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Here are some of the
major festivals, events and shows happening in the South of France in 2019 and 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.
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
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
MENTON:
86th Annual Menton Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), Feb 16 to March 3, 2019. Info here.
NICE:
Carnaval! This year the theme is "King of Cinema." Feb 16 to March 2,
2019. Info here.
MARCH
NICE: Paris to Nice Cycling
Race, March 10 to 17, 2019. Also known as "Paris-Nice" or the
"Race to the Sun," this event traditionally marks the start of the
international bike race season. In 2018, Spaniard Marc Soler
outshone Briton Simon Yates in a nail-biting final stage on the hills
surrounding Nice to win Paris-Nice "by the blink of an eye." The
24-year-old Movistar rider, 37 seconds behind Yates at the start in the morning
rain, crossed the line with a four-second lead over the Briton, 110 km and a
few hours later, after another extremely tight finale. The 2019 race will
cover 1,300 km in eight stages. As in years past, the Col de Vence is expected
to prove daunting, as are the ascents of La Turbie and Col
d'Èze. Info here.
APRIL
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The 52-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 2019 dates are April 19 to 22 and August 15 to 18. 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 19 to 22, 2019. 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 of the event will be 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 27 to May 4, 2019 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.
ARLES: Easter Festival (Feria du Pacques), April 19 to 22, 2019. 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 of the event will be 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 27 to May 4, 2019 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.
ALL
OVER FRANCE : Les Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art (April 1 to 7)
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.
MAY
NÎMES : Les Grands Jeux
Romains (Roman Games), May 3 to 5, 2019, 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
MONACO: 77th Monaco
Formula 1 Grand Prix (May 23-26, 2019). For all the info, click here.
CANNES: 73rd Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 14-25, 2019. For the website in English, click here.
JUNE
CANNES: 73rd Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 14-25, 2019. For the website in English, click here.
JUNE
SAINT-REMY: The 36th
Annual Transhumance! Monday June 10, 2019. Yep, that's the one with all the
sheep. Info is on the site of the Saint-Remy Tourist Office here.
ALL
OVER FRANCE: Fête de la Musique, June 21, 2019. 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.
AIX: The 6th Aix en Juin Festival brings a marvelous schedule of performances to indoor and outdoor venues around the city. Music, dance and more. For info click here.
AIX: The 6th Aix en Juin Festival brings a marvelous schedule of performances to indoor and outdoor venues around the city. Music, dance and more. For info click here.
AIX: Salon Vivre Côté Sud, June 7 to 10, 2019. Find beautiful things for your home and garden in this popular annual fair. Click here for info.
ANTIBES:
Voiles d'Antibes, June 5 to 9, 2019. This race 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.
MARSEILLE: The finals of the Sailing World Cup happen June 2, 2019. Info here.
NÎMES: Pentecost Feria, June 6 to 10, 2019. 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 million people who come. 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
MARSEILLE: The finals of the Sailing World Cup happen June 2, 2019. Info here.
NÎMES: Pentecost Feria, June 6 to 10, 2019. 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 million people who come. 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
6, 2019. choregies.fr.
JULY
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The
wildly popular modern dance festival called Vaison Danses will be July 10 to
27, 2019. Tickets are at the box office, by phone, online or FNAC. For all the info, click here or vaison-danses.com.
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 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 3 to 22, 2019. It will be the 71st annual festival.
All details are here.
ARLES:
The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are
July 1 to Sept 22, 2019. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end;
others come down sooner. The main events (openings, conferences, special
evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week, July 1
to 7. For info in English, click here.
