Unlock the best of France: 6 can't-miss French festivals

The best festivals in France, and top French events

France is world-renowned for its cultural diversity, culinary artistry, and historic landmarks.

But beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre lies a country with a deeply-rooted tradition of festivals, that celebrate everything from film to medieval heritage.

There's so much choice, in fact, that you won't be blamed for feeling a little intimidated when it comes to picking out a festival to attend in 2024 in France.

So, we've put together this guide, kicking off with the our picks of the best festivals in France for music lovers, followed by a cultural calendar of French festivals beyond the world of music. Looking for a night out in France? Check out the best club nights in Paris

French music festival roundup: best festivals in France

Looking for a music festival in France? Here's our round-up of popular festivals across the country.

Les Eurockéennes 2024

July 4 – 7, Eurockéennes de Belfort,

Sermamagny, France

One of the leading music festivals in France, Les Eurockéennes 2024 promises an incredible lineup of global artists like David Guetta, Lenny Kravitz, The Prodigy, Germany's own Purple Disco Machine, English rock duo Royal Blood, and French drill legend Gazo. Rising stars like Yamê, Didi B, Blondshell, DJ Lizz, and more will also join the diverse roster. Critics have praised the festival's eclectic mix and buzzy atmosphere.

All day In 2024

July 20 – 21, ADI Park, route de Gustave

Le Moule, Guadeloupe

Headed up by Guadeloupe's Mathieu White, French rapper Koba LaD, Jamaica's Teejay, and Martinique's Kima, this two-day event plays host to a vibrant lineup set to captivate festival-goers. The two-dayer is set to well and truly slap, with the addition of rising stars like Yamê, Didi B, Blondshell, and DJ Lizz, creating an unforgettable celebration of Caribbean and global music culture.

The festival also knows the importance of catering in the overall experience and carefully selects stands to offer on-site dining.

Under the theme of Karibbean street food, a diverse selection of restaurateurs will offer their best dishes while prioritizing local and tasty products.

Several bars will also be on-site, providing cocktails concocted by creative mixologists.

Little Festival 2024

July 31 – August 4,

Seignosse, Hossegor + Capbreton, France

Celebrating its sixth edition, Little Festival promises a "complete musical and artistic circuit by the ocean" in a five-day celebration of electronic music, street art performances, and board sports.

The 2024 lineup features Antoine Sy, Cloutch, Cora M, Pierino, and Novaj 新し on July 31.

At Le Tube in Seignosse on August 1, Carla Schmitt, L'Hkleon, Rem's Martinez, Salomé, The Driver, Valentine G, and Vitalic will perform.

Friday, August 2, continues at Le Tube with Bec, Esme, Lacchesi, No Art, Sam Paganini, and Space 92. On August 3, Asdek & Ava Mind, E Darta, Remi Siku, Marius, Mosimann, Sqwad, and Venga will play. Finally, at JO&JOE in Hossegor on August 4, Eclair Fifi, Emma B, Fanette, and Linoa will wrap up the festival.

Praised for its laid-back yet dynamic atmosphere, it's a must-attend event among French festivals.

Pink Paradize 2024

3 – 14 October,

Toulouse, France

Returning to venues across Toulouse from October 3 to 14, Pink Paradize brings a vibrant blend of electronic beats, alternative rock, hip-hop, and visual arts.

Previous editions have featured genre-defying artists like Vitalic, Rone, and Étienne de Crécy, offering festival-goers unparalleled artistic diversity.

With its "hybrid, colorful, and hedonistic" spirit, the 2024 edition promises to captivate music enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

Expect a mix of international stars and local rising talent lighting up the "pink city" in one of France's most exciting multi-genre festivals.

Family Piknik 2024

August 2 – 4, Espace Lucien Jean

Frontignan, France

Family Piknik is one of the standout music festivals in France, offering a vibrant mix of electronic music and family-friendly activities. The 2024 edition is set to continue its tradition of delivering an innovative blend of international icons and rising stars.

Previous lineups have featured renowned artists like Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, and Richie Hawtin, earning the festival critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Besides music, attendees can enjoy interactive art installations, yoga sessions, and other family-friendly activities, making it a holistic and inclusive event.

