Trains and roads close to major cities often get busy around the national holidays. Not unintentionally, this is also the time when service unions (transporters, railroad workers, etc.) like to go on strike, something of a tradition, in fact. January Festivals
Donkey Festival, Art Festival: is a festival in two parts which invites visitors to learn about the heritage of the town of Sens through performances, workshops, exhibits and food. Using music, the festival brings together theatre, literature, poetry and painting. March Festivals
Carnival de Nice: is a centuries-old celebration featuring concerts, parties and many parades. A feast for the senses, the Carnival Parade includes large floats, fireworks and confetti, while the Flower Parade’s large floats are covered in thousands of flowers. May Festivals
French Open: is the second Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, held at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris for two weeks at the end of May. Roland Garros’ clay courts attract the creme de la creme of the tennis world. June Festivals
Bordeaux fete le Vin: is held every other June. This premiere event features parades, shows, concerts on the quays and many wine tasting sessions in Bordeaux and surrounding villages. July Festivals
Bastille Day: when French citizens stormed the Bastille to free prisoners trapped within. They started an uprising which eventually led to the demise of the country’s monarchist rule and the founding of a new French Republic. This day of celebration is commemorated with fireworks, dancing, a large military parade down the Champs-Elysees and a garden party held by the President. August Festivals
La Pourcailhade (Festival of the Pig): is held in the village of Trie-Sur-Baise in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. The Brotherhood of the Pig organises the festivity to celebrate the animal which gives the village its livelihood. Highlights include piglet races, pork sausage eating contests, a competition for the best pig costume and a pig imitation contest. October Festivals
Fete des Vendanges: is a harvest festival held in Paris’ Montmartre district with fanfare music and a parade showcasing the traditional costumes of the wine brotherhoods and wine-tasting knighthoods. December Festivals
Lyon Light Festival: sees the people of Lyon place candles in their windows in tribute to the Virgin Mary and the city is lit up with thousands of tiny bulbs, projected images, light effects and fireworks. | 
