The French have always been dab hands at turning what we consider the most repulsive parts of an animal into what they consider a ’delicacy’. Traditionally these were the cheapest part of an animal, the bits we foreigners would always discard. And we still find these dishes pretty difficult to love. However, if you’re adventurous, you should try them once. And who knows? You might become a big fan. You’ll find these dishes all over France.

These dishes are best found in small, long-standing bistro establishments known for serving cuisine de terroir. 

I have recommended some restaurants which are well known for one or more of these dishes. Despite the fact that the ingredients were/are still much cheaper than other parts of the animal, there are some pretty fancy restaurants offering dishes with such parts – and at a price as well. But there’s a long history for luxury offal; andouillette may have first appeared in the 9th century, at a banquet for King Louis II.

Great restaurants in Paris and the rest of France serving some of the best offal dishes.

Andouille and Andouillette

Andouille and Andouillette are distinct French pork sausages based on pig intestines, but they differ significantly in size, smell, and preparation. Andouille is larger, smoked, is often ready-to-eat and has a mild taste; andouillette is a smaller, unsmoked, grilled sausage known for its strong, distinctive odour, which can resemble the smell of manure.  
Both feature pork intestines, but andouillette is specifically composed of chitterlings (intestines), often with onions, wine, and seasonings.

Andouille

Andouille is traditional pork sausage, pickled in brine and smoked over beech wood then cooked in water. It’s chunky, and is usually sliced and served cold as an appetizer. Eat it with mustard, cider, and rustic bread. It is sometimes grilled and appears in stews and casseroles. It comes primarily from two regions. Normandy is known for andouille de Vire, coming from a delightful town south west of Caen. Brittany boasts andouille de Guémené from Guémené-sur-Scorff, in Morbihan. It’s distinctive with concentric circles in black and beige-pink and is sweeter than Vire.

Andouillette

Andouillette is a coarse-grained French sausage made from pork intestines (chaudins) and pork stomach, cooked with onions, wine and seasonings for around five hours. It is definitely an acquired taste with its strong flavour and aroma. It’s chewy as well and in my opinion at least, a little goes a very long way.

Andouillette is taken so seriously that it has its own association A.A.A.A.A (Association Amicale des Amateurs d’Authentiques Andouillettes). More simply known as a5, it’s a gastronomic society founded by Francis Amunategui and 4 other lovers of the delicacy in the early 1970s to preserve the standards.

Like many French dishes, it is associated with certain regions. The most famous is the andouillette from Troyes, Champagne, which has a long history. In 1560 at the start of the Wars of Religion between the Catholic League (Troyes) and the protestant Hugenots (royal soldiers), the royal army was in the middle of taking Troyes but so distracted by the andouillettes they found in the city, they were ousted by the Catholic League.

Setting history aside, Troyes is very proud of its andouillette. Andouillette is traditionally served with mustard and potato purée. You’ll find the dish on most bistro menus.

Try these awful offal restaurants for andouille and andouillettes.

In Troyes, go for Octave or Chez Félix; just outside central Paris, in Puteaux, book at L’Andouille. Still in Paris, go for one of the three restaurants in my favorite, very cheap, group Bouillon Chartier.

Boudin noir – Black Pudding or Blood Pudding

Boudin is made from the blood and fat from a pig plus onions and is wrapped in a casing of either pig or cow intestine. Other ingredients might be added like bread and eggs.  It’s made all over France, with different regions producing their own particular flavours. In Lyon, it’s made with cream, raw onions, spinach and flour; in the Auvergne, it includes cooked pig’s head (including the rind), and milk. Black pudding in the Aude is made of pig’s head and throat, rind, deboned trotters and blood. If you’re not attracted by any of these, try boudin aux pommes, found mainly in Burgundy and the Sarthe region Take your pick. But don’t be put off; it’s really delicious.

Traditionally it’s produced right after the pig is killed so is best as winter tightens its grip.

The earliest reference is in Homer’s Odyssey in 800 BC which describes a sausage ‘filled with fat and blood’ roasted over a fire.

Lewis and Clark recorded boudin in their journals of their expedition in the early 1800s. They found boudin in Louisiana, in 1805.  You’ll come across it now in Cajun and Creole cooking.

Black pudding is found all over Europe. In the UK, black pudding tends to be eaten at breakfast; in Germany it’s known as Blutwurst; in Belgium it is bloedworst; and Spain has a variation called morcilla. It also comes in a tamer, more modern ‘white’ version’, made of white meats like chicken, veal or pork. What distinguishes the boudin from other sausages is… well, blood.

You’ll find boudin noir and blanc all over France. But try Aux Lyonnais for an archetypal Lyon restaurant in Paris and a very well cooked boudin noir.

Cerveaux or Brains

The best brains come from lamb and sheep. Ox brain is firmer and along with calf’s brains, is cheaper to buy, so it’s often used as a filling for pies. It looks pretty vile in a butcher’s window – a handful of large veins, gelatinous, grey with red veins that have to be removed before cooking. Usually brains are lightly dusted with salt and pepper and flour and fried before adding sautéed garlic, parsley and lemon. It’s usually called sautéed cerveaux (fried brains) or cerveau à la meunière on menus.

Also look for the term tête de veau (calf’s head, which includes brains) on menus.

The best cerveaux (brains) are served in traditional bistros in Paris and bouchons in Lyon. Top spots in Paris include the modest bistro Amarante, which will delight offal lovers. Outside Lyon, try L’Auberge du Village in Dardilly, just north west of the city.

Cheval or Horse

Horse meat may be disappearing, but you can still come across the odd Boucherie Chevaline, or horse butcher in France. Some horses are still bred for meat, like Ardennes and Postier Breton horses. Horse meat was sanctioned in France in 1811, when the defeats in the Napoleonic wars and imminent starvation forced soldiers to eat their horses. In 1865 a banquet (Hippophagique, or horse-eating feast) was held in Paris to try to persuade the poor to buy a cheap alternative to beef and pork. The menu included horse-broth vermicelli, boiled horsemeat and cabbage and rum gâteau with horse bone marrow. The same year the first Boucherie Chevaline opened in Paris. During the siege of Paris by the Prussians from 1870 to 1871, many tasted horse for the first time.

Certain breeds of horse are still reared for their meat. Originally these were draft horses that were threatened with extinction when agriculture became mechanized. Popular in France in the 1980s, it meant certain breeds were safeguarded.
You might find horse on the menu, usually as a steak tartare or as a cooked steak. It’s tender, and has very little fat.
But take note: steak à cheval in a typical French bistro is not horse meat. Translated as ‘steak on horseback’, it’s a ground beef steak topped with a fried egg.

Horse meat is disappearing in France, but you might still come across the odd specialized, historically labelled butcher shops, identified by a horse head sign. But I have not found one yet, so would be grateful for any tips on these shops.

You might find large supermarkets selling raw horse steak like Auchan, Leclerc, Carrefour and Intermarche.  Or you’ll come across a traveling chevaline stall at local markets.

 While France is still the biggest consumer of cheval, it’s also eaten in Canada, Brazil, Australia, Argentina and Mexico.

Traditional restaurants rarely serve it, but if you want to try it, book at Le Carnegie Hall in Lyon.

Cuisses de Grenouille or Frog Legs

This dish was dying out in France but you’ll find it in traditional bistros and as far as I can judge, it’s coming back into fashion. Frogs are now a protected species in France, so they come from Turkey or Asia where they are also considered proper food. Given the typical British reaction to them, it’s ironic that archeaological evidence from Wiltshire shows a frog cooked here on English soil more than 10,000 years ago. Way before French monks started eating them in the 12^th century during Lent, allowed as the church classified frog legs as fish rather than meat. They were written about in The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, and he included them in his Grand Dictionnaire de Cuisine (1873).

Frog legs taste rather like chicken and are usually seasoned, sprinkled with flour and sautéed. Don’t worry about ordering these for children. My partner did just that for his son Joe (aged 8 at the time), nervously wondering what the reaction would be. Joe was delighted; picked one up and bounced it across the table going ‘boing, boing’ before eating them all.

You’ll find a lot of restaurants serving frog legs, but if you’re in Paris, go for Roger la Grenouille in the Latin Quarter. Others worth booking at include the revered Au Pied de Cochon in Paris, and especially, La Marmite Dauphinoise in Grenoble, where they come as a main dish with a whiskey cream and potato dauphinoise on its €36 menu.

Escargots or Snails

This is a well known and much loved dish. The best snails come from Burgundy and are handsome beasts with a streaked coloured shell. They’re cleaned for 24 hours with no food or water, then removed from their shells and cooked in a good stock, flavored with the likes of thyme, bay leaves and pepper. They’re then put back into their shells and stuffed à la bourguignonne (Burgundy style) with butter flavoured with garlic, shallots and parsley. Dijon mustard can be added. Now most people buy them in tins where they are already cooked with the shells separate.

In Paris go for Le Bouclard in Montmartre which stands out beside the many tourist-orientated restaurants. Le Mesturet near the Opera is another good bet.

Foie Gras or Fat Liver

Foie gras is not awful; in fact it is one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. But many people object to the way it’s produced. The birds (duck and geese)  are reared in heated barns then released outside. They’re fed a high-protein diet, then are ready for gavage (force feeding). A feeding tube is put down the throat of the duck or goose, and a measured feed is poured into the stomach two or three times a day to enlarge the liver ten times before they’re slaughtered.

Recognized since 2006 as part of the protected cultural and gastronomic heritage of France, the country produces roughly 80% of the world’s foie gras. Due to ethical concerns, several countries and some regions (like California in the US) have banned the production. Some French producers are developing alternative methods that avoid gavage, though these products cannot be legally labeled as ‘foie gras’ under standard French regulations.

Most restaurants in France will serve foie gras in some form or other.

Gésiers or Giblets

Giblets are made up of different parts of poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese). The word gésiers is used loosely and can refer just to the gizzard, the thick-walled part of a bird’s stomach which grinds down grit and small stones. However, gésiers can also include heart, liver and kidneys plus the external giblets, the head, neck, wingtips and feet. Note that gésiers de canard confits are duck’s gizzards; gésiers de volaille confits are turkey gizzards,

Gésiers are cooked in various ways. They often appear on menus as salads so watch out for the likes of salade de gésiers de volaille which has green leaves, lardons, tomatoes, eggs and goat’s cheese added to the turkey gizzards.

You can buy the external giblets from larger birds separately at the butcher’s to make pot-au-feu and ragouts.

Gésiers (duck or chicken gizzards) are a staple in French cuisine, particularly in the South-West (Dordogne/Lot/Périgord). They are best found in fermes auberges (farm restaurants), restaurants, and bistros specializing in confit, often served in a salade périgourdine or as gésiers confits.

In Paris order them at Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie which doubles as an excellent restaurant and a charcuterie Parisians flock to (well, smart, rich, gourmet Parisians do). In Sarlat, at the heart of duck and goose, book at Les Chevaliers de la Tour for its Périgord salad of foie gras de canard 30%, gésiers, dried duck and walnuts on its €24.90 menu.

