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

First on my list is the Cognac Blues Passion, an annual music festival that takes place in Cognac itself. This year, it takes place on July 2-6^th, and Gloria Gaynor, Deep Purple, and The Pretenders will grace the stage, amongst other famous acts. Tickets can be bought online here.

Next is La Fete du Cognac, which takes place July 25- 27^th and features street markets and live entertainment throughout the city, but especially along the riverside near the famous Cognac Houses. There will also be concerts and spectacles held during the evening. Tickets are available here.

Montendre’s famous night markets resume on July 2^nd, and take place every Tuesday from 6.30pm. Bring your cutlery, tablecloth, and wine, then choose your food from the night market and sit and eat in the town square!

These types of night markets take place in Jonzac regularly, too, and in various towns and cities throughout France, so look out for details about those near you. In Aigre, 16, there is also an annual Marche Nocturne held in the Parc des Charmilles.

The Francofolies at La Rochelle is a popular music festival that celebrates all styles of French contemporary music. Performances take place at various venues in the city, accompanied by street art and a real festival vibe.

Le Violon sur le Sable is a huge classical music festival in Royan taking place on July 18-28^th. The many free performances take place in and around la plage de la conche.

Chill Party on the Beach, takes place on July 11^th from 7pm, at Promenade du Platin, Saint Palais sur Mer. Entry is free, and sunbeds are provided!

Further South in Provence, the Valensole Lavender festival takes place on the third Sunday in July. The locals pay tribute to this fragrant herb, and you can walk amongst the fields, talk to producers, and take part in many entertaining events.

July 10-14 is the Bayonne Festival in the Basque Country. From bullfighting to concerts to food celebrations and cultural events – this is a major event of France’s festival calendar, with thousands of people parading through the streets in traditional Basque costumes.

The Jazz Festival in Marciac is a huge event for Jazz fans on July 18^th (read more here).

Finally, Carcassonne hosts a month-long medieval festival throughout July, including opera performances, orchestral concerts, movies, theatre, dance, and more.

July 14^th Of course, le 14 juillet is a pivotal date in French history and is marked with a public holiday and celebratory events up and down the country. It remembers the storming of the Bastille Prison, which was a key event in the French Revolution.

Paris hosts the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, and all major cities mark this important date with festivities and fireworks displays.

On the Atlantic coast around Royan, there are many concerts and events with fireworks, while our local town of Rouillac typically has a fireworks display, too.

Of course, the biggest event of the summer will be the 2024 Olympic Games, which takes place in Paris from July 26^th to August 11^th. Paris will be at its busiest during the games, so make sure you book hotels, tickets, tours, and restaurants well in advance! If you haven’t managed to snag tickets for any of the events, you can also watch the action at dedicated free fan zones all around Paris – find out more here.

Wherever you are in France this July, seek out your tourist office to find out the latest events near you.

Bonnes vacances!