Special Events and Festivals

The dynamism of cultural life in France needs no further proof. Paris and the regions seem locked in a challenge to attract and showcase the highest caliber of events, both trying to program events of international proportions, in a healthy competitive spirit in which the arts always come out winning. The vast selection of concerts, plays, films, ballets, dance performances, exhibitions will be an intarissable source of aesthetic emotions. Small towns are not to be outdone. Each Summer, it seems that even the remotest and smallest of French villages organizes a festival that, without pretence of outdoing the internationally acclaimed events staged at Cannes or Avignon, or at lesser-known festivals, offers performances of the highest quality.

The French cherish cinema, invented in 1895 by the Lumière brothers in Lyon. And for those who share their love for this "Seventh Art Form", as it is referred to in France, many festivals will be waiting for your visit. In this domain, Paris remains the undisputed World capital for movie-goers with hundreds of films to choose from every week.

Music, in all its forms, is also honored in many festivals throughout France, such as the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades, the Lyric Art and Music Festival of Aix-en-Provence, the International Organ Festival of Chartres, held in the city's magnificent Cathedral, the Cathedral Festival of Amiens or the Summer Musical Strolls of Reims, to name but a few. At the Printemps de Bourges, it is songs that are celebrated.

Jazz probably finds its best audience in Europe and particularly in France where fans congregate in clubs or festivals such as in Marciac or the Antibes-Juan-les-Pins International Festival.

There are also numerous special events, of a non-artistic nature, taking place in France, from international trade-shows to professional conventions, from world forums to sport competitions of all types. Because of the irregular nature of some of these events, it is best to contact a Tourist office or the trade mission of the French Government.