Pieds Paquets or Sheeps Trotters and Stuffed Tripe

You should try these in Marseille: Pieds paquets were introduced in the 1880s in the Pomme district by chef Louis Ginouvès, then first appeared in recipe books in 1888. Sisteron also claims the dish, but you’ll find it in much of Southeastern France.

So what is this fascinatingly named dish? It consists of sheep’s feet (trotters) and stuffed sheep’s tripe stewed together.  The sheep’s tripe is cleaned and cut into four to eight squares which are then stuffed with onions, parsley, garlic, and salt pork before being rolled and wrapped into a small pouch or package. This is then stewed for several hours in a white wine and tomato sauce.^[3]

The feet and stuffed offal can also be cooked without the tomato sauce. This typical Provençal variation is known as tripo à la reboulado and is eaten with a vinaigrette. 

If you fancy trying to cook them yourself, buy raw feet and packages at the butcher’s, already washed, stuffed and rolled.

In Marseille there are two restaurants that stand out. Chez Madie Les Galinettes down in the old port is welcoming and friendly. Or try Paule & Kopa near the Place aux huiles for another taste of this local speciality.

Ris or Sweetbreads

Ris or sweetbreads are the culinary names for the thymus gland in the throat and the pancreas near the stomach in lambs, pigs and calves. They are soaked in salt water, blanched and cooled before being fried, braised, roasted, poached, grilled or cooked on skewers. You mainly come across them as ris de veau (calfs’ sweetbreads) or ris d’agneau (lamb’s sweetbreads).

The word ris can also refer to testicles (known as Rocky Mountain oysters or prairie oysters in America), but in France they are usually the thymus gland. I would recommend trying these; they are delicious though the texture is a little too soft for many people.

In Paris go for the authentic local bistro, L’Aubergeade which is known for its sweetbreads and bone marrow.

Lyon has many bouchons offering this; try one of my favorites, Le Café des Féderations.

Tête de Veau or Calf’s Head

The deboned head is first boiled with spices and then cut and served with a sauce, either gribiche which has cornichons, vegetables, garlic, oil and vinegar, mustard and eggs, or ravigote, which is more like a vinaigrette with additions from some chefs such as eggs.

It was originally made with a pig’s head, which explains why fans of the dish eat it on January 21^st, the day that Louis XIV (known to many French citizens as le roi cochon – the pig king) was guillotined in 1793.

It’s definitely an acquired taste but if you’re with a bunch of die-hard French Republicans on that date you might just have to join in.

Try the dish at the classic Parisian bistro in Paris, Le Mesturet, conveniently located between the Grands Boulevards and the Louvre Museum.

In Lyon, Bouchon Les Lyonnais is hard to beat for their tête de veau in home-made gribiche sauce. Or go for the classic, traditional, long-established Brasserie Georges for its superb offal.

Tripeau or Tripe

This is the stomach of ox, beef, calf and sheep, usually sold specially prepared or cleaned and looking very white. It’s taken from the first and biggest compartment of the stomach. You can get it from a triperie (tripe butcher). I have not included a picture of tripe in a butcher’s shop – it really does look disgusting.

Tripe is a particularly regional dish; the best known being tripes à la mode de Caen, supported by the Confrérie (brotherhood) of Normandy. It has an illustrious history, apparently being a favorite dish of William the Conqueror who sprinkled the dish with apple juice. That makes sense: tripe is judged at its best in autumn after the apples fall to the ground and are eaten by cattle, giving a particular ‘tripe’ flavour. In Normandy they add calves’ feet and cook in cider and Calvados and herbs, then serve it with steamed potatoes. You’ll find it throughout France at certain restaurants though it’s appearing less.

I first tried tripe when a student at Bristol university. I shared a flat with four other girls and we each had to cook a very cheap meal every week. Of course that meant the cheapest ingredients. Unfortunately none of us had any idea how to cook tripe; it was a disaster and I find myself unable even to venture trying a French tripe dish. I will try harder and hope to report my findings at a later date.

One of the best restaurants for tripe is Le Passe-Porc in Lille, which has grilled tripe as a starter and three different types of  tripe as main dishes.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this dip into French delicacies and find it’s not all ‘awful’ offal.

More Foodie Tips

The Food of France – An Intriguing Story
The Food of Provence
The Food in Burgundy
Food of North France
The Best Regional French Food
The Art of Cuisine of Toulouse-Lautrec, cook and artist
Visit the Champagne Houses in Reims

And French Christmas Food, a real feast

The post ‘Awful Offal’ and Other French Delicacies appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

I’ve listed here a few of the restaurants in France serving dishes that many foreign visitors would describe as ‘awful offal’. In fact the French have a genius touch when it comes to producing delicacies, turning all those bits of animals and birds that the rest of us reject into unique dishes.

Find out more about these ‘awful offal’ dishes.

Many of the listed restaurants are local, traditional bistros and brasseries. And as such, their menus contain enough classic dishes that have no offal anywhere near them.

Being bistros and brasseries, many have extended opening hours, and some are open every day of the year from early to late, so well worth making a note on these.

Quick Guide to Paris for some helpful information on the City of Light.

Awful Offal Restaurants in Paris

1st Arrondissement (Louvre)

Au Pied de Cochon
6 Rue Coquillière
75001 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 13 77 00
Website
I first came across this legendary brasserie when my brother got married in Paris many years ago and it’s been on my radar ever since. Located near Les Halles it’s open nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if you feel like a snack in the wee hours of the night, or an early breakfast, either try the restaurant, or take away. It’s known for its fish and shellfish, but go for the atmosphere, the history and its fabulous Burgundy snails, frog legs, and pig’s trotters which are particularly known in Périgord. And you can buy a souvenir of the restaurant in the gift shop – which is not as naff as it appears to be.  
Menus €19.90-€26.
Daily 8am-5am

Comptoir de la Gastronomie
34 rue Montmartre
Paris 750011
Tel: +33 (0) 1 42 33 31 32
Restaurant website
Charcuterie/Traiteur website

Since 1894 savvy Parisians have been shopping in the charcuterie/traiteur for delicacies from the south west of France and eating at the restaurant. It’s a magnet for foie gras lovers. The range is astonishing – either fresh or in jars and tins. In fact the range of all things glorious is astonishing from jars of confit de canard and cassoulet to sausages with lentils.

And the restaurant? Classics include snails, frog legs and of course foie gras.
Tues-Sat noon-10pm. Book 15 days in advance.

Chez Gladines Les Halles
11 bis Rue des Halles
75001 Paris
Tel: + 33 (0) 1 42 21 07 00
Website
The two excellent restaurants in this group combine funky décor with traditional generous portions of their Basque-style dishes. And they are all very good value. Try a salade de gésiers for €9; a dozen snails served different ways (€9.50); or a very elusive dish of tripe with Basquaise sauce and potatoes (€12).
Open Mon-Thurs & Sun noon-11pm; Fri, Sat noon-11.45pm.

Also in the 5th Arrondissement: Chez Gladines Saint Germain (see below).

La Poule au Pot
9 rue Vauvilliers
75001 Paris 
+33 (0)1 42 36 32 96
Website
Top chef Jean-François Piège follows tradition – but with a master’s modern touch. It’s hardly surprising: the young chef trained with Alain Ducasse and has followed in his master’s footsteps both in his cooking skills and in opening restaurants – he currently has 10. La Poule au Pot is expensive but worth it for classic snails, frog legs, and tête et langue de veau (head and tongue of veal). Or just go for what this restaurant is famous for – chicken.
Tues-Sat lunch & dinner.

2^nd Arondissement (Bourse)

Aux Lyonnais
32 rue Saint-Marc
75002 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 96 65 04
Website
Experience a Lyon bouchon without travelling there. Since 1890, Aux Lyonnais has been serving the rich cooking of the second gastronomic city of France to Parisians. The Belle Epoque décor is all you could wish for: plush, gold, red, with mirrors, linen cloths and old posters. Enjoy the likes of juicy fat Burgundy snails; boudin noir and andouillette done in the manner of Paul Bocuse with Dijon sauce, baby new potatoes and a sharp mesclun salad. Lunch menu €28.
Tues-Sat lunch & dinner.

Chez Georges
1 Rue du Mail
75002 Paris
+33 9001 42 60 07 11
Website
Since 1964 this classic Parisian bistro has championed offal dishes. From the long, hand-written menu choose crisp veal sweetbreads, andouillette and tête de veau. Make sure you book at popular times.
Open Mon-Fri lunch and dinner.

Le Mesturet
77 rue de Richelieu
75002 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 97 40 68
Website
Conveniently near the Opera, Le Mesturet champions traditional family cooking, so there’s enough offal on the menu – along with a whole lot of popular dishes. The restaurant is open every day from noon to 11pm (last orders), and the bar from 7.30am-11pm during the week and 9am to 11pm at the weekend.  Go for snails, frog legs, veal brains, tête de veau and sweetbreads. Menus €30-€36.

5^th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter)

Au Moulin à Vent
20 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard
75005 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 5499 37
Website
Another of those great, popular bistros barely changed since opening in 1946. Banquettes line the room, mirrors and old advertising posters grace the walls and good old-fashioned dishes appear on the menus: snails, frog legs, bone marrow, veal’s head carpaccio, veal sweetbreads. Lunch menus €20-€24. It’s moderately expensive, and frogs’ legs at €38 seemed a bit steep.
Tues-Sat lunch & dinner.

Chez Gladines Saint Germain
44 Boulevard Saint-Germain
75005 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 46 33 93 88
Website
Also in the 1st Arrondissement: Chez Gladines Les Halles (see above).

The two excellent restaurants in this group combine funky décor with traditional generous portions of their Basque-style dishes. And they are all very good value. Try a salade de gésiers for €9; a dozen snails served different ways (€9.50); or a very elusive dish of tripe with Basquaise sauce and potatoes (€12).
Open Mon-Thurs & Sun noon-11pm; Fri, Sat noon-11.45pm.

6^th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)

Bouillon Chartier

The restaurants in the Bouillon Chartier group are favourites of mine. The first one opened in 1896 and others followed, all with beautiful Belle Epoque interiors which are a surprise as these are some of the best-value restaurants in Paris. But don’t expect great food: this is honest, down-to-earth cooking without pretentions: snails to start, andouillette as a main dish. With prices from €1 to €7.8  for starters and mains at €7 to €12.80, you can afford to try something different. While not scoring very highly in the gastronomic stakes, all the Bouillon Chartier restaurants win hands down on decor and fun. 

You queue outside while waiting for a table; waiters, who are always rushed, write your order on the paper tablecloth and if you’re two you’ll be seated at a table for four with others which can be great if you’re a sociable sort. Not for everyone, but I urge you to try one of the restaurants at least once.

Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse
59, boulevard du Montparnasse
75006 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 49 19 00
Website
Daily 11.30am-midnight.

