What's on in France: 11 great events in September 2018
The Local France - [email protected]
Published: 31 Aug, 2018 CET.
Updated: Fri 31 Aug 2018 09:50 CET
September in France means back to work or school for most people - but there are plenty of events taking place across the country to help you kick start France's unofficial New Year - 'la rentree' - with some fun. Here's our pick of 11 you won't want to miss out on.
Wine walks, Loire Valley, September 1st - 2nd
For wine lovers out there, this is the perfect way to celebrate your favourite drink.
The event offers 15 walks in the heart of France's Loire Valley which give you the chance to discover vineyards accompanied by the winemakers themselves. And, of course, the walk will be punctuated with a little bit of wine tasting along the way.
Festival of Song (Rencontres Polyphoniques), Corsica, September 11th - 15th
Since 1989, this festival in the Corsican town of Calvi has brought together singers from all over the world.
At the end of the summer, concerts are organized across the town, including in the stunning Calvi Cathedral and you'll find the programme packed full of singers from countries as varied as Bulgaria, Georgia, Tibeta and Morocco.
Jazz à la Villette, Paris, August 30th - September 9th
Prolong your summer with this 12-day jazz festival at La Villette. The line-up promises an eclectic mix of pop, funk and soul as well as jazz performances. The festival, which has been running since 2002, even offers shows for children.
This year the line-up features acts from a host of big names including US star Janelle Monáe, Parisian duo Tshegue and Dhafer Youssef, as well as many exciting new performers.
If you want a taste of the kind of performances you can expect, check the video from last year's event below.
Braderie de Lille, September 1st - 2nd
Bargain hunters should head to Lille for this event, which is the largest flea market in Europe, attracting more than two million visitors each year.
You can haggle for items ranging from furniture to vintage clothing as well as more specialist items, with the local streets organisedseparated by theme.
Photo: AFP
European Fair, Strasbourg, September 7th - 17th
With over 900 exhibitors taking part, this annual cultural fair is well worth a visit. This year, the focus is on the iconic Route 66 in the US.
There will be a children's space, a farm, live musical acts and other activities that will appeal to the whole family.
Paris Design Week, September 6th - 15th
Taking place across the entire city, Paris Design Week showcases the very best in contemporary and classic design. It's free of charge so you can wander into one of 180 venues, including exhibition spaces, museums, and even restaurants.
The event has developed a reputation for celebrating new designers and spotting trends before they hit the shops - so it's a great place to go if you want interior design ideas that will put you ahead of the curve.
Photo: AFP
Marathon du Medoc, Bordeaux, September 8th
Billed as the 'longest marathon in the world', it's also the booziest and one of the most enjoyable, thanks to a route that takes participants through vineyards, chateaux, and food stops to sample the region's delicacies. And yes, that includes plenty of wine, as well as oysters, steak and more local treats.
Most runners wear fancy dress - even the competitive ones - and this year the theme is the funfair.
Photo: AFP
Les Journées du Patrimoine, September 15th-16th
Across the country, thousands of cultural heritage sites will open their doors to the public as part of the programme. There are also events ranging from guided walks to concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
This year the theme is the 'art of sharing' and it's a great opportunity to see behind the usually-closed doors of both public and private properties.
People queue to get into the Ministry of Justice in Place Vendome, Paris. Photo: AFP
Fete de la Gastronomie, September 21st - 23rd
Autumn is the best time for food and wine across France, and this nationwide festival celebrates the very best of French fare. France's gastronomy is classed by UNESCO as an 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity' and the festival programme includes workshops, demonstrations, and even special offers in many restaurants.
Whether you want to go on a truffle hunt or enjoy the wine harvest, head to a street market or gourmet restaurant, there's sure to be something going on near you.
Photo: AFP
Technoparade, Paris, September 22nd
For 20 years this one-day festival has promoted electro and techno music in the French capital. Thousands of people are expected to turn out to the 5km street party with a procession of floats equipped with sound systems blasting out music, and both renowned and up-and-coming DJs.
And this year - its 20th anniversary - is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
Photo: Rog01/Flickr
British Film Festival, Dinard, September 26th - 30th
This five-day festival features premieres, short films, and competitions celebrating the best of British in the world of cinema.
