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What's on in France: Top things to do in November

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What's on in France: Top things to do in November
Don't miss the chocolate fashion show in Lyon. Photo: Salon du chocolat

Music, film, art... plus a lot of wine. Here are some top dates for your calendar in November.

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Chocolate Fair, Lyon, November 11th to 13th

Forget Cadbury’s chocolate as Lyon, the widely known capital of gastronomy, has some tasty treats for you to get your teeth stuck into. The sixth edition of the chocolate fair, held at the Cité Internationale, is offering culinary demonstrations, cooking workshops and of course the famous parade of chocolate dresses that will be taking centre stage. Think of this as Paris Fashion Week meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  

Photo: AFP

Le Salon de la Photo exhibition, Paris, November 10th to 14th

If you're a fan of the selfie stick then why not take a trip down to la Porte de Versailles for the chance to appreciate the creative works of modern day photographers. The Photographers’ Corner is not to be missed at Le Salon de la Photo exhibition. 

Brest European Short Film Festival, Brest, Nov 8th to 13th

The 31st edition of the festival will be commending the creativity and dynamism of young filmmakers in Europe. Known as the second best short film festival in France, Brest unites professionals and film goers so they can find out more about the imaginative and artistic processes involved in the making of a film.

Festival of the Herring - Fête du Hareng Roi - Throughout November

Dressed up in traditional costumes, the people of Normandy meet up to celebrate their favourite fish - the herring. Every year, thousands of people join them to enjoy herring in all its delicious forms – pickled, grilled, or smoked and accompanied of course by lots of wine.

Different parts of the region celebrate the festival on different days, click here for a guide

Beaujolais Nouveau Festival, November 19th

As the world’s best wine party (as thought by many beaujoholics) is fast approaching, will you be ready to uncork the fruity bottle of Beaujolais at the stroke of midnight? The festivities will be marked by fireworks, music and various parties to celebrate the region’s first wine of the season.

ST-ART: European Contemporary Art Fair, Strasbourg, November 25th to 28th
 
The leading contemporary art fair will host galleries that reflect the works of leading international artists in the field. From photography to sculptures and paintings, ST-ART is a unique artistic space that allows 26,000 visitors to enjoy the great talents of the contemporary art world.

 Jazz sur La Ville Festival, Marseille, November 3rd to December 3rd

"Life is a lot like jazz. . . it’s best when you improvise," said George Gershwin.

Get ready to feel jazzy as this year celebrates the tenth edition of the Jazz Festival in Marseille, welcoming a seemingly endless list gifted artists. The festival, offering 56 live concerts, stretches from Marseille to dozens of other locations such as Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. So if you live in the south east region of France you have no excuse.

Salon des vins, Paris, November 24th to 28th

At the foot of la Porte de Versailles, this will be a great opportunity for wine lovers to personally meet local sellers and to discover new wines as well as the history behind them. Just in case Paris is unreachable for you, the event is also taking place in Reims; November 11th to 14th and Lille; November 18th to 21st.

Photo: AFP

Armistice Day November 11th 

On Armistice Day, France honours those who fell or were injured during World War I with commemorative services. In Paris, a military parade will take place, and a ceremony will be held at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe. 

Christmas Market Colmar - November 25th to December 30th

Though it may seem a bit early, the Christmas market in the picturesque town of Colmar in the Alsace region already kicks off in late-November. Wandering around the illuminated city, trying out Alsatian specialties, and sipping from a cup of mulled wine will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit.

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