ARLES: 24th Annual
"Les Suds à Arles" World Music Festival, July 8 to 14, 2019. A week filled with concerts, master classes, "meet the musician" events and more, in the heart of the historic city. suds-arles.com
AVIGNON: The Festival
d'Avignon 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 5 to 29, 2019; in previous years there were as many as 1500 different performances. The festival kicks off on July 5 with a parade of costumed performers, 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: 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
AVIGNON: Now in its 28th year, the annual Avignon Jazz Festival (July 31 to Aug 4, 2019) 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: The ''Off Broadway'' or "alternative" version of the Avignon Festival is called the Avignon Off Festival. Dates are July 5 to 29, 2019; in previous years there were as many as 1500 different performances. The festival kicks off on July 5 with a parade of costumed performers, 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: 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
AVIGNON: Now in its 28th year, the annual Avignon Jazz Festival (July 31 to Aug 4, 2019) 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
GIGONDAS: The eighth annual Gigondas sur Table
happens Monday July 15, 2019. 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. Booking
usually opens in June..
JUAN LES PINS: The 59th
Annual Jazz à Juan Festival will be July 12 to 21, 2019. 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: July 2019. 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: July 2019. 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 20 to August 18, 2019. 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 39th annual and the website also has info
on performances held throughout the year, outside of festival dates. festival-piano.com.
LE THORONET: 29th
Medieval Music Festival at the Abbaye du Thoronet. Festival will be third week
in July, 2019, with exact dates to be fixed in early
April. Tickets from 10
to 22€. musique-medievale.fr, 04 94 60 10 94.
LOURMARIN, July to Oct,
2019: Summer Music Festival. In the castle or on its terraces, enjoy concerts
of classical music with award-winning and highly talented artists. A grand
traditional Jazz evening is also programmed on the terraces of the Château de
Lourmarin at the beginning of August. It is also the opportunity to visit the
village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” Dates to be confirmed late
Dec or early Jan. chateau-de-lourmarin.com
MONTE CARLO: Monte Carlo
Sporting Summer Festival of Live Music, July/August, 2019. For info,
click here or sportingsummerfestival.com.
NÎMES: Kicking off with Elton John on his farewell tour, the Festival of Nîmes features concerts in the stunning Roman Arena, from June 23 to July 18, 2019. Note: these dates may change as new artists and concerts are added throughout the spring and early summer. festivaldenimes.com.
NÎMES: Kicking off with Elton John on his farewell tour, the Festival of Nîmes features concerts in the stunning Roman Arena, from June 23 to July 18, 2019. Note: these dates may change as 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 June through August; this year’s dates are June 19 to Aug 6, 2019. For
all the info: choregies.fr.
PERNES LES FONTAINES: The annual Ceramics Market returns to Pernes on Sunday July 21, 2019, 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 32 artists from all over the region. For info, click here and here.
PERNES LES FONTAINES: The annual Ceramics Market returns to Pernes on Sunday July 21, 2019, 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 32 artists from all over the region. For info, click here and here.
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The wildly popular modern dance festival called Vaison Danses will be July 10 to 27, 2019. Tickets are at the box office, by phone, online or FNAC. For all the info, click here or vaison-danses.com.
VALENSOLE: 6th Annual Valensole Lavender Festival, Sunday July 21, 2019. 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.
VALENSOLE: 6th Annual Valensole Lavender Festival, Sunday July 21, 2019. 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
APT: On Sat night (Aug 17, 7:30 pm) at the Cathedral in Apt, the Cambridge Voices acapella choir presents "Musique Sacree du Monde," raising money for the ongoing modernization of the Apt Hospital,through the Fond de Dotation, Pour le Pays d'Apt, un Hopital d'Avenir. Tix are 20€ (free under 12). They can be bought at the cathedral on the day of the concert or can be reserved ahead by calling: +33 6 04 03 23 93.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are July 1 to Sept 22, 2019. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week, July 1 to 7. For info in English, click here.