Each year some of the biggest names in French and British cinema descend on the Breton seaside town, and a jury of leading figures shortlists six films, with the best one awarded the Golden Hitchcock.
The president of this year's event is Italian actress and model, Monica Bellucci.
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Wine walks, Loire Valley, September 1st - 2nd
For wine lovers out there, this is the perfect way to celebrate your favourite drink.
The event offers 15 walks in the heart of France's Loire Valley which give you the chance to discover vineyards accompanied by the winemakers themselves. And, of course, the walk will be punctuated with a little bit of wine tasting along the way.
Festival of Song (Rencontres Polyphoniques), Corsica, September 11th - 15th
Since 1989, this festival in the Corsican town of Calvi has brought together singers from all over the world.
At the end of the summer, concerts are organized across the town, including in the stunning Calvi Cathedral and you'll find the programme packed full of singers from countries as varied as Bulgaria, Georgia, Tibeta and Morocco.
Jazz à la Villette, Paris, August 30th - September 9th
Prolong your summer with this 12-day jazz festival at La Villette. The line-up promises an eclectic mix of pop, funk and soul as well as jazz performances. The festival, which has been running since 2002, even offers shows for children.
This year the line-up features acts from a host of big names including US star Janelle Monáe, Parisian duo Tshegue and Dhafer Youssef, as well as many exciting new performers.
If you want a taste of the kind of performances you can expect, check the video from last year's event below.
Braderie de Lille, September 1st - 2nd
Bargain hunters should head to Lille for this event, which is the largest flea market in Europe, attracting more than two million visitors each year.
You can haggle for items ranging from furniture to vintage clothing as well as more specialist items, with the local streets organisedseparated by theme.
Photo: AFP
European Fair, Strasbourg, September 7th - 17th
With over 900 exhibitors taking part, this annual cultural fair is well worth a visit. This year, the focus is on the iconic Route 66 in the US.
There will be a children's space, a farm, live musical acts and other activities that will appeal to the whole family.
Paris Design Week, September 6th - 15th
Taking place across the entire city, Paris Design Week showcases the very best in contemporary and classic design. It's free of charge so you can wander into one of 180 venues, including exhibition spaces, museums, and even restaurants.
The event has developed a reputation for celebrating new designers and spotting trends before they hit the shops - so it's a great place to go if you want interior design ideas that will put you ahead of the curve.
Photo: AFP
Marathon du Medoc, Bordeaux, September 8th
Billed as the 'longest marathon in the world', it's also the booziest and one of the most enjoyable, thanks to a route that takes participants through vineyards, chateaux, and food stops to sample the region's delicacies. And yes, that includes plenty of wine, as well as oysters, steak and more local treats.
Most runners wear fancy dress - even the competitive ones - and this year the theme is the funfair.
Photo: AFP
Les Journées du Patrimoine, September 15th-16th
Across the country, thousands of cultural heritage sites will open their doors to the public as part of the programme. There are also events ranging from guided walks to concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
This year the theme is the 'art of sharing' and it's a great opportunity to see behind the usually-closed doors of both public and private properties.
People queue to get into the Ministry of Justice in Place Vendome, Paris. Photo: AFP
Fete de la Gastronomie, September 21st - 23rd
Autumn is the best time for food and wine across France, and this nationwide festival celebrates the very best of French fare. France's gastronomy is classed by UNESCO as an 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity' and the festival programme includes workshops, demonstrations, and even special offers in many restaurants.
Whether you want to go on a truffle hunt or enjoy the wine harvest, head to a street market or gourmet restaurant, there's sure to be something going on near you.
Photo: AFP
Technoparade, Paris, September 22nd
For 20 years this one-day festival has promoted electro and techno music in the French capital. Thousands of people are expected to turn out to the 5km street party with a procession of floats equipped with sound systems blasting out music, and both renowned and up-and-coming DJs.
And this year - its 20th anniversary - is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
Photo: Rog01/Flickr
British Film Festival, Dinard, September 26th - 30th
This five-day festival features premieres, short films, and competitions celebrating the best of British in the world of cinema.
Each year some of the biggest names in French and British cinema descend on the Breton seaside town, and a jury of leading figures shortlists six films, with the best one awarded the Golden Hitchcock.
The president of this year's event is Italian actress and model, Monica Bellucci.
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