With so many Festivals to choose from across Europe, we’re finding it a little tricky here at Door2Tour to decide on the next country to feature! After much deliberation, we thought it only fair to cherry-pick some of the best Festivals to be found in France – our neighbour across The Channel! See if we can tempt you to visit one of these fine, yet somewhat unusual events…
Rouen Armada – June 2013
This is a rather popular event in France that only occurs once in every six years which is why it attracts so many people from across the world. In 2013, you will be able to celebrate 25 years of ‘The Armada of
Freedom’ in Rouen. This 10 day event is filled with plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family amused but the last few days are said to be the best. You’ll have free access to over 50 vessels so you can really get up close to the magnificent tall ships, warships and modern boats gathered from all over the world. Fireworks fill the sky each evening during the second week. On the final day of the festival, you will witness the boats turn to leave Rouen and sail through a special bridge that raises to allow them to pass.
Mirabelle Plum Festival – August 2013
This is a ‘not to be missed’ event and has been held every year since 1947 attracting thousands of visitors to the Lorraine capital. These celebrations usually take place at the end of August and involve varied street entertainment to include live music, craft markets and firework displays. On the Sunday afternoon, a dozen or more floats made of fruit and flowers pass through the town for all to see. Don’t miss other tourist attractions whilst in Metz including the Saint Etienne Cathedral that has the 2nd highest nave in France and stain-glassed windows designed by famous French artists.
Fetes De La Vigne of Dijon – August/Sept 2013
If you’re a fan of wine and music, you can’t go wrong by attending this
festival in beautiful Dijon. The festival celebrates Dijon and its history of groups who have played music during the grape-picking period. Singers and dancers come from across the world to give this event an international flavour but folklore tends to be the main focus. Traditional dress and memories from when the festival first began soon after the outbreak of WW1 replicate the years gone by! Whilst in Dijon try out the new Tramway and visit the many antique shops, galleries and the Quartier Jean Jacques Rousseau during your stay.
So have any of these tickled your fancy? Perhaps you have already been to one of them, if so, let us know the must-sees and must-dos!