🎶 Festivals & Events
Nationwide & Regional Highlights
Fête de l’Ail Rose, Lautrec (Tarn) – August 1–2: A delightful garlic festival in a picturesque “Plus Beaux Village,” with tastings, craft stalls, and garlic-sculptures
Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Brittany – Early August (1–10): Explore Celtic music, dance, crafts, sports, and gastronomy with participants from across the Celtic world
https://www.festival-interceltique.bzh/english-interceltic-festival-lorient/
Fête du Cassoulet, Castelnaudary (Aude) – August 21–24: Celebrate hearty cassoulet in the self-proclaimed cassoulet capital with concerts, markets, and massive communal meals
https://www.fete-du-cassoulet.com/
Bluegrass in La Roche-sur-Foron – First weekend (early August): A global bluegrass showcase in the Haute‑Savoie region with world-class bands https://www.larochebluegrass.org/accueil.html
Music & Culture by Region
La Roque‑d’AnthĂ©ron Piano Festival – Throughout August: European-level classical recitals in historic outdoor venues near Aix‑en‑Provence
Chorégies d’Orange (Opera Festival) – August: Performances in the ancient Roman theatre near Avignon
Jazz in Marciac – Early August: One of Europe’s top jazz festivals, set in a charming southwest village
Festival of the End of the World (Crozon, Brittany) – Aug 1–3: Eclectic music festival set dramatically on the peninsula
https://www.brittanytourism.com/matching-what-i-want/culture-and-heritage/brittanys-main-events/festival-du-bout-du-monde-lands-end-festival/
Mulhouse Jazz Festival (Alsace) – August 20–23: Great jazz vibes in a historic Alsatian town .
Route du Rock, Saint‑Malo – August 16–19: International indie and rock acts by the sea
Fête de la Saint‑Louis, Sète (Occitanie) – August 21–25: Canal jousting, parades, fireworks—a maritime summer spectacle
https://en.tourisme-sete.com/fetes-de-la-saint-louis-2025.html
Nice Jazz Fest, Côte d’Azur – August 24–27: One of Europe’s premier jazz events in beautiful Nice
🎠Paris August Highlights
Paris Plages – Until August 31: Temporary beaches along the Seine and Bassin de la Villette, complete with sand, deckchairs, and petanque
https://www.parisdiscoveryguide.com/paris-beaches.html
Open-Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette – Until mid-August: Free screenings under the stars, family-friendly
Rock en Seine – August 20–24: Massive rock/pop festival at Saint‑Cloud with international headliners
https://www.rockenseine.com/en/
Jazz à la Villette – August 28–Sept 7: A weekend (and beyond) of top-tier jazz, soul, hip‑hop, plus kids’ sessions
Silhouette Short-Film Festival – August 29–September 6: Free outdoor shorts & concerts in Parc Chapeau Rouge
La Nuit aux Invalides & Illuminated Fountains at Versailles – Intermittent summer nights: immersive light & sound shows, baroque displays, and fireworks
Assumption Day (August 15) – Attend church processions around Notre‑Dame or Versailles for candlelit riverboat parades and grand fountains
🌄 Off-the-Beaten-Path & Outdoors
Brittany exploration – Visit Saint‑Malo, Mont‑Saint‑Michel Bay, Cancale’s oyster markets & riverside villages
https://www.marcheauxhuitres-cancale.com/en/
Provence & Côte d’Azur: Enjoy lavender at Sault, antiques in Isle‑sur‑la‑Sorgue, and lavender-cutting contests on August 15
Deauville (Normandy) – Charming seaside town with casino, boardwalk, and sandy beaches (an easy Paris train ride away)
https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/deauville/
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