Also in the 9th and 10th arrondissements (see below)

Roger La Grenouille
28 Rue des Grands Augustins
75006 Paris
Tel:+33 (0)1 56 24 24 34
Website
This esteemed iconic Latin Quarter restaurant is, not surprisingly, famous for its frog legs. They appear straight and fried with a great sauce for a starter, but they are also fashioned into a burger with tartare sauce and frites (€29), and a Caesar salad. Or go for their starter pig’s trotter (€12) or main andouillette (€28). The restaurant opened in 1930 and was a favorite of the likes of Picasso (who lived nearby at no 7 rue des Grands Augustins and painted Guernica here in 1937), Balthus, Saint-Exupéry, Mistinguett, François Truffaut, Pope Jean XXIII and the Queen Mother. Today’s clients are allowed a little more secrecy. It all takes place in a splendid restaurant with an equally splendid décor.
Tues-Sat lunch; Mon-Sat dinner.

9^th Arrondissement (Opéra)

Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards
7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre
75009 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 70 86 29
Website
See 6th arrondissement for full description.
Open daily 11.30am-midnight.

10^th Arrondissement (Canal Saint-Martin)

Bouillon Chartier Gare de l’Est
5 rue du 8 mai 1945
75010 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 05 20 02
Website
See 6th arrondissement for full description.
Daily 11.30am-midnight.

11^th Arrondissement (République)

Le Bistrot Paul Bert
18 rue Paul Bert
75011 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 72 24 01
Website
Le Bistrot Paul Bert might be best known for its steak au poivre and frites, but for something different, try the raw carpaccio of tête de veau, served with a vinaigrette with anchovies.
Reserve by telephone only.
Tues-Sat lunch & dinner.

 Clown Bar
114 Rue Amelot
75011 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 55 87 35
Website
A very smart restaurant in a historic monument building, the Clown Bar is well known for its gastronomic sophistication. Start with pig’s head with cabbage and Granny Smith apples, then move on to sweetbreads cooked with stuffed morilles mushrooms, asparagus and a foam of vin jaune (Jura wine with a distinctive taste). Mon-Fri lunch menu €32.
Daily lunch & dinner (to 11.30pm).

12^th Arrondissement (Reuilly)

Amarante
4 Rue Biscornet
75012 Paris
Tel: +33 0767332125
Website
This simply decorated bistro between Bastille and Lyon railway station is a real find, particularly for offal lovers. Run with charm by Christophe Philippe, it serves snails with salad (€17), calves’ brains (€15), pigs’ trotters (€15) and more, all cooked with verve.

L’Aubergeade
17 Rue Chaligny
75012 Paris
Tel: + 33 (0)1 43 44 33 66
Website
Known for its bone marrow and ris de veau, this local bistro is a real delight. Menus €35.80 to €41.80. Wed-Sun Lunch & Dinner.

18^th Arrondissement (Montmartre)

Le Bouclard
1 rue Cavallotti
75018 Paris
Tel: +33: (0)1 45 22 60 01
Website
Le Bouclard is a good bet if you’re in Montmartre. A five-minute walk from Le Moulin Rouge will reward you with seasonal cooking. Try their take on snails for starters (€28), then follow up with braised heart of veal sweetbreads (€52). Menus Tues-Fri €31.
Tues-Fri lunch; Tues-Sat dinner.

Le Relais Gascon
6 rue des Abbesses
75018 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 58 58 22
Website

Le Relais Gascon
13, rue Joseph de Maistre
75018 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 52 11 11
Website 
Go for snails as starters (€9.50) and andouillette (€15.90) as a main course in one of these two good value Montmartre bistros, frequented mainly by local Parisians. Or try one of their famous salads if offal is too much. Menus Mon-Fri €22.50 – €33.50.
Both restaurants daily noon-midnight.

Puteaux Hauts-de-Seine

L’Andouille
6 rue Collin
Puteaux, 92800
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 06 45 20
Website
Jean-Pierre and Jarlene Vasseur own and run you this welcoming neighbourhood restaurant in Puteaux just outside central Paris in the western area of Hauts-de-Seine. Featuring hearty bistro cooking with some nods to Brittany, try the andouille de Guémené sur Scorff. Menus €36 and €42. 
Tues-Sat lunch & dinner; Sun lunch.

Awful Offal Restaurants outside Paris

GRENOBLE, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

La Marmite Dauphinoise
1 Place Hubert Dubedout (opposite 2 Blvd Gambetta)
38000 Grenoble
Tel: +33 (0) 4 76 53 09 01
Website
For something completely different, La Marmite Dauphinoise serves frog legs with a whiskey cream and potato dauphinoise as a main dish on its €36 menu. Menus  €26- €42.
Open Tues-Sat lunch & dinner.

LILLE, Hauts-de-France

Le Passe-Porc
155 rue Solférino
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 42 83 93
Website
This noisy, bustling brasserie is a real offal delight. Apart from snails, frog legs and andouillette, Le Passe-Porc is strong on tripe, grilling it for a starter then offering it as a main dish in three different ways. And it has horse dishes as well.
Sun, Mon lunch; Tues-Sat lunch & Dinner.

LYON, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 

Lyon is France’s greatest gastronomic city. It’s the city of Paul Bocus, les Mères Lyonnaise (female chefs without any official training), those famous bouchons, and an amazing collection of food markets.
But note: the dish called cervelle de canut (silk maker’s brains) is vegetarian and the brains are cheese.

Here are a few restaurants where you can find and eat great offal in Lyon.

Le Bouchon des Cordeliers
15 Rue Claudia
69002 Lyon
Tel: +33 (0)4 78 03 33 53
Website
This comfortable, old-fashioned restaurant has everything you would hope for. Its €33 menu includes snails and veal andouillette.
Tues-Sat lunch & Dinner.

Le Bouchon Les Lyonnais
19 Rue de la Bombarde
69005 Lyon
Tel: +33 (0)4 78 37 64 82
Website
Le Bouchon Les Lyonnais, highly regarded by locals, offers a great deal for ‘awful offal’ lovers. Try veal sweetbreads andouillettes (€25.50), or tête de veau in a home made gribiche sauce (€24). Mon-Sat lunch & dinner, Sun lunch.

Brasserie Georges
30, Cours de Verdun
69002 Lyon Perrache
+33 (0)4 72 56 54 54 
Website
One of Lyon’s great institutions, Brasserie Georges fulfils all the criteria for a classic brasserie. And it’s a great place for offal, with juicy snails, boudin, andouillette, tête de veau. Menus €25, €28. Brasserie Georges is a real Lyon institution so book ahead at popular times.
Mon-Thurs: 11:30am to 11:00pm (continuous service); Fri, Sat and days before bank holidays: 11:30am to 00:15am.

Le Café des Fédérations
10 Rue Major Martin 8-9
69001 Lyon
Tel: +33 (0)4 78 28 26 00
Website
This was the first bouchon I ate in the first time I visited Lyon and it remains one of my favorites. I was on my own and the staff could not have been more welcoming – all through the long evening. It’s been serving the good burgers of Lyon since 1872 so it knows a thing or two about running a good restaurant. There’s an awful lot of awful offal on offer here: andouillette, tête de veau, ris de veau and a dish called tablier de sapeur or sapeur’s apron which is veal tripe marinated in white wine and fried (I didn’t try it). The 5-course menu is an astonishingly good value €34.
Daily lunch & dinner, Sat lunch, Sun noon-9pm.

Le Carnegie Hall
253 Rue Marcel Merieux
69007 Lyon
Tel:  +33 (0)4 78 58 85 79
Website
This restaurant specializes in meat and particularly Charolais and Limousine beef. But it also specializes in cheval. You can try your horse in a number of different ways: tartare with different sauces; tournedos, and hanger or skirt steaks. Also in Corbas (see below).
Mon-Sat lunch & dinner to 11pm.

La Meunière
11 rue Neuve
69001 Lyon
Tel: +33 (0)4 78 28 62 91
Website
A classic Lyonnaise bouchon that opened in 1916, known for its tablier de sapeur (breaded and fried tripe not always on the menu), and tête de veau in a sauce gribiche. Menus €35 and €38.
Tues-Sat lunch & dinner.

Le Garet, Lyon
7 Rue du Garet
69001 Lyon
Tel: +33 (0)4 78 28 16 94
No website
Go to this Lyon institution for the excellent calf’s head, tripe, dumplings and andouillette sausages. It’s served in a convivial atmosphere in a typical Lyon ‘bouchon’ style setting.
Mon-Fri lunch & dinner.

OUTSIDE LYON

CORBAS

Le Carnegie Hall Corbas
 4 Rue du Mont Blanc
69960 Corbas
Tel: + 33 (0)4 78 21 81 10
Website
Located just 10km south east of Lyon, Corbas is famous for its aerodrome dedicated to leisure and skydiving school. Take a lesson then take some well-earned offal at this excellent offshoot of its Lyonnais cousin.
Mon-Sat lunch & dinner to 11pm.

DARDILLY

L’Auberge du Village
7 Place de l’Église
69570 Dardilly
Tel: +33 (0) 4 78 35 77 50
Website
Just north of Lyon, L’Auberge du Village in Dardilly is a local favourite. The typical bouchon serves boudin, andouillettes, cerveau d’agneau and caters for all occasions. Menus change daily according to what is in season and available. 
Mon 8am-4pm; Tues-Sat 8am-11pm.  

MARSEILLES, Provence

Marseille is famous for pieds paquets – first eaten here in the 1880s.

Chez Madie Les Galinettes
138 Quai du Port
13002 Marseille
Tel: +33 (4) 91 90 40 87
Website
One of my favourite restaurants on the ever popular port, this is the place to sit on the terrace and watch the world go by. The restaurant serves authentic pieds paquets (€28) well worth a visit alone. But rest assured; they serve excellent seafood as well as other meats.
Mon-Sat lunch & dinner, Sun lunch.

Paule & Kopa
37 Rue Saint-Saëns
13001 Marseille
Tel: +33 (0)4 91 33 26 03
Website
Located by the Place aux Huiles, this bustling local is another restaurant for Pieds et paquets Marseillais (€29).
Mon-Sat lunch & dinner.

SARLAT-LA-CANEDA, Dordogne

Les Chevaliers de la Tour
15, rue Alberic Cahuet
24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 31 37 90
Website
This delightful traditional restaurant in an old building in Sarlat, centre of duck, geese and all things rich, serves an excellent Perigord salad of foie gras de canard, gésiers, magrets séchés and walnuts  on its €24.90 menu.
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun lunch & dinner; Wed lunch, Thurs dinner.

TROYES, Champagne

Troyes is famous for andouillette, so this is the city to make for if you want to taste the rich dish.

Chez Félix
5 Rle des chats
100000 Troyes
Tel: +33 (0)3 10 94 03 03
Website
You’ll find Chez Félix inside an old half-timbered house. ‘Industrial chic’ has transformed the interior into an airy, light restaurant. This is another of those great Troyes places to try andouillette (€20).
Mon-Sat lunch & dinner.

Octave
23 rue des Quinze Vingts
10000 Troyes
Tel: +33 (0) 3 25 73 59 94
Website
Charming, popular very local restaurant in lovely Troyes. Book outside on a good day and enjoy excellent andouillette. Menus €20 to €23.
Mon-Sat lunch & dinner.

