What Happens in France in May: Events, Festivals & Key Dates

The month begins on May 1st with La Fete du Muguet. This is when friends and family give little posies of Lily of the Valley to each other to symbolise love, friendship, and the end of winter. This tradition is said to date back to King Charles IX. He received a sprig of Lily of the Valley as a good luck gesture, and it pleased him so much that he went on to offer posies to the ladies at Court every May 1st.

Here in the Charente, we see roadside sellers and people at local town markets selling bunches of Lily of the Valley. It is a really appreciated gesture to offer a bunch to a good friend or much-loved family member.

May 1st is also the Fete du Travail in Europe and across the world. Initially, workers protested their rights to demand higher wages and fewer working hours in America in 1886. The protests were violently quashed, and workers all over Europe united with their American counterparts in solidarity. The day remains to commemorate all those who have fought and continue to fight for workers’ rights.

This is a national holiday or jour férié.

Living in France, there are stark reminders of how much the war profoundly touched the lives of all its citizens. Here, in the Charente, we are not far from the line of demarcation and the Nazi occupation is very much remembered. For example, the village of Oradour sur Glane, near Limoges, has been left exactly as it was when the German Army massacred 643 innocent people there in 1944.

 In Angouleme, there is The Resistance Museum, and we know that hundreds of Jews departed to their deaths from the station platform in the city.

Therefore, May 8th is a significant date in European history, marking Victory in Europe after Germany officially surrendered after World War II. France marks this day with church services, ceremonies, and parades held around the country. Wreaths are laid at the Monuments aux Morts in many towns and villages, and there is also a televised ceremony with the president laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris.

This is also a national holiday/jour férié.

May 3rd’s national holiday/jour férié, Ascension day (May 9^th) marks the Christian celebration of Jesus’s ascension into heaven.

Cannes Film Festival

From 14^th – 25^th May, the famous Cannes Film Festival, probably the most prestigious and celebrated cinematic event in the world, takes place in the French Riviera town of Cannes.

La Fête de la Nature

With spring upon us, May is a time to celebrate nature and enjoy the outdoors around France. La Fête de la Nature is celebrated all around the country, with each department organising events to celebrate nature and local beauty. For example, our town of Rouillac is organising an informative guided walk along the banks of the Charente on May 18th.

Monaco Grand Prix

Dating from the 1950s, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events of its kind. Some of the world’s best Formula One drivers will be racing around the famous circuit on May 23^rd -26^th.

The annual Foire Exposition du pays d’Aigre takes place on 25th -26^th May, a magnificent weekend Country Show showcasing local and regional products and attracting thousands of visitors each year. This year, the poultry section is back with an “egg exchange”, and there will be plenty of livestock, tractors, and agricultural equipment on display. Celebrated local producers will be in attendance, such as the renowned Mr Roland Vilneau with his award-winning IGP Charentais wines.

Also taking place on the 25^th and 26^th May is the Rose Festival at Chedigny in the Loire Valley, which features rose specialists and gardeners from across the country.

Reims also hosts its annual Joan of Arc festival the same weekend (25^th-26^th May), billed as two days of “medieval exploration” and attracting more than 100,000 visitors.

May is jam-packed with things to do. Enjoy exploring this fascinating country!