Festivals and events in France in July
Here are some the festivals and events that might tempt you to visit France in July.
Bastille Day
Marked across the country on 14th July, Bastille Day — France’s national day — is celebrated with grand military parades, fireworks and concerts.
Head to Paris for the most elaborate events, among them a huge parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks around the Eiffel Tower.
Festival d'Avignon
One of the most esteemed performing arts festivals in the world, the Avignon Festival features theater, dance, and music performances in charming historic venues around the city.
Jazz à Juan
Held in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera in mid-July, this prestigious jazz festival boasts a stunning seaside setting and attracts world-renowned jazz musicians.
Festival de Carcassonne
Held in the handsome, historic city of Carcassonne, Languedoc, the annual Festival de Carcassonne attracts some 200k revellers to its UNESCO World Heritage Site setting.
Expect 120+ shows ranging from opera and theater, to dance and classical music, 80 of them free.
Les Vieilles Charrues
One of France’s largest music festivals, Les Vieilles Charrues (Old Plow’s) festival attracts big-name acts and around 300K visitors to Carhaix, Brittany, for a music-packed weekend.
Festival de Cornouaille
Since 1923, Quimper has played host to this exuberant celebration of Celtic Breton culture across a week in July.
Expect traditional dancing and costumes, bagpipers, bell-ringers, and much merry-making on the streets and squares of this Finistere coast treasure.