More Foodie Tips

The Food of France – An Intriguing Story
The Food of Provence
The Food in Burgundy
Food of North France
The Best Regional French Food
The Art of Cuisine of Toulouse-Lautrec, cook and artist
Visit the Champagne Houses in Reims

And French Christmas Food, a real feast

The post ‘Awful Offal’ Restaurants in France appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

Events in France in December 2026 are, as you would expect, spectacular. Throughout France Christmas markets spring up in the streets and squares. Many places light up their buildings in glorious technicoulor. Then it’s time for a short Christmas holiday (only Dec 25th is a public holiday), before gearing up for New Year’s Eve. Events in December 2026 in France are many, varied and exciting.

French school holidays (les Vacances de Noël) run from December 20, 2026, to January 4, 2027. It’s a busy time so plan your stay in advance.

More on How the French Celebrate Christmas
And most importantly, what they eat. French Christmas food is a serious matter!

Events in France in December 2026

To Dec 6, 2026:  The Herring and Coquilles Saint-Jacques Festivals in Normandy are superb and the chance to celebrate these famous fishes, so necessary to Normandy. Join the 100,000 odd enthusiasts for tastings, discussing the merits of, and enjoying every kind of cured herring and Coquille Saint-Jacques. Dieppe Festival is the best known.

There are many other ports along the Alabaster Coast that celebrate herrings and scallops, Granville, Ouistreham, Villers-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin, Dieppe, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Grandcamp-Maisy, Trouville-sur-Mer.

If you’re there, check out the Normandy D-Day Landing beaches.

To Dec 6, 2026: Cannes Dance Festival was founded in 1984. Internationally famous, it is particularly strong on contemporary dance, introducing new choreographers as well as supporting well-known dance companies.

To Dec 6, 2026: La Festival de Sainte-Barbe in Lens-Liévin, Pas de Calais. The main towns are holding celebrations of the saint who was martyred for her Christian faith on December 4, c. 2,000AD. One of 14 Holy Helpers, she’s invoked in thunderstorms so has become the patron saint of miners, armourers, artillerymen, military engineers and others who work with explosives. Look out for great theatrical and musical events in Lens, Liéven, Loos-en-Gohelle and Oignes.

To Dec 13, 2026: Biennale of Contemporary Art, Lyon. Every two years the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennal alternates with the Dance Biennal. This is a huge and important contemporary art festival, with work from around the world.

To Dec 20, 2026: Paris Autumn Festival is a huge arts events, taking in every discipline and taking place in different venues throughout Paris. Around 50 events cover the new and the avant-garde. It was created in 1972 by Michel Guy under the impetus of Georges Pompidou who wanted Paris to become a cultural capital. He succeeded; today around 150,000 people attend one of the events.

To Jan 4, 2026: Nancy in east France is a spectacular festival with a special weekend December 6 & 7, 2025. Over 70 exhibitors attend the event in brightly lit chalets, offering the public original gift ideas, art and craft objects and local specialities.

To January 2026: Christmas Markets take place all over France. Strasbourg is particularly important in east France; in north France make for Arras. It’s a good way to celebrate Christmas in France.

I will update the Christmas Market articles as soon as possible. Many of them take place on similar dates, so the information below is relevant.

Christmas Markets in North France in 2025
Christmas Markets in the rest of France in 2025

All month: Many towns and cities light up their buildings. Chartres is one of the best known (and one of the first), but you’ll find others throughout the country. I thoroughly recommend Le Puy-en-Velay, in the middle of the remote southern Auvergne. The buildings half way up its extraordinary volcanic outcrops look as if they are suspended in the sky. Magical.

To Jan 4, 2026: Chartres en lumières sees this wonderful city illuminated for its annual festival of light. It’s nightly so there’s no excuse to miss it.  

Events in France starting in December 2026

Dec 2-6, 2026: Les Trans Musicales Festival in Rennes, Brittany. Seeking out new musical trends, and new musicians since 1979, Les Trans has become synonymous with innovative, international music. Taking place at Rennes’ Exhibition Park, it produces some great new experiences.

Dec 4-6, 2026: Chestnut Fair (Fiera di a Castagna) in Bocognano in Celavo, Corsica is called the chestnut festival but it includes cheeses, olive oil, honey, wine and more. In fact all the goodies grown and produced in Corsica from over 150 agri-food producers plus music, crafts like pottery, knife-making and woodwork, and more.
More about food festivals in France throughout the year.

Dec 4-6, 2026: Salon du Cheval de Paris. The Paris Horse Show is important, with over 500 horses and 150 riders taking part in the diverse events from show jumping to dressage, eventing to the Arabian horse championship. 500 horses and ponies and 150 riders take part.

December 4-7, 2026:  Fête des Lumières, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This wonderful Festival started on Dec 8, 1852 when people in Lyon lit candles in their windows to celebrate the statue of the Virgin Mary being erected on Fourvière hill. It’s lost the religious meaning today but remains a fabulous city with over 30 new creations of light each year.

Dec 5-12, 2026: Rise Festival, Les Deux Alpes. As they say: “We’re music-at-altitude, we’re 220km of pistes, we’re France’s second-oldest ski resort found on Europe’s largest skiable glacier, we’re six nights and seven days of partying and skiing.” Want to go to Rise Festival?

Dec 11-13, 2026: Les Habits de Lumière at Épernay in Champagne is a great public celebration before Christmas. The lit up city puts on a big parade, fireworks, exhibitions, music, cellar tours, cookery demonstrations and bubbly tastings. And on Sunday there’s a vintage car parade. Visit some of the smaller houses and make your own discoveries.
I went in 2022; it was spectacular. Read about it here.
If you’re in Reims, consider a visit to one of the great Champagne Houses.

DATE TO BE CONFIRMED: Dec 13-14, 2026: Licques Turkey Festival, Licques, Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France. It’s a wonderfully strange festival where take top billing.   Hundreds of turkeys are released to ‘rampage’ through the streets accompanied by local brotherhoods and dignitaries in all their finery! There’s also a gastronomic fair with wine tasting and food for all your Christmas luxuries.

Christmas in France 2026

Dec 24-26, 2026: Christmas Eve is the time when French families and friends get together for an almighty feast with oysters, salmon, beef and more. On Christmas Day some families go to church; other people gather in bars in the morning. Many shops are open, but only to noon or 1pm. It’s a quiet day!

Dec 31, 2026: Le Réveillon, or New Year’s Eve, is very much a public holiday. So book a restaurant and get merry with the French who certainly know how to enjoy themselves. And stay in a city which celebrates it superbly.

How the French celebrate Christmas

Events in France in 2026

If you know of other events you think I should include, please do let me know!

Events in France in January 2026
Events in France in February 2026
Events in France in March 2026
Events in France in April 2026
Events in France in May 2026
Events in France in June 2026
Events in France in July 2026
Events in France in August 2026
Events in France in September 2026
Events in France in October 2026
Events in France in November 2026

Major New Events and Openings in France in 2026

Geography of France

To help you find those events, here are a couple of articles on the geography of France

Regions of France
Departments of France

AND…

French Public Holidays

More about great Food Festivals in France

Happy Holidays!

The post Events in France in December 2026 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

November in France beckons with so many great events. The month starts with Halloween and goes on to please with chocolate in Paris, photographic exhibitions, food and wine. Of all the events in France in November, the most poignant and faithfully observed is Armistice Day. It commemorates the peace treaty that ended World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It’s commemorated all over the country.

If you’re in France on November 1st, grab your last chance to enjoy some popular events.

Events in France ending in November

To Nov 1, 2026: Giverny, Claude Monet’s house and garden closes at the end of Nov 1 for the season. It will reopen on April 1, 2027.

To Nov 1, 2026:  Paris Chocolate Fair at Porte de Versailles is a must for chocoholics. 280 exhibitors from all over the world: chocolatiers, pastry chefs and other professionals take part. There’s a pastry show with top chefs demonstrating their skills, the cacao show with music and performances from cocoa-producing countries, talks and tasting, workshops for adults and kids and the startling fashion show which challenges your ideas about chocolate.

To Nov 1, 2026: The prestigious Paris Salon d’Automne art show began in 1903 with the likes of Guimard, Cezanne, Bonnard, Roualt, and Matisse. The idea was to shock the old and introduce the new. It continues today with works by 890 artists including 161 new participants from 43 countries. It takes place in the Petit Palais.

The Salon d’Automne is an association of artists and is non-profit-making. It was founded in 1903, and recognized for its public utility since 1920 when it confirmed the aim of encouraging and developing fine arts particularly through exhibitions both in France and abroad.

To Nov 1, 2026: International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire château in the Loire Valley is a fabulous, huge Festival, the Chelsea Flower Show of France. The Château and grounds are lovely and the festival of a series of gardens from international designers always delivers some surprises. This year’s theme plays tribute to the cinema and gardens. The Garden Festival opens late April, 2027.

To Nov 1, 2026: Halloween might not be celebrated in France as it is in the UK or USA. But it remains a special time, with France taking All Saints’ Day (Toussaints) on November 1 very seriously.

Here’s more about how the French celebrate Halloween in France.

Please note: The Toussaints (All Saints) school holiday runs from Saturday Oct 17 to Monday Nov 2, 2026. That means that attractions all over France will be busy during that time.

To Nov 2, 2026: Disneyland Paris celebrates its Halloween Festival with Disney villains roaming the streets. On October 31 Disney’s Halloween Party takes over the park from 8pm to 2am. Book early and expect lots of families.

To Nov 8, 2026: Halloween at Parc Astérix  means activities and characters get out of control! Haunted houses, evil creatures and fantastic monsters terrorize (or amuse) young Gauls. Peur sur le Parc (Fear in the Park) returns with attractions and shows to spook kids and adults.

To Nov 8, 2026: Rolex Paris Masters tennis tournament is the final ATP World Masters event. Held in the Accor Arena on a hard surface, 48 players will compete. Currently Novak Djokovic holds the record with 6 wins and he remains the only player to defend the title (2013–2015). The 2025 tournament was won by Jannik Sinner.

To Dec 6, 2026:  The Herring and Coquilles Saint-Jacques Festivals in Normandy are superb and the chance to celebrate these famous fishes, so necessary to Normandy. Join the 100,000 odd enthusiasts for tastings, discussing the merits of, and enjoying every kind of cured herring and Coquille Saint-Jacques.

Here are the herring and scallop festivals in north France in 2026.

If you’re there, check out the Normandy D-Day Landing beaches.

To Dec, 2026: Paris Autumn Festival is a huge, prestigious arts events, taking in every discipline and taking place in different venues throughout Paris. Around 50 events cover the new and the avant-garde. It was created in 1972 by Michel Guy under the impetus of Georges Pompidou who wanted Paris to become a cultural capital. He succeeded; today around 150,000 people attend one of the events. The 2026 dates are to be confirmed.

To Dec 13, 2026: Biennale of Contemporary Art, Lyon. Every two years the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennal alternates with the Dance Biennal. This is a huge and important contemporary art festival, with work from around the world.

To Jan, 2026: Chartres en lumières sees this wonderful city illuminated for its festival of light. It’s nightly so there’s no excuse to miss it. It runs from dusk to 1am.

Events starting in France in November 2026

Nov 6-8, 2026: Salon Gourmand in Rouen, Normandy, is another of those glorious food festivals. Over 250 exhibitors show off their wares: wine, beer, sweet things, chocolate, cheese and more. There are chef demonstrations, tastings and a whole lot more.