APT: On Sat night (Aug 17, 7:30 pm) at the Cathedral in Apt, the Cambridge Voices acapella choir presents "Musique Sacree du Monde," raising money for the ongoing modernization of the Apt Hospital,through the Fond de Dotation, Pour le Pays d'Apt, un Hopital d'Avenir. Tix are 20€ (free under 12). They can be bought at the cathedral on the day of the concert or can be reserved ahead by calling: +33 6 04 03 23 93.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are July 1 to Sept 22, 2019. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week, July 1 to 7. 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. This year's dates are Aug 11 to Oct 12, 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 28th year, the annual Avignon Jazz Festival (July 31 to Aug 4, 2019) 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
DIGNES-LES-BAINS: Love lavender? Dignes-les-Bains has not one but two major lavender events each year. * The 73rd Corso de Lavande will be Aug 2 to 6, 2019. Celebrating its 73rd anniversary this year, the Corso features music, fireworks, a dance with international marching bands, a musical "tattoo" (competition), processions and a night parade on Mon Aug 5. For all the info, call +33 (0)6 34 41 86 29 or click here and here. * The 98th Lavender Fair 2019 (Foire de la Lavande) is August 21 to 25. Over a five-day period, stroll more than 200 stands offering every possible lavender product plus gourmet fare, decor, gifts and more. This year there are two free performing horse shows every day, featuring the famous white Camargue horses we all love. For info call +33 (0)4 92 31 05 20 or click here.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The 52-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 2019 dates are April 19 to 22 and August 15 to 18. 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.
AVIGNON: Now in its 28th year, the annual Avignon Jazz Festival (July 31 to Aug 4, 2019) 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
DIGNES-LES-BAINS: Love lavender? Dignes-les-Bains has not one but two major lavender events each year. * The 73rd Corso de Lavande will be Aug 2 to 6, 2019. Celebrating its 73rd anniversary this year, the Corso features music, fireworks, a dance with international marching bands, a musical "tattoo" (competition), processions and a night parade on Mon Aug 5. For all the info, call +33 (0)6 34 41 86 29 or click here and here. * The 98th Lavender Fair 2019 (Foire de la Lavande) is August 21 to 25. Over a five-day period, stroll more than 200 stands offering every possible lavender product plus gourmet fare, decor, gifts and more. This year there are two free performing horse shows every day, featuring the famous white Camargue horses we all love. For info call +33 (0)4 92 31 05 20 or click here.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The 52-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 2019 dates are April 19 to 22 and August 15 to 18. 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 4, 2019). 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: July 20 to August 18, 2019: International Piano Festival. 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 39th annual. festival-piano.com. See site for other performances throughout the year.
LOURMARIN, July to
October, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the castle or on its terraces, enjoy
concerts of classical music with award-winning and highly talented artists. A
grand traditional Jazz evening is also programmed on the terraces of the
Château de Lourmarin at the beginning of August. It is also the opportunity to
visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of
France." chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
MONTE CARLO: Monte Carlo
Sporting Summer Festival of Live Music, July/August, 2019. 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 6, 2019. choregies.fr.
SAULT: The famous Fete de la Lavande de Sault (Lavender Festival), one of the biggest in the region, will be August 15, 2019. 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 6, 2019. choregies.fr.
SAULT: The famous Fete de la Lavande de Sault (Lavender Festival), one of the biggest in the region, will be August 15, 2019. The full program is here.
VAISON LA ROMAINE: The 23rd
Annual Choralies de Vaison presents nine days of singing, concerts, workshops
and more. The next Choralies are Aug 1 to 9, 2019. choralies.org, +33 (0)4 72 19 83
40.
VALLABREGUES: The 30th-Annual Basket Making Festival or Fete de la Vannerie will be August 10 & 11, 2019. Basket weaving is very traiditional and unique to Vallabregues; the close proximity to the Rhone River insured that there were always plenty of willows nearby. The popular festival celebrates the village's proud basketmaking history with a full weekend's worth of events. Look for 80 exhibitors, a parade (Saturday 11 am), live music throughout the weekend, a paella dinner (Sunday 8:30 pm), fireworks (Sunday 10:30 pm), 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. Vallabregues used to be the biggest basket-producer in France, back when baskets were widely in use for transport and myriad other purposes. Today the festival attracts basket-makers from all over Europe, who come to celebrate and perpetuate this fast-disappearing craft. +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 5, 2019. For info, click here.
