with 100,000 visitors expected at each of two shows. It happens in Spring (usually Easter weekend) and again in late summer. The 2020 dates are April 10 to 23 and August 13 to 16. You'll find roughly 550 vendors selling all over town, including the 300 or stall-holders and shops that normally call Isle-sur-la-Sorgue home. Look for antiques and brocante, ancient books, design decoration, vintage pieces, artistic works and much more. I’m told you’ll also find personal shoppers and restoration specialists on hand, along with decorators and stylists. The April event is themed “Vintage” while the August event’s theme is still to be decided, but will be more universal as it's a more-popular show. The fair is produced by AntiquesArt & You and all the info is on their site here.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE:
The famous Floating Market happens every year on the morning of the first Sunday of August (August 2, 2020). Flat-bottomed boats
known as "Nego-Chin" are
decorated with flowers and filled with local products; they float down the
river and dock along the river banks, with locals in colorful costumes on
board. For info, click here.
LA ROQUE D’ANTHERON: International Piano Festival, July 18 to August 18, 2020. Considered by many to be the most important piano festival in the world, with concerts in outdoor and indoor venues. This year will be the 40th annual and the website also has info on performances held throughout the year, outside of festival dates. festival-piano.com.
LA ROQUE D’ANTHERON: International Piano Festival, July 18 to August 18, 2020. Considered by many to be the most important piano festival in the world, with concerts in outdoor and indoor venues. This year will be the 40th annual and the website also has info on performances held throughout the year, outside of festival dates. festival-piano.com.
LOURMARIN, July to Oct, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the Chateau or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning artists. A lovely opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” +33 (04) 90 68 15 23, chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
MONTE CARLO: Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival of Live Music, July/August, 2020. For info, click here or sportingsummerfestival.com.
ORANGE: Les Chorégies d’Orange - the oldest festival in France - offers opera, lyrical and symphonic concerts in a stunning Roman amphitheater, a semi-circular space seating 9,000. Go early, get parked, eat nearby and bring cushions! The Chorégies festival is held annually from June through August; this year’s dates are June 19 to August 1, 2020. choregies.fr.
SAULT: The famous Fete de la Lavande de Sault (Lavender Festival), one of the biggest in the region, will be August 15, 2020. The full program is here.
ORANGE: Les Chorégies d’Orange - the oldest festival in France - offers opera, lyrical and symphonic concerts in a stunning Roman amphitheater, a semi-circular space seating 9,000. Go early, get parked, eat nearby and bring cushions! The Chorégies festival is held annually from June through August; this year’s dates are June 19 to August 1, 2020. choregies.fr.
SAULT: The famous Fete de la Lavande de Sault (Lavender Festival), one of the biggest in the region, will be August 15, 2020. The full program is here.
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The Choralies de Vaison presents nine days of singing, concerts, workshops
and more. The event happens every three years and the next one will be in Aug 2022; exact dates TBA. choralies.org, +33 (0)4 72 19 83
40.
VALLABREGUES: The 31st-Annual Basket Making Festival or Fete de la Vannerie will be Sat and Sun Aug 8 and 9, 2020. Basket weaving is traditional and unique to Vallabregues; the close proximity to the Rhone River insured that there were always plenty of willows nearby. Vallabregues was once the biggest basket-producer in France, back when baskets were widely in use for transport and myriad other purposes. Today this annual festival attracts basket-makers from all over Europe, who come to celebrate and perpetuate this fast-disappearing craft with a full weekend's worth of events. Look for 80 exhibitors, a parade, live music throughout the weekend, a paella dinner, fireworks, basket-making workshops, a basket-themed art expo and more. Home-made baskets are displayed in front of houses, shops sell baskets and there's a wonderful museum devoted to the history and handicraft. +33 (0)4 66 59 26 57, info@ot-terredargence.fr or click here or here.
VALREAS: The first weekend in August, Valreas celebrates lavender with a beautiful parade of lavender-bedecked floats, accompanied by Provencal folk music, dance groups and musicians. This year's dates are August 1 to 3, 2020. For info, click here.