Nov 11, 2026: Armistice Day is a public holiday in France. Every village, town and city has parades to honour the L’armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale commemorating the end of World War 1. At exactly 11am on the 11^th day of the 11^th month, Armistice Day, one-minute’s silence is held and France stops as people reflect on the past. The Armistice was signed at the Armistice Museum in the forest of Compiègne in Picardy.

Nov 12-15, 2026: Paris Photo in part of the Grand Palais has over 140 galleries from 33 countries showing exceptional works. The largest international photo fair, there are talks and awards for photo books along with interviews and discussions with artists, gallery owners, collectors and the enthusiastic public. Even the catalogue is a work of art. Other galleries and museums in Paris highlight their photographic collections.

Nov 15, 2026: The Beaune Wine Auction is the most famous wine auction in the world. Taking place over a weekend, it’s not just the wine auction, conducted by Christie’s, that is the attraction. All the major vineyards open their cellars for tastings, and there’s plenty to see and do. You must book tickets in advance.

Nov 19-23, 2026 At midnight on November 19, the famous Nouveau Beaujolais is released. The Nouveau Beaujolais est arrivé sign appears in restaurants all over the world and though the wine is not the greatest (far too young), it’s a fun evening. The best place to celebrate is Lyon, capital of the Beaujolais region, in the Place des Terreaux. Organised by young wine producers, it’s a festival with fireworks, tastings, street theatre and more. All the local bouchons (restaurants in Lyon) offer special menus.  The celebrations run over 5 days throughout the country from Nov 19 to Dec 23. It’s one of the major global celebrations of French events in November.
If you’re not in France, you can officially buy the wine wherever you are at 12.01am on the day of release.

Nov 19-22, 2026: The International Festival of Animal and Nature Photography in Montier-en-Der, Haute-Marne, Grand Est, takes over around fifteen sites with international exhibitions. Over 2,000 photos are on major naturalist and environmental themes, with different themes each year. Conferences and screenings, and well-known speakers from the worlds of science, the media and culture.

Nov 20, 2026-Jan 3, 2027: Nancy in east France begins its Christmas celebrations of Saint Nicholas with the lighting up of the Christmas tree on Place Stanislas and the grand market on Place Charles III. It’s a spectacular festival with a special weekend December 7 & 8. Over 70 exhibitors attend the event in brightly lit chalets, offering the public original gift ideas, art and craft objects and local specialities.

Nov 21-Dec 6, 2026: Cannes Dance Festival was founded in 1984. Internationally famous, it is particularly strong on contemporary dance, introducing new choreographers as well as supporting well-known dance companies.

Nov 27-Dec 6, 2026: La Festival de Sainte-Barbe in Lens-Liévin, Pas de Calais. The main towns are holding celebrations of the saint who was martyred for her Christian faith on December 4, c. 2,000AD. One of 14 Holy Helpers, she’s invoked in thunderstorms so has become the patron saint of miners, armourers, artillerymen, military engineers and others who work with explosives. Look out for events in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, Aix-Noulette, Angres, Billy-Montigny, Bouvigny-Boyeffles, Bully-les-Mines, Harnes, Lens, Liévin, Loison-sous-Lens, Noyelles-Godault, Noyelles-sous-Lens, Pont-à-Vendin, Sains-en-Gohelle, Sallaumines, Vendin-le-Vieil, Vimy, Wingles.

Late November–January 2027: Christmas Markets take place all over France. Strasbourg is particularly important in east France; in north France make for Arras. It’s a good way to celebrate events in November in France just in time for Christmas.

Here are the Christmas Markets in North France in 2025
Here are the Christmas Markets in the rest of France in 2025

Events in France in 2026

If you know of other events you think I should include, please do let me know!

Events in France in January 2026
Events in France in February 2026
Events in France in March 2026
Events in France in April 2026
Events in France in May 2026
Events in France in June 2026
Events in France in July 2026
Events in France in August 2026
Events in France in September 2026
Events in France in October 2026
Events in France in December 2026

Major events and openings in France in 2026

Geography of France

To help you find those events, here are a couple of articles on the geography of France

Regions of France
Departments of France

AND…

French Public Holidays

More about great Food Festivals in France

The post Events in France in November 2026 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

As always October has some great events in France. And there’s the added advantage of being without the crowds of the summer vacation. Festivals range from film and art to music and gardens. Harvests bring mouth-watering food festivals and the the French celebrate the annual wine harvest as autumn turns the vineyards deep orange. Check out these events in France in October 2026.

October, 2026:  Wine harvest festivals across France. Check the local tourist offices for celebrations where you are.

To Oct 4, 2026: La Gacilly Photo Festival is a wonderful outdoor photo festival. For three months, hundreds of large format photos are displayed in the parks, green maze, squares and streets of the small town in Morbihan, Brittany.

To Oct 4, 2026: Les Rencontres d’Arles is a huge, well established international photo expo, now 50 years old. Over sixty exhibitions take place in heritage locations and most of the exhibits have not been seen before.

To Oct 4, 2026: Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, Saint Tropez, PACA. Around 300 sailing boats, both traditional and modern, gather to race in the Mediterranean. This is one of the last events in France in September so try to make it to catch that last summer sun. It’s a sight to see.

To Nov 1, 2026: Giverny, Claude Monet’s house and garden open for the season. A visit is a must on most people’s itinerary and this year with so many great events in Normandy it will be busier than ever.

To Nov 1, 2026: International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire château in the Loire Valley is a fabulous, huge Festival, the Chelsea Flower Show of France. The Château and grounds are lovely and the festival of a series of gardens from international designers always delivers some surprises. This year’s theme plays tribute to the cinema and gardens.

To Nov 1, 2026: Halloween is not celebrated in France as it is in the UK or USA. But it remains a special time, with France taking All Saints’ Day on November 1 seriously.

Here’s how the French celebrate Halloween.

To Nov 2, 2026: Disneyland Paris begins its Halloween Festival with Disney villains roaming the streets. On October 31 Disney’s Halloween Party takes over the park from 8pm to 2am. Book early and expect lots of families.

To Dec 13, 2026: Biennale of Contemporary Art, Lyon. Every two years the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennal alternates with the Dance Biennal. This is a huge and important contemporary art festival, with work from around the world.

To Dec, 2026: Paris Autumn Festival is a huge arts events, taking in every discipline and taking place in different venues throughout Paris. Around 50 events cover the new and the avant-garde. It was created in 1972 by Michel Guy under the impetus of Georges Pompidou who wanted Paris to become a cultural capital. He succeeded; today around 150,000 people attend one of the events.

To Jan, 2027: Chartres en lumières sees this wonderful city illuminated for its annual festival of light. It’s nightly so there’s no excuse to miss it.  

Events in France starting in October 2026

Oct 3-4, 2026: Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Longchamp in Paris is the chic setting for the equally chic race. It’s a great racecourse with 500 screens for those not in the centre of the action. Racing is almost an afterthought.

Oct 3-Nov 8, 2026: Halloween at Parc Astérix is suitably scary with quite a lot of attractions for over 14 or 16 years old. Enter the Underworld of Pompeii, look our for fantastic monsters of try your luck in the Tomb of the Gods.

Oct 4, 2026: Rederie d’Amiens This great annual flea market takes over the city, occupying a massive 5km of pavements. It’s the second biggest in France after Lille. Part of a great long tradition in France of scouring markets for bargains.

Oct 7-11, 2026: La Fête des Vendanges is the extraordinary Montmartre’s annual Grape Harvest Festival attracting over half a million visitors. It has everything, from grape stomping to a Grand Parade, music, dancing, vineyard tours (who knew Montmartre had a vineyard?), a grand picnic and more.

Montmartre was once the place for artists like Van Gogh who lived at 25 Rue Victor Masse. Van Gogh in Paris.

Oct 7-11, 2026: British & Irish  Film Festival, Dinard, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany. Go British in Dinard at this great festival where awards are given and new films showcased. 7 different venues  give you a comprehensive look at the British and Irish film industry. There are 6 films in the main competition, premiers, short films and more for the 30,000 fans at this event.

Oct 7-11, 2026: Jazz between the Towers in La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast is a must for jazz fans. Well-known and new musicians, official concerts and a lively off festival events complete the package.

Oct 8-11, 2026: Salon Photo et Viceo. Held at La Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris, this large photography fair is aimed at both amateur and professional photographers.

Oct 10-11, 2026:  Fête de la Coquille et de la Pêche. Honfleur in Normandy holds this popular annual festival. Expect craft stalls, cookery demonstrations and plenty of fish, as well as local produce.

To Dec 6, 2026:  The Herring and Coquilles Saint-Jacques Festivals in Normandy are superb and the chance to celebrate these famous fishes, so necessary to Normandy. Join the 100,000 odd enthusiasts for tastings, discussing the merits of, and enjoying every kind of cured herring and Coquille Saint-Jacques.

Here are the herring and scallop festivals in north France in 2026.

Oct 12-18, 2026: Semaine du Gout – Taste Week takes place throughout France. Discover the local gastronomy and specialities, take cooking classes, taste (a lot) and be entertained.

Oct 12-18, 2026: The Paris Motor Show takes place every two years at the Exhibition Park at Porte de Versailles. Over a million visitors from around the world come to look at every kind of car you can imagine. 

Oct 17-18, 2026: Chestnut Festival (Fieira de la Castanha) takes place in Mourjou in the Auvergne. Enjoy chestnuts every which way as the harvest comes in.

Oct 23-25, 2026: La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez is a popular event on the Cote d’Azur. The main shops take their fashion items into the street and sell at very discounted prices. It’s one of the great fun events in shopping for bargains in France.

Oct 24-25, 2026: The Pepper Festival in Espelette, Pyrénées-Atlantiques just east of St Jean de Luz in south west France (Pays Basque/Nouvelle Aquitaine) is a grand tradition. There’s Basque traditional dancing, and music, parades and pelota as well as a lot of spicy food. In 1650 a Basque navigator, part of Christopher Columbus’ crew brought chili peppers back home. And the rest is history. The first flowers on the plants appear in June and fruit in July. Harvesting takes place in mid-August then the houses are festooned with peppers hung out to dry.

Read about more Food Festivals in France.

Oct 24-25, 2026: Chablis Wine Festival in Burgundy. The festival includes tastings of all Chablis appellations, seminars, dinners, auctions, and many other wine-related activities.

Oct 31-Nov 8, 2026: Rolex Paris Masters tennis tournament is the final ATP World Masters event. Held in the Accor Arena on a hard surface, 48 players will compete. The 2025 tournament was won by Jannik Sinner.

Oct 29-Nov 1, 2026: Paris Chocolate Fair at Porte de Versailles is just delicious…and always surprising. 700 or so chocolatiers, pastry chefs and other professionals take part. There are tasting sessions and cookery demonstrations, children’s pasty-making workshops and more. But most startling are the set pieces, the live performances and the fashion show which challenge your ideas about chocolate.

Oct 29-Nov 1, 2026: The prestigious Paris Salon d’Automne art show began in 1903 with the likes of Guimard, Cezanne, Bonnard, Roualt, and Matisse. The idea was to shock the old and introduce the new. It continues today with works by 890 artists including 161 new participants from 43 countries. It takes place in the Petit Palais.

