LES FÊTES DE FRANCE

Guided By ~ Presented By ~Prof. Nitin Verma Isha Joshi (MIB-I Semester)

CANNES FILM FESTIVALThe Festival de Cannes or otherwise known by the world as the Cannes Film Festival is when the best of the movie world gather in the town of Cannes in the French Riviera to join the celebration. Numerous films are showcased with the creme de la creme hoping to bag the prestigious Palme d’Or recognition.

BASTILLE DAY

The 14th of July is a very special day in France as it celebrates and commemorates the storming of the Bastille. Considered a salute to the birth of French Democracy, Bastille Day is one of France’s biggest national holidays.If you are in France during this day, you can head over to the  Place de la Bastille where a huge dance party takes place. Or you could go to Champs-Elysées to witness the largest military parade. Fireworks displays will light up the French skies all over the country and you can see this wherever you are in France, but one shouldn’t miss this day’s biggest attraction – grand firework displays at the iconic Eiffel tower.

FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE

Fête de la Musique also known as Make Music Day is the ultimate festival for you. Join over 100,000 party-goers and indulge in one epic and unforgettable party. Held in June every year during the solstice, Fête de la Musique is a street festival inviting you and everyone to dance, sing, dine and drink. Not only is it a great way to celebrate summer but it’s an awesome opportunity for amateur and seasoned musicians to shine.The festival is one lively big concert with hundreds of musicians courting the crowd with different tunes. From jazz to rock, electronic to hip hop, the French sure know how to party! The best part? All the concerts are FREE!

FESTIVAL D’AVIGNON

Luring art lovers from across the globe is the yearly arts festival known as the Festival d’Avignon. Not only is it one of the oldest festivals but it is also one of the best in the world. Celebrated in the month of July in the city of Avignon, tourists, critics and enthusiasts flock to the Popes’ Palace and other locations in the city to attend the annual festivities.The Festival d’Avignon revels in various forms of art including dance, theatre, music and cinema. In other words, it’s the complete package.

NICE CARNIVALOne word: CARNIVAL! And not just a carnival, but one of the best in the world, alongside the Brazilian and Venetian carnivals. So even though summer is a favourite holiday season in France, the month of February is also a great time to jet off to the country to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration in the town of Nice in the French Riviera. Every day is a joyous feast you won’t easily forget. From day one to its closing, the festival welcomes tourists with grand parades and spectacular fireworks. Added to the mix music and dancing for the ultimate French carnival experience.

PARIS QUARTIER D’ÉTÉIf you’re visiting in Paris in the summer months, the Paris Quartier d’Eté festival just might become the highlight of your trip. The event lasts for a month, is mostly free, and takes place in several venues around the city. The festival is another testament to the French’s penchant for artistry and joyous celebrations. Tourists can expect various shows and concerts including open-air performances, theatrical events and yes, even circuses.

LES CHORÉGIES D’ORANGEHow does a summer opera festival sound to you? Interesting? If you are a fan of opera, head over to Orange which is around 21 kilometers north of Avignon. This festival dates back to 1860 and features performances which are shown in an impressive ancient Roman theater serving as backdrop, and complemented by an acoustic stage. The present format of the Chorégies includes six performances consisting of operas and concerts.

TOUR DE FRANCEThe Tour de France has been an annual event since 1903 and was only cancelled during the World Wars. To date, it remains a prestigious sporting event that is known all over the world. The route changes every year, but some traditional elements such as cycling through the mountains of the Pyrenees and Alps and the finish in  Champs-Élysées in Paris remain the same.If you want to witness a world-renowned event such as this one, check out France on the month of July!