VALLABREGUES: The 30th-Annual Basket Making Festival or Fete de la Vannerie will be August 10 & 11, 2019. Basket weaving is very traiditional and unique to Vallabregues; the close proximity to the Rhone River insured that there were always plenty of willows nearby. The popular festival celebrates the village's proud basketmaking history with a full weekend's worth of events. Look for 80 exhibitors, a parade (Saturday 11 am), live music throughout the weekend, a paella dinner (Sunday 8:30 pm), fireworks (Sunday 10:30 pm), 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. Vallabregues used to be the biggest basket-producer in France, back when baskets were widely in use for transport and myriad other purposes. Today the festival attracts basket-makers from all over Europe, who come to celebrate and perpetuate this fast-disappearing craft. +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 5, 2019. For info, click here.
SEPTEMBER
ALL OVER FRANCE: The
next French Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) will be September 20 to 22,
2019. 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, 2019, 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 July 1 to Sept 22, 2019. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week, July 1 to 7. For info in English, click here.
ARLES: The dates for the Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are July 1 to Sept 22, 2019. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week, July 1 to 7. For info in English, click here.
ARLES:
The Feria du Riz (Rice Festival) will be Sept 7 and 8, 2019. 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. This year's dates are Aug 11 to Oct 12, 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. This year's dates are Aug 11 to Oct 12, 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.
CASSIS:
10th annual Vendanges Etoilées Festival, September, 2019. 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, mid-July to October, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the castle or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning and highly talented artists. A grand traditional Jazz evening is also programmed on the terraces of the Château de Lourmarin at the beginning of August. It is also the opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France." chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
NÎMES: The big Feria des Vendanges de Nîmes is September 2019, with exact dates to come. This celebration of the wine harvest features corridas, concerts, animations, exhibitions, abrivados and more. For info click here.
SAINT-REMY: 10th Annual Jazz à Saint-Remy will be in September, 2019 at the Alpilium. Reserve online or at the Tourist Office. jazzasaintremy.fr
SAINT-TROPEZ: Sept 28 to Oct 6, 2019 are the dates for the 20th 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: The Vibrations sound and light show has become a super popular annual summer and early fall evening event. This year's dates are Aug 11 to Oct 12, 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 October, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the castle or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning and highly talented artists. A grand traditional Jazz evening is also programmed on the terraces of the Château de Lourmarin at the beginning of August. It is also the opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France." chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
ST. REMY: À la rencontre des savoir-faire des Alpilles" is October 4 to 6, 2019. 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.
LOURMARIN, July to October, 2019: Summer Music Festival. In the castle or on its terraces, enjoy concerts of classical music with award-winning and highly talented artists. A grand traditional Jazz evening is also programmed on the terraces of the Château de Lourmarin at the beginning of August. It is also the opportunity to visit the village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France." chateau-de-lourmarin.com.
ST. REMY: À la rencontre des savoir-faire des Alpilles" is October 4 to 6, 2019. 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 28 to
Oct 6, 2019 are the dates for the 20th 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 21 to 25, 2019.
Info here.
CHATEAURENARD: The Foire de la Toussaint, which heralds back to the Middle Ages, happens on Friday Nov. 1, 2019 with 350 exhibitors from all over France. In Centre Ville. 04 90 24 35 35.
FONTVIEILLE: 12th Annual Foie Gras Festival, Sunday Nov 24, 2019. 8 am to 6 pm. 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.
CHATEAURENARD: The Foire de la Toussaint, which heralds back to the Middle Ages, happens on Friday Nov. 1, 2019 with 350 exhibitors from all over France. In Centre Ville. 04 90 24 35 35.
FONTVIEILLE: 12th Annual Foie Gras Festival, Sunday Nov 24, 2019. 8 am to 6 pm. 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, 2019. 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. 2019 dates TBA but it's usually in very late Nov or early Dec. Info here.
DECEMBER
All
OVER THE BOUCHES DU RHONE: The 27th 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: 234th One-Day Antiques Market for Professionals, Wed Dec 4 starting at 8 am at the Parc des Expositions. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. Dozens of international freight forwarders will be onhand 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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