Here’s more about how the French celebrate Halloween in France.

If you know of other events you think I should include, please do let me know!

Events in France in 2026

Events in France in January 2026
Events in France in February 2026
Events in France in March 2026
Events in France in April 2026
Events in France in May 2026
Events in France in June 2026
Events in France in July 2026
Events in France in August 2026
Events in France in September 2026

Events in France in November 2026
Events in France in December 2026

Major New Events and Openings in France in 2026

To help you find those events, here are a couple of articles on the geography of France

Regions of France
Departments of France

AND…

French Public Holidays

The post Events in France in October 2026 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

September is a wonderful time for a visit to France. The days are warm and the sea beckons; the trees begin to change their colour; the crowds have largely gone, and the country starts the first grape harvests.

Here are some great events in France in September 2026.

To Sep 6, 2026: Paris Jazz Festival. 25 free festivals spread over the summer at weekends in the Parc Floral offer jazz, world music and Afro-American music (soul, blues). Along with the concerts, there are workshops where you can make instruments from salvaged objects, introductions to percussion and conferences as well as a sound discovery area for children in the Botanic Garden. All concerts and activities are free; there’s a charge for admission to the park.

To Sep 6, 2026: Le Voyage à Nantes This summertime festival is one of the most exciting, and original, summer events in France. It’s an urban trail with works of art, some of which are new, others are created. 30 or so different works start at the former LU factory by the Canal Saint- Félix, then continue past iconic sites and buildings like the castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Machines de l’Isle park with its grand elephant. A green line on the ground takes you along the itinerary. Don’t worry if you miss it; there is a permanent Voyage à Nantes through the city.

To Sep 20, 2026: Normandy Impressionist Festival celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the birth of the Impressionists and celebrates Claude Monet. Around 150 to 200 events are organised in the main cities celebrating the art: Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Giverny, Honfleur, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Fécamp and Saint Lô and in other smaller towns.

This year, Normandy and Paris commemorate the death of Claude Monet in 1926.

More about Normandy and Impressionism
Normandy and Impressionism
Guide to Impressionist Painters

To Oct 4, 2026:  La Gacilly Photo Festival is a wonderful outdoor photo festival. For three months, hundreds of large format photos are displayed in the parks, green maze, squares and streets of the small town in Morbihan, Brittany.

To Oct 4, 2026: Les Rencontres d’Arles is a huge, well established international photo expo, now 50 years old. Over sixty exhibitions take place in heritage locations and most of the exhibits have not been seen before.

To Nov 1, 2026: Giverny, Claude Monet’s house and garden open for the season. A visit is a must on most people’s itinerary and this year with so many great events in Normandy it will be busier than ever.

To Nov 1, 2026: International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire château in the Loire Valley is equivalent in prestige to the Chelsea Flower Show. The Château and grounds are lovely and the festival of a series of gardens from international designers always delivers some surprises. This year’s theme plays tribute to the cinema and gardens.

To Jan 5, 2026: Chartres en lumières sees this wonderful city illuminated for its annual festival of light. It’s nightly so there’s no excuse to miss it.  

Events in France starting in September 2026

Mid-September onwards: Wine harvest festivals are beginning all across France. Check the local tourist offices for celebrations where you are as the wine harvests are always one of the major events in September in France.

Sept 4-13, 2026: American Film Festival, Deauville, Calvados, Normandy.  At this well-established event you get the chance to see around 100 American films – from blockbuster Hollywood productions to small independent films. They’re on at the Lucien Barrière casino and Le Mony cinema. The festival village provides information on all the events.
Here’s a guide to chic Deauville, well worth a visit any month of the year.

Sep 5, 2026: Nuits de Sologne starts at 5pm at Lamotte Beuvron in the Loir-et-Cher, south of Orléans, with musical entertainment and craft exhibitions, a bar and food stands. Sit on seats on the grass and wait for the first part of this spectacular show. At 8.45pm, there’s a projection onto an enormous façade. At 9.30pm the big fireworks start, synchronized to music. This might be a bit off the beaten track but it’s one of the events in September in France to try to see. You must buy tickets in advance from the website.

Date to be confirmed

Sept 5-6, 2026: The famous Lille Braderie takes over the city in Nord-Pas de Calais for a non-stop antiques and bric-a-brac fair that is quite a sight to see. It starts at 8am on Saturday and finishes at 6pm on Sunday. Wander among the streets of 10,000 amateur and professional exhibitors. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, you never will. To keep up, eat endless portions of mussels and chips, then pile up the shells outside the restaurant. The competition for the largest pile is kept going by the 3 million or so visitors.

Sep 11-13, 2026: The Lessay Fair in Normandy dates back 1,000 years, created, so the story goes, by the Benedictine monks here. During the fair the town is transformed as around 350,000 visits descend. There’s a horse village, demonstrations of driving and a huge funfair. Eat leg of lamb or sausages at the Allée des Rôtisseurs.  

Sept 12-13, 2026: Crémieu Medieval Festival, Crémieu in Isère. Watch the Middle Ages come to life as around 200 professionals and 300 volunteers re-enact the past. Horse shows, jousts, jugglers, stilt-walkers, flag-twirlers, fire-eaters, musicians and magicians provide the entertainment.
To see how the great unwashed lived, visit the living camps and watch the occasional dispute and fight with swords, lances and shield. Walk along the street where old trades flourish: potters, bow-makers, chainmail-makers and spinners.

Sep 15-19, 2026: Every year since 1989, the Polyphonic Song Festival has featured choristers and soloists from Corsica and the rest of the world. Held in different locations in the citadel of Calvi, acts from Bulgaria and Georgia, Inuit and Moroccan sing and perform.

Sept 19-Dec-13, 2026: Biennale of Contemporary Art, Lyon. Every two years the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennal alternates with the Dance Biennal. This is a huge and important contemporary art festival, with work from around the world.

Sept 16-20, 2026: Fête Renaissance du roi de l’oiseau in Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne. This Festival of Renaissance Arts just gets better each year. The whole town goes back in time, with most of the residents dressed up in costumes they have been making all year. There are parades, archery contests, camps and much more. And it takes place just 25 kms from my house.

Sep 17-20, 2026: Bol d’Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, Var, PACA. The Bol d’Or is the chance for endurance motorcyclists to compete with an international line-up. Lasting 24 hours, teams of three riders take turns during the competition. Races take in the Bol d’Argent, a 3-hour race for medium engine size motorbikes and the Bol d’Or Classic, which sees the great vintage bikes take to the track.
Enthusiasts can also see the race on a giant screen and check out the latest products from major manufacturers like BMW, Yamaha and Suzuki. And if that’s not enough, there are rock concerts, a funfair, paintball, freestyle demos and mini-bike workshops for those mini champions.

Sep 19-20, 2026: European Heritage days (Journées du patrimoine). Monuments and historic site throughout France (and Europe) put on a special show. You can get inside buildings not normally open like the Élysée Palace and private villas and castles. It’s not just about seeing the places; there are guided tours, skills demonstrations, theatre and music. Heritage in Danger: revive, Resist, Reinvent is the 2026 theme.

Sep 22-27, 2026: The Great Bulwark (Grand Pavois), La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This impressive and important international nautical fair fills Minimes Harbour. Check out more than 800 exhibitors, look at the boats, try one out and buy it! And stay for the final fireworks. Japan is the country of Honour this year.

Sept 26-Oct 4, 2026: Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, Saint Tropez, PACA. Around 300 sailing boats, both traditional and modern, gather to race in the Mediterranean. This is one of the last events in France in September so try to make it to catch that last summer sun. It’s a sight to see.

Sept-Dec, 2026: Paris Autumn Festival is a huge arts events, taking in every discipline and taking place in different venues throughout Paris. Around 50 events cover the new and the avant-garde. It was created in 1972 by Michel Guy under the impetus of Georges Pompidou who wanted Paris to become a cultural capital. He succeeded; today around 150,000 people attend one of the events.
Please Note: Exact dates to be decided.

Sep 30, 2026-Jan 25, 2027: Monet, Painting Time at the Musée de l’Orangerie marks the 100^th anniversary of the death of the painter. Around 40 works mostly from the Musée d’Orsay’s and Musée Marmottan Monet’s collections, plus French and international public and private collection loans highlight his changing styles, particularly emphasising the Nymphéas, housed in the Musée de l’Orangerie – described as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Impressionism’ by André Masson in 1952.

 If you know of other events you think I should include, please do let me know!

More Events in France in 2026

If you know of other events you think I should include, please do let me know!

Events in France in January 2026
Events in France in February 2026
Events in France in March 2026
Events in France in April 2026
Events in France in May 2026
Events in France in June 2026
Events in France in July 2026
Events in France in August 2026
Events in France in October 2026
Events in France in November 2026
Events in France in December 2026

Major New Events and Openings in France in 2026

More about great Food Festivals in France
Public holidays in France

Here’s a quick guide to the French regions and departments to help you find where the events are taking place.

Regions of France
French Departments

The post Events in France in September 2026 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

It’s a packed diary for events in France in July 2026 with something to see and do in every region and every big city. The famous Tour de France cycles its way around the country; Bastille Day is as big as ever and you might find it difficult to choose a music, theatre or outdoor event.

Check out the events in France in July 2026 to plan your visit in advance.

To Jul 4, 2026: La Rochelle International Film Festival on the French Atlantic coast explores the world of films from everywhere. 250 films, historic and contemporary are shown at a festival that prides itself on the unusual and the unknown (many are not distributed through the usual channels). Retrospectives rediscover forgotten works and stars.

This year it’s the turn of Jacques Tati who produced the hilarious Monsieur Hulot films. If you want to see where Monsieur Hulot stayed, check out my article on Saint Nazaire. Saint-Marc-sur-Mer is just outside the town.  New films bring European and international works to the audience. International stars always come to this festival.

To Jul 5, 2026: Les Zaccros d’ma Rue in Nevers in the Loire Valley is as wacky as its title. Around 50 different troupes offer theatre, circus and magic with performances, brass bands, street parades, fire shows and more.

To Jul 8, 2026:  Chorégies d’Orange started in 1869, making it the oldest festival in France. It’s held in the magnificent Roman Théâtre Antique, which seats 8,600 people, has superb acoustics and puts on popular operas and classical music.

To Jul 10, 2026: Les Flaneries de Reims is a great classical music festival that also includes world music and jazz. Around 60 concerts, many of them free, take place around the city: in the St. Remi Basilica, the Opera, the Manège de Reims Circus, the Palace of Tau and Reims Station Forecourt. A big outdoor picnic finishes the festival. Free shuttles take people from one part of the city to another. 

To Jul 11, 2026: Jazz à Vienne, Isère. Great names lined up for this annual popular jazz festival held in the Théâtre Antique which can hold over 7,000 spectators. Over 200,000 people descend on the city to see the performances at venues from Jazz Mix to the Cybèle stage. There’s a Jazz Parade and if you’re near Vienne you might catch the Caravan’Jazz which travels around the local communes. Check the website for precise dates as it’s not daily.Isère is a fabulous place to visit (there’s more on Isère here).