VALLABREGUES: The 31st-Annual Basket Making Festival or Fete de la Vannerie will be Sat and Sun Aug 8 and 9, 2020. Basket weaving is traditional and unique to Vallabregues; the close proximity to the Rhone River insured that there were always plenty of willows nearby. Vallabregues was once the biggest basket-producer in France, back when baskets were widely in use for transport and myriad other purposes. Today this annual festival attracts basket-makers from all over Europe, who come to celebrate and perpetuate this fast-disappearing craft with a full weekend's worth of events. Look for 80 exhibitors, a parade, live music throughout the weekend, a paella dinner, fireworks, basket-making workshops, a basket-themed art expo and more. Home-made baskets are displayed in front of houses, shops sell baskets and there's a wonderful museum devoted to the history and handicraft. +33 (0)4 66 59 26 57, info@ot-terredargence.fr or click here or here.
VALREAS: The first weekend in August, Valreas celebrates lavender with a beautiful parade of lavender-bedecked floats, accompanied by Provencal folk music, dance groups and musicians. This year's dates are August 1 to 3, 2020. For info, click here.
SEPTEMBER
ALL OVER FRANCE: The
next French Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) will be September 19 and 20,
2020. That's when you get free access to historic sites and museums and other
wonderful places that are normally closed to the public throw open their doors.
See my most recent story here and the website here for this year's details.
ALL OVER FRANCE: 10th
Annual Tous au Restaurant promotion, September, 2020, with dates TBA. Get two-for-one deals on special menus in hundreds of restaurants.
Chefs prepare a special prix-fixe menu of an appetizer, main course, and
dessert. The first guest chooses this menu, and the second guest receives the
same menu for free (drinks may be included or not). tousaurestaurant.com/en.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are June 29 to Sept 20, 2020. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here.
ARLES:
The Feria du Riz (Rice Festival) will be Sept 12 and 13, 2020. The main event is
bullfighting, but a horse festival and the popular foodie event Camargue
Gourmande are also part of the Feria. One week before the Feria
the Espace Toro is set up in the Gimeaux corral, where you can see
the bulls that will be used during the Feria du Riz, learn about the
different types of bullfights and more. All the info is here.
AVIGNON: The Vibrations sound and light show has become a super popular annual summer and early fall evening event. The 2020 dates have yet to be announced but last year it ran from mid August to mid October, 2019. This is a dramatic 30-minute sound-and-light show using the latest videomapping techniques, taking place each evening in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. In August, there are two shows each evening at 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm, while September and October feature one performance at 9.30 pm nightly (plus a second show at 10.30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights only in September). For all the info, click here.
AVIGNON: The Vibrations sound and light show has become a super popular annual summer and early fall evening event. The 2020 dates have yet to be announced but last year it ran from mid August to mid October, 2019. This is a dramatic 30-minute sound-and-light show using the latest videomapping techniques, taking place each evening in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. In August, there are two shows each evening at 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm, while September and October feature one performance at 9.30 pm nightly (plus a second show at 10.30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights only in September). For all the info, click here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
CASSIS:
11th annual Vendanges Etoilées Festival, September, 2020, dates TBA. Chefs and
vineyards offer demos and tastings of the wines of Cassis, which has the oldest
registered AOC (designation of origin) in France. Les-vendanges-etoilees.com.
LOURMARIN, July to Oct, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the Chateau or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning artists. A lovely opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” +33 (04) 90 68 15 23, chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
NÎMES: The big Feria des Vendanges de Nîmes is September 17 to 20, 2020. This celebration of the wine harvest features corridas, concerts, animations, exhibitions, abrivados and more. For info click here.
