8 Jul – 30 Aug
Paris Plages
The riverbanks and canal basin become beaches — sand, deckchairs, swimming in the La Villette basin — Paris's answer to not having a coast.
Paris · Seine banks & Bassin de la Villette
France perfected the art of being visited — and of keeping the best bits for people who try slightly harder. Paris is the magnet, but France's real trick is variety within two train hours: champagne cellars, Norman beaches, Alpine peaks, and a south coast that invented the entire idea of holiday. The food reputation is deserved and not confined to the famous rooms; the twelve-euro lunch menu in an unphotographed bistro is the true national treasure.
What things cost: France is one of western Europe's pricier countries, and Paris prices above the rest of it. The saving graces: the fixed-price lunch menu, bakeries that make breakfast a €3 luxury, and wine cheaper than water in the supermarket. When a zone below says 'low', that means low for France — which still isn't cheap.
The cities
What’s on in France
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
14 Nov – 31 Dec
Foire aux Santons
A centuries-old Provençal Christmas tradition — a market on the Vieux-Port selling handmade 'santons', the little painted clay nativity figures unique to Provence, alongside a festive market and the city dressed for Christmas. A charming, traditional time to visit, in the mild southern winter.
Marseille · The Vieux-Port
Feb13–27
Carnaval de Nice
One of the great carnivals — two weeks of giant satirical floats and huge papier-mâché heads by night, and the flower parades along the seafront by day, where costumed riders pelt the crowd with fresh mimosa and roses.
Nice · Place Masséna & the Promenade
Jun5–6
Nuit Blanche
One sleepless night of art — installations in churches, museums open till dawn, light works on the bridges — and the metro runs all night for it.
Paris · Citywide
Jun18–20
Fête du Panier
A joyful neighbourhood festival in the old Panier quarter — its steep, colourful lanes filling with concerts, street theatre, food, dancing and a warm, communal spirit for a summer weekend. The most atmospheric time to experience Marseille's oldest and most characterful district; free and full of life.
Marseille · Le Panier
Jun21
Fête de la Musique
France's free midsummer music night — every square, bar and street corner in the old town turns into a stage, from jazz trios to rock bands, and the whole city stays out late. No tickets, just follow your ears.
Nice · Citywide, centred on Vieux Nice