To Jul 21, 2026: Summer Sales throughout France.
Read more about Discount shopping, malls, bargains and sales in France.
And…Flea markets and brocante fairs are always great entertainment.

To Jul 25, 2026: Les Nuits de Fourvière in the Gallo-Roman theatres of Lyon is a magical feast of theatre, music, dance, opera and circus. Around 60 performances are watched by over 130,000 spectators.

To Jul 26, 2026: Festival de Nîmes in Occitanie. Music festival with a big line up of top stars like Eddy Mitchell and Santana. The festival has been wowing the crowds 1997 and is one of the important festivals in the south of France. But hurry; many concerts sell out very quickly.

To Sep 6, 2026: Paris Jazz Festival.25 free festivals spread over the summer take place in the Parc Floral in  jazz, world music and Afro-American music (soul, blues). Along with the concerts, there are workshops where you can make instruments from salvaged objects, introductions to percussion and conferences as well as a sound discovery area for children in the Botanic Garden. All concerts and activities are free; there’s a charge for admission to the park.

To Sep 20, 2026: Normandy Impressionist Festival celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the birth of the Impressionists. Around 150 to 200 events are organised in the main cities celebrating the art: Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Giverny, Honfleur, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Fécamp and Saint Lô and in other smaller towns.

This year, Normandy and Paris commemorate the death of Claude Monet in 1926.

More about Normandy and Impressionism
Normandy and Impressionism
Guide to Impressionist Painters

To Oct 4, 2026:  La Gacilly Photo Festival is a wonderful outdoor photo festival. For three months, hundreds of large format photos are displayed in the parks, green maze, squares and streets of the small town in Morbihan, Brittany.

To Nov 1, 2026: Giverny, Claude Monet’s house and gardens open for the season. A visit is a must on most people’s itinerary and this year with so many great events in Normandy it will be busier than ever.

To Nov 1, 2026: International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire château in the Loire Valley is a fabulous, huge Festival, the Chelsea Flower Show of France. The Château and grounds are lovely and the festival of a series of gardens from international designers always delivers some surprises. This year’s theme plays tribute to the cinema and gardens.

To Jan, 2027: Chartres en lumières sees this wonderful city illuminated for its annual festival of light. It’s nightly so there’s no excuse to miss it.  

Events in France starting in July 2026

Jul 1-4, 2026: Cognac Blues Passions. Taking the blues as its initial inspiration, the festival brings an eclectic mix each year. The main stage is in the public park; other musicians perform on the banks of the Charente River.

Jul 1-31, 2026: Carcassonne Festival is fabulous in a superb setting. 120 shows (80 of which are free in the OFF festival) are performed on 11 stages taking in opera, theatre, dance, music classes. With over 250,000 visitors it’s one of the biggest festivals in France. 2026 has the Sex Pistols, Chris Izaak, Carmina Burana and a lot more.

Jul 2-5, 2026: The Belfort Eurockéennes is an important European outdoor festival held between hills and lakes on the  Malsaucy Lake peninsula, 7 kms from Belfort, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Over 100,000 people gather for the concerts that feature international stars and up-and-coming bands playing a mix of music: rock, pop, hip-hop, electro, French popular song, folk and reggae. There’s a free temporary campsite.

Jul 2-21, 2026: International Festival of Art in Aix-en-Provence offers opera, classical music concerts, ballet and performances. The Festival takes place in glorious buildings like the courtyard of the Archbishop’s Palace, the Opera, Théâtre de l’Archevêché, Grand Théâtre de Provence, Théâtre du Jeu de Paume and Hôtel Maynier. Over 70,000 spectators attend every year.

Jul 3-5, 2026: Arras in Pas de Calais hosts the Main Square Festival, presenting around 50 concerts in this beautiful city. Over 100,000 fans come for music on the two festival stages ranging from rock to electronic, pop and folk.

Jul 3-5, 2026: Hot Air Balloon Festival, Annonay, Ardeche was started by the famous brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier on June 4 June, 1783. There’s a special hot-air balloon village, a funfare, music, concerts, night time show, street theatre and more.

Jul 3-5, 2026: Festival du lin. The Linen festival in Le Bourg Dun in Normandy is themed around flax. Around twenty exhibitions show off traditional and contemporary textile art and there’s a fashion show, a linen fabric fair, workshops and tours of the Terre de Lin factory and other linen enterprises.

Jul 4-25, 2026: Avignon Festival. Founded in 1947 this festival has grown to become one of the biggest for international contemporary live performance events. It’s a beautiful city, so seeing a performance here is truly magical. Over 130,000 people come for theatre, visual arts, dance and music. Every night there’s a premiere of a new work.

Jul 4-26, 2026: Tour de France. The world’s greatest cycling race this year stays entirely within the country. It begins in Barcelona in north Spain, and ends, as usual, in Paris.

Jul 4, 14, 22, Aug 5, 15, 24, 2026: Cannes Pyrotechnic Art Festival is a sight to behold. It takes place at 10pm and it’s huge. On the 400-meter long sea front, over 200,000 watch it from the Croisette. But you can also see it from around the bay and if you’re at the Jazz a Juin festival it finishes the evening off with pizazz. Six different countries compete in a competition (except on July 14 which is exclusively French) for the best and spectators can vote online on the website.

Jul 4-Sep 6, 2026: Le Voyage à Nantes. This festival is one of the most exciting, and original, summer events in France. It’s an urban trail with works of art, some of which are new, others are permanent. 30 or so different works start at the former LU factory by the Canal Saint-Félix, then continue past iconic sites and buildings like the castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Machines de l’Isle park with its grand elephant. A green line on the ground takes you along the itinerary. Don’t worry if you miss it; there is a permanent Voyage à Nantes throughout the city.

Jul 5-14, 2026: Colmar International Festival attracts some of the greatest talents in classical music. Chamber music, solo and full orchestras perform in three different venues with music by Tippett/Corelli, Britten, Bach, Mozart and more.

Jul 6-Oct 4, 2026: Les Rencontres d’Arles is a huge, well established international photo expo, now 50 years old. Over sixty exhibitions take place in heritage locations and most of the exhibits have not been seen before.

Jul 7-12, 2026:  Marseille Film Festival, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône. Over 200 films from around 30 different countries are shown, many for the first time. There are three competitions: international, French and debut films. Open to professionals and the public at cinemas, art galleries, theatres and outdoor amphitheatres. There are also retrospectives and great classics. Around 500 professionals and over 20,000 spectators attend.

Jul 9-12, 2026: Amundi Evian Championship features the world’s great female golfers and is the only Major in Europe. It’s played on a beautiful 18-hole golf course above Lake Geneva. Learn more about the sport at the fair where you can test gear. Get there on a free shuttle between Evian and the Golf Course.

Jul 9-19, 2026: Jazz à Juan Festival swings into this famous south of France resort with one of the best jazz festivals in Europe. The line-up is about to be announced, but the programme is always exciting with the top names. There’s an Off Festival in the streets of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.
Find great budget places to stay in Antibes/Juan-les-Pins.

Jul 10-14, 2026: Francofolies in La Rochelle takes you into contemporary French song and music. Traditional and modern music and a series of events outside the festival help young artists develop.

Jul 14, 2026: Bastille Day is France’s greatest holiday with celebrations throughout the country. Watch out for local events and fireworks. And also start watching out for traffic jams; it’s traditionally the start of France’s national one-month long summer vacation. Of all the events in July and throughout the year, this is the best known.

French public holidays

Jul 15-19, 2026: Festival of 1001 Notes in Limoges takes classical music as its starting point but incorporates jazz and world music. It’s a festival to see up-and-coming artists. In the intervals there are dinners and picnics and after the concert there’s a chance to meet with the artists and others in the bar.

Jul 16-19, 2026: Vieilles Charrues or the Old Plough Festival in Carhaux-Plouguer, Finistere, Brittany is huge. Around 250,000 come to the festival which covers all the main styles including hip-hop, rock and even opera. Robbie Williams, Morcheeba, Silly Boy Blue, Blur, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and many more. There are also street art shows to see.

Jul 16-Aug 16, 2026:  International Piano Festival, widely regarded as one of the most important piano festivals in the world, takes place in La Roque d’Anthéron, just 25 kms from Aix-en-Provence. Outdoor and indoor concerts.
In the intervals there are dinners and picnics and after the concert there’s a chance to meet with the artists and others in the bar.

Jul 17-25, 2026: Souillac en Jazz (Sim Copans Festival) in the Lot, Dordogne Valley offers different jazz styles in the magnificent Romanesque abbey. Around forty free concerts in the streets and Lacave Caves add to the festival.

Jul 20-Aug 4, 2026: Jazz in Marciac, Gers, Occitanie. This great jazz festival attracts over 200,000 people each year to listen to the likes of Melody Gardot, Anthony Strong and the Barcelona Jazz Orchestra, James Blunt, Gogo Penguin and Jamie Cullum and Wynton Marsalis. It begins with Sting on July 20 this year. There’s also a fringe festival on the main square.

Jul 21-26, 2026: Equestria, Tarbes, Hautes-Pyrénées. The National Stud Farm in Tarbes puts on this exceptional equestrian show every year.  Over 400 horses and 500 performers from the arts and the equestrian world perform a series of newly created choreographed events in the different rings. There are some pretty stunning tricks to see. And make for the village for something different.

Jul 23-25, 2026: Cognac Festival in Charente celebrates two things. Firstly the region’s wine and spirit products and local food (Charentais melon and local oysters, mussels, meat, cheeses and more). Walk along the marina past the fishermen’s huts specially converted for the event and sit and sample. Secondly in the evenings, two great concerts take place with top musicians.

Jul 23-26, 2026: Cornouaille Festival, Quimper, Brittany. This is a must for anyone interested in Breton culture as well as other Celtic traditions, with over 250,000 spectators attending each year. Over 200 shows and events, most of them free, showcase the trades of the past, bell-ringers and more. An antique markets and booksellers fill the quayside.

Jul 23-26, 2026: Nice Jazz Festival. This has always been one of the greats since it started in 1948. Two stages with simultaneous events are set up just off the Promenade des Anglais. Expect big stars.

Jul 24-26, 2026: Les Escales World Music Festival, Saint-Nazaire, Loire-Atlantique. Down in the town’s harbour, Les Escales is a feast of traditional and contemporary multi-cultural music. Around 40,000 people gather for around 50 concerts on 5 stages. Hip-Hop, Rock, Globe-Trotter, Rap, Techno-Disco…you name it, you’ll find it here. Street shows and exhibitions complete the attractions.
More about Saint-Nazaire – a city well worth a visit.

Jul 25-31, 2026: Le Festival du film de Lama in Corsica takes place in a medieval village. Around 20 feature film premières, programmes for children, a short film competition and documentary screenings take the theme of the rural world in France and abroad. The festival is at three different places: the swimming pool (great views of the mountains), Place de l’Umbria and the Mercatu in the village’s centre (cushions and pillows provided).