SAINT-REMY: 11th Annual Jazz à Saint-Remy will be in September, 2020 at the Alpilium. Reserve online or at the Tourist Office. jazzasaintremy.fr
SAINT-TROPEZ: Sept 19 to Oct 5, 2020: The 21st edition of Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, with a selection of the finest traditional and modern yachts in the world. More than 300 sailboats will gather in this exceptional setting to race in the same zone for a week. Witness traditional yachts that are majestic “works of art” side-by-side with new-generation boats featuring cutting-edge technology. Lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
SAINT-REMY: 11th Annual Jazz à Saint-Remy will be in September, 2020 at the Alpilium. Reserve online or at the Tourist Office. jazzasaintremy.fr
SAINT-TROPEZ: Sept 19 to Oct 5, 2020: The 21st edition of Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, with a selection of the finest traditional and modern yachts in the world. More than 300 sailboats will gather in this exceptional setting to race in the same zone for a week. Witness traditional yachts that are majestic “works of art” side-by-side with new-generation boats featuring cutting-edge technology. Lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
OCTOBER
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
AVIGNON: The Vibrations sound and light show has become a super popular annual summer and early fall evening event. The 2020 dates have yet to be announced but last year it ran from mid August to mid October, 2019. This is a dramatic 30-minute sound-and-light show using the latest videomapping techniques, taking place each evening in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. In August, there are two shows each evening at 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm, while September and October feature one performance at 9.30 pm nightly (plus a second show at 10.30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights only in September). For all the info, click here.
AVIGNON: The Vibrations sound and light show has become a super popular annual summer and early fall evening event. The 2020 dates have yet to be announced but last year it ran from mid August to mid October, 2019. This is a dramatic 30-minute sound-and-light show using the latest videomapping techniques, taking place each evening in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. In August, there are two shows each evening at 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm, while September and October feature one performance at 9.30 pm nightly (plus a second show at 10.30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights only in September). For all the info, click here.
LOURMARIN, July to Oct, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the Chateau or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning artists. A lovely opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” +33 (04) 90 68 15 23, chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
ST. REMY: À la rencontre des savoir-faire des Alpilles" will be in October 2020, dates TBA. A lovely weekend event designed to celebrate all the artistic craftsmanship and know-how of the Alpilles region, in food, wine, crafts and more. Roughly 30 companies, shops and people are participating. See the full program HERE.
SAINT-TROPEZ: Sept 19 to Oct 5, 2020: The 21st edition of Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, with a selection of the finest traditional and modern yachts in the world. More than 300 sailboats will gather in this exceptional setting to race in the same zone for a week. Witness traditional yachts that are majestic “works of art” side-by-side with new-generation boats featuring cutting-edge technology. Lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
NOVEMBER
ARLES:
Provence Prestige is a large and lovely indoor holiday market featuring all-local products: food, wine, sweets, home decor, clothing,
arts and crafts, books, Christmas specialties and more. November 2020, dates TBD. Info here.
FONTVIEILLE: 13th Annual Foie Gras Festival, November 2020, dates TBA. Foie gras and other gourmet products galore; stop by Les Halles in the morning to reserve for lunch! Organized by the Le Lions Club Paradou Les Alpilles.
MONTE CARLO: Monte Carlo Jazz Festival, November, 2019. For info, click here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
CHATEAURENARD: The Foire de la Toussaint, which heralds back to the Middle Ages, happens every year in November, with 350 or so exhibitors from all over France. In Centre Ville. 04 90 24 35 35.
FONTVIEILLE: 13th Annual Foie Gras Festival, November 2020, dates TBA. Foie gras and other gourmet products galore; stop by Les Halles in the morning to reserve for lunch! Organized by the Le Lions Club Paradou Les Alpilles.
MONTE CARLO: Monte Carlo Jazz Festival, November, 2019. For info, click here.
NÎMES: Nimagine: Salon des Createurs. November, 2020, dates TBA. In a large, indoor space, more than 150 exhibitors discuss and sell their work. Handicrafts, art, jewelry, decor and much more. Info here.
NÎMES: Salon des Antiquaires. 2020 dates TBA but it's usually in very late Nov or early Dec. Info here.
DECEMBER
All
OVER THE BOUCHES DU RHONE: The 28th annual Les Chants de Noel presents
63 free Christmas concerts across the region, throughout the month of December, including a number of major concerts in "emblematic" venues. Programs
include gospel, jazz flamenco and more. All details are here.
AVIGNON: Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2020 is here.
LYON: The city will be beautifully ablaze with sound and light installations again, during the annual Fete de Lumières. It's not Provence of course but if you haven't seen it, it's a must. Specific dates to be announced, in December 2019. All the info is here.
NICE: Christmas in Nice, Christmas Market and Village. Dates to be announced but it usually runs from Dec 1 to Jan 1. Info is here.
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