Critics have praised Family Piknik for its welcoming atmosphere and immersive experience, with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility. The festival aims to cultivate a community vibe that transcends the music itself, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.

Greenland 2024

May 31 – June 2, Greenland Festival

Palau-del-Vidre, France

Greenland Festival is a gem among festivals in France, known for its stunning setting and diverse lineup. The 2024 edition promises top icons and rising stars, continuing the festival's legacy of "bringing the best of electronic and contemporary music to one unforgettable event."

The lineup includes Ofenbach, Trinix, Ninho, PLK, SCH, Superbus and many more.

As an eco-responsible event, Greenland Festival prioritizes sustainability by raising awareness, sorting, recycling, composting, promoting local supply chains, and involving local stakeholders. Following the success of its 2023 edition, the festival is dedicated to constant improvement, focusing on eco-responsibility and social inclusion.

As the first festival in the region to offer free tickets for children under 10, Greenland also emphasizes the importance of family-friendly experiences, setting the standard for sustainable and socially responsible events.

Other festivals in france: Cultural French festival calendar 2024

In February, the French Riviera comes alive with the national festival Carnaval de Nice, one of Europe's largest and oldest carnivals.

Known as the French equivalent of Mardi Gras, this festival is a cornerstone of French culture, drawing tens of thousands of festival-goers to the seaside town.

Parades filled with floats, music, and the famous "Battle of Flowers" transform Nice into a colorful wonderland.

From April to November, the arts festival International Garden Festival at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley invites designers to create unique gardens that showcase innovative horticultural creativity.

This annual festival features imaginative displays that blend visual arts with the natural beauty of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In Menton, a town renowned for its lemon groves, the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) celebrates citrus fruits with extravagant floats and sculptures made entirely from lemons and oranges.

The Menton Lemon Festival coincides with the Menton Music Festival, making it a unique combination of visual and musical arts on the French Riviera.

Further along the Riviera in May, the Cannes Film Festival brings international stars to glamorous red-carpet events and cinematic premieres.

The Festival de Cannes is famous for its Cinéma de la Plage, where film lovers can enjoy screenings on the beach, and the highly coveted Golden Palm award.

Historic and Classical Music Festivals

Travel back in time at the Sedan Medieval Festival, held annually in the Ardennes. Knights, troubadours, and medieval markets fill the largest fortified castle in Europe.

The Provins Medieval Festival in June also transports visitors to the Middle Ages, with jesters, artisans, and knights in the charming town of Provins.

Along with this, The Chorégies d'Orange, the oldest music festival in Europe, is held annually in July in the Roman amphitheatre of Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This architectural heritage attracts both classical music and opera enthusiasts and tourists alike to the world's oldest music festival for an unforgettable cultural experience.

On July 14th, France commemorates its revolution with Bastille Day, a national holiday marked by the Défilé du 14 Juillet (military parade) in Paris and evening fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.

Since 1982, La Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) has brought free concerts to the streets of France every June 21st.

From Paris to Provence, amateur and professional musicians entertain the crowds with live music.

During May and June, the Sully and Le Loiret Music Festival presents classical concerts in enchanting settings like the Château de Sully-sur-Loire.

The Chorégies d'Orange opera festival, held in the historic Roman Theatre of Orange, is one of France's oldest cultural festivals, offering a unique experience thanks to its acoustics and architecture.

In July, the Festival d'Avignon transforms the town into a stage, known for its avant-garde performances.

Meanwhile, Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in December illuminates Lyon with light installations and projections, celebrating the Virgin Mary.

Each September, France's culinary heritage is showcased at the Fête de la Gastronomie (French Cuisine Festival) with workshops, tastings, and special menus.

Finally, every April, Berck-sur-Mer becomes a colorful playground at the International Kite Festival, attracting participants from around the world.

With this rich tapestry of festivals, French festivals are as diverse as they are vibrant. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, music lover, or history buff, these cultural festivals capture the essence of French life and provide a glimpse into its intangible cultural heritage.