Monday June 17th

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to receive Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. 

Zelensky will make his first visit to France as head of state, with Europe seeking progress on reforms and the conflict with separatists in its east, the French presidency has said. Zelensky, a former comedian whose crushing victory in April elections shook Ukraine's political establishment, will hold talks with Macron on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will be in Rouen for the inaugural meeting of Team France Export. 

The project aims to “bridge the foreign trade deficit”, “create jobs” and “boost the international development of companies”.

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

Here's a look at who the elderly political power couple are, and why their scandalous financial affairs have kept France gripped for over 20 years.

 

A Paris court will deliver its verdict on the transfer of the tens of thousands of euros raised online for Christophe Dettinger, the former boxer who was filmed punching police officers during anti-government protests in Paris back in January.

 

Choregies d'Orange, June 19th-August 6th, Orange

 

Classical music fans will love this festival dedicated to opera. 

 

Located just south of picturesque Avignon in the south of France, the festival's acts take place in the ancient Roman theatre, the Théâtre Antique d'Orange.

 

Sofilm Summercamp, June 19th – June 23rd, Nantes

 

Wednesday also marks the beginning of the Sofilm Summercamp film festival in Nantes. 

 

Film lovers won't want to miss out on this movie festival which combines previews of films from Cannes, offbeat and rare films, and outdoor screenings.

 

Macron with outgoing President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. Photo: AFP

 

Thursday June 20th

 

Macron will be in Brussels on Thursday for the European Council which will see the appointment of the successor of Jean-Claude Juncker.

 

Meanwhile in Bordeaux the official opening of the Musée Mer Marine will take place. 

 

Friday June 21st

 

Solidays, June 21st –  June 23rd, Paris

 

A festival with a conscience; Solidays raises money for the HIV and AIDS charity, Solidarité Sida. In recent years the festival has raised millions of euros. Located on the famous Longchamp racecourse, the festival unites musicians from all different genres, so expect to hear a little bit of everything; indie, rock, pop, hip hop and electronic.

 

Fete de la musique, June 21st, Whole of France

 

What better way to celebrate the arrival of summer, than a whole day of concerts and musical performances? Oh…and they're all free. 

 

Every genre of music will be ticked off with gigs taking place across the whole of France.

 

Artists and groups will take to various venues as well as the streets in participation, so it will be difficult to miss.

 

Photo: AFP

 

Saturday June 22nd 

 

A festival to celebrate the arrival of summer called 1001 Lights will be held at the Domaine de Montauger on Saturday, with carriage rides, games for children and tastings of local produce.

 

Sunday June 23rd

 

French Grand Prix, Le Castellet

 

Last year this event made a comeback after a 10-year stint off the Formula 1 calendar and will be held again this year on June 23rd. 

 

The stunning location of Le Castellet in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France makes the event will be even more of a must-visit.