Jul 26, 2026: Garlic and Basilic Fair in the main square of Tours in the Loire Valley is a site to behold (and to smell). If you think you know your garlic, think again.
Loire Valley Drive from Tours to Saumur

Jul 26-Aug 7, 2026: Festival Saint-Céré, Saint-Céré, Lot. The delightful town hosts a lyric festival with four alternating shows and 40 events performed in the town and throughout the Lot department. The productions then tour France during the following winter.
From Saint-Céré you can see the towers of the Saint-Laurent-les-Tours castle where the artist Jean Lurçat lived and worked…and during World War II operated a secret radio for the French Resistance. He’s best known as a driving force in the creation of modern French tapestry in the 20^th century.

Here’s the Story of Tapestry in France

Jul 28-Aug 8, 2026: Pablo Casals Festival. Since 1950, world famous soloists, and up and coming young groups, have performed in Prades in Pyrénées-Orientales. The festival, which takes place in historic religious buildings like the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, focuses on chamber music from Bach to Mozart, as well as contemporary works. Also here: meetings with artists and film screenings.

Jul 31-Aug 2, 2026:  Festival du Bout du Monde. The annual festival on the Crozon Peninsula, Finistère, Brittany, attracts the crowds for its music and its setting near the sea. International artists, some well known, some new ones, perform on 3 stages.

Jul 31-Aug 9, 2026: Festival Interceltique Lorient. Music and culture from the Morbihan Peninsula in Brittany plus the Celtic people of Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Ireland and northern Spain (Galicia and Asturias). Over 800,000 festival-goers flock here for 4,500 artists, 120 shows, 11 new creations, all performed on 11 stages. Booksellers line the quays along with the Celtic market. There are processions, fest-noz, traditional Breton games, a race and a dinner concert.

Events in France in 2026

Have I missed an event you think I should include? Please do let me know.
Events in France in January 2026
Events in France in February 2026
Events in France in March 2026
Events in France in April 2026
Events in France in May 2026
Events in France in June 2026
Events in France in August 2026
Events in France in September 2026
Events in France in October 2026
Events in France in November 2026
Events in France in December 2026

Major New Events and Openings in France in 2026

More about great Food Festivals in France
Public holidays in France

Here’s a quick guide to the French regions and departments to help you find where the events are taking place.

Regions of France
French Departments

The post Events in France in July 2026 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

Glorious events are planned for June 2026 in France. As always Normandy commemorates the D-Day Landings. There are festivals everywhere and Roland Garros tennis. In fact as you’ll see below, there’s something for everyone in June 2026 in France.

Check out the events in France in June 2026 to help plan your visit in advance.

To Jun 6, 2026: CIC Normandy Channel Race starts in Caen on Sunday May 31 though the yachts arrive a few days earlier. The 1000 mile race goes Normandy to Ireland, via the English South West coast and the Channel Islands.

To Jun 7, 2026: Roland Garros in Paris is one of the 4 major world Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Taking place on 20 clay courts, it began in 1925. Like other major tournaments, each match is five sets long (for men) and 3 sets long (for women). 

There are two major awards: the Musketeers’ Cup for men and the Suzanne Lenglen cup for women. The womens’ cup is named after the great tennis player who (among other things) was one of the early famous women wearing a bra invented in 1889 by Herminie Cadolle. There are also trophies for the winners of the men’s doubles, ladies’ doubles and mixed doubles.

To Jun 23, 2026: Saint-Denis Festival is a superb festival in the great basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris and other buildings in the arrondissement. Classical music concerts from French and international orchestras range from the classics to contemporary. Some concerts are broadcast on a giant screen in front of the basilica and there are plenty of events for children as well. It’s not every day so check the website for dates and times.

To Jun 30, 2025: D-Day Commemorated. There’s plenty to do on the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day Landings plus many events for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

See my article on a tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches from Utah to Sword.
For accommodation near the D-Day Landing Beaches, check my article here.

To Jul 25, 2026: Les Nuits de Fourvière in the Gallo-Roman theatres of Lyon is a magical feast of theatre, music, dance, opera and circus. Around 60 performances are watched by over 130,000 spectators.

To Sep 20, 2026: Normandy Impressionist Festival celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the birth of the Impressionists. Around 150 to 200 events are organised in the main cities celebrating the art: Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Giverny, Honfleur, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Fécamp and Saint Lô and in other smaller towns.

This year, Normandy and Paris commemorate the death of Claude Monet in 1926.

More about Normandy and Impressionism
Normandy and Impressionism
Guide to Impressionist Painters

To Nov 1, 2026: Giverny, Claude Monet’s house and garden open for the season. A visit is a must on most people’s itinerary and this year with so many great events in Normandy it will be busier than ever.

To Nov 1, 2026: International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire Château in the Loire Valley is a fabulous, huge Festival, the Chelsea Flower Show of France. The Château and grounds are lovely and the festival of a series of gardens from international designers always delivers some surprises. This year’s theme pays tribute to cinema.

To Jan, 2027: Chartres en lumières sees this wonderful city illuminated for its annual festival of light. The first city to do this, it really is a must-see event.

Events in France starting in June 2026

Jun 1-Oct 4, 2026:  La Gacilly Photo Festival is a wonderful outdoor photo festival. For three months, hundreds of large format photos are displayed in the parks, green maze, squares and streets of the small town in Morbihan, Brittany.

Jun 3-28, 2026: The Anjou Festival now in its 74th season has become the second biggest outdoor theatre event in France. The festival presents a varied programme in historic venues.  

Jun 5-7, 2026: Rendezvous aux Jardins. This very popular government sponsored event takes place throughout France with around 2,400 public and private gardens opening up to the public (like the Château de Rivau below). You can talk to the gardeners, go on guided tours, watch demonstrations on plants, see exhibitions, and enjoy musical walks, games and more. The 2026 theme is the Vue.

Jun 5-8, 2026: Salon Vivre Côté Sud in Aix-en-Provence this year is a must if you’re interested in interior design. Organised by the Maisons Côté Sud magazine, it’s a seductive way of getting your house to look as if it were in the south of France.

Jun 7, 8 2026:  Pentecost or Whit Sunday and Whit Monday are official French holidays when shops, businesses, banks and more close so everybody can party.

Jun 7-9, 2026: La Fête des Marins. The Sailors Pilgrimage, held every year in Honfleur sees fishing boats sailing out of the port into the Seine estuary for a blessing by a priest. The town has exhibitions, a parade with sailors carrying model boats, performances and food stalls in the streets.

Jun 10-14, 2026: Festival du Film de Cabourg, Normandy. Every summer, Cabourg’s film festival is dedicated to romantic films. Premières, tributes and retrospectives, lectures, debates and meetings, all open to the public. There’s also an outdoor cinema with 400 seats set up on the beach. At the end of the competition, the Swann d’Or awards are given to the best feature-length films, best short film, best actress and best actor.

Jun 10-14, 2026: 24 Hours of Le Mans race, in Le Mans in the Pays de la Loire is one of the most famous car races in the world. It covers a road circuit of just over 8 miles (13kms) in Le Mans, part of which is on a public road.
More about the Le Mans race and the museum.

Here’s a general guide to Le Mans, a Tale of Two Cities: what to see and do, where to stay, eat and more. What surprised me (and many first-time visitors to Le Mans) is the beautifully preserved, and extensive, mediaeval quarter at the heart of the city. Guide to Plantagenet Le Mans.

Jun 11-Jul 26, 2026: Festival de Nîmes in Occitanie. Music festival with a big line up has been wowing the crowds 1997 and is one of the important festivals in the south of France. But hurry; many concerts are sold out.

Jun 13-14, 2026:  Medieval Festival de Provins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seine-et-Marne near Paris is an exceptionally well preserved fortified medieval city. Their  annual Medieval Fair is great fun with swashbuckling galore, sinister characters along with musicians, stilt walkers and entertainers. There are camps, craftspeople making and selling jewellery, spices, fabrics and costumes from the distant past. And it’s great for children.

Jun 18-21, 2026: Hellfest in Clisson, Loire-Atlantique. Since 2006 Hellfest has been staging hard rock, gothic rock, heavy metal, black metal and hardcore punk. Seven stages for the biggest names. Not everyone goes in the gear you’d expect: Festival-goers appear as pink rabbits, Gauls and Teletubbies. It’s billed as the Home of Hellbangers.

Jun 18-Jul 10, 2026: Les Flaneries de Reims is a delightful classical music festival that also includes world music and jazz. Around 60 concerts, many of them free, take place around the city: in the St. Remi Basilica, the Opera, the Manège de Reims Circus, the Palace of Tau and Reims Station Forecourt. A big outdoor picnic finishes the festival. Free shuttle buses take people from one part of the city to another.

Jun 19-Jul 8, 2026: Chorégies d’Orange started in 1869, making it the oldest festival in France. It’s held in the magnificent Roman Théâtre Antique, which seats 8,600 people, has superb acoustics and puts on popular operas and classical music.

Jun 21, 2026: World Music Day (Concerts and dancing in the streets throughout France). It began in 1982 and has blossomed since then. Everyone participates so there’s an enormous variety of music from contemporary to folk as the music schools, conservatories, museums, hospitals, radio, concert halls, cafés, street performers and more put on their own versions.

Jun 22-29, 2026: What a Trip! Heyme Festival, Montpellier, Herault, Occitanie. The International Travel and Adventure Festival has everything: a travel village, world bookshop, workshops, adventure travel and an official film competition, free concerts, exhibitions, talks and more. It’s organised by people who love travel and is not like so many trade shows around the world.

Jun 23-26, 2026: Annecy Animated Film Festival The international competition, founded in 1960,  has over 200 films from short to feature films, TV movies and student films. Premières take place at different venues, plus conferences and more. There are free outdoor screenings each night at Le Pâquier. There’s a great market for fans to buy all kinds of memorabilia.

Jun 24-Jul 21, 2026: Summer Sales throughout France.
Read more about Discount shopping, malls, bargains and sales in France.
And…Flea markets and brocante fairs are always great entertainment.

ESTIMATE Jun 24-Sep 6, 2026: Paris Jazz Festival. 25 free festivals spread over the summer take place in the Parc Floral in  jazz, world music and Afro-American music (soul, blues). Along with the concerts, there are workshops where you can make instruments from salvaged objects, introductions to percussion and conferences as well as a sound discovery area for children in the Botanic Garden. All concerts and activities are free; there’s a charge for admission to the park.

Jun 25-Jul 11, 2026: Jazz à Vienne, Isère. Great names lined up for this annual popular jazz festival held in the Théâtre Antique which can hold over 7,000 spectators. Over 200,000 people descend on the city to see the performances at venues from Jazz Mix to the Cybèle stage. There’s a Jazz Parade and if you’re near Vienne you might catch the Caravan’Jazz which travels around the local communes. Check the website for precise dates as it’s just a few days within that time frame.
Isère is a fabulous place to visit (there’s more on Isère here).

June 26-28, 2026: Saumur in Anjou has a great event – a Vintage Cycle Ride! Participants register for a ride – anything from 30kms to 105 kms, dress up as their favourite vintage character and set off around Saumur. There’s a great vintage fair as well.

Jun 26-Jul 4, 2026: La Rochelle International Film Festival on the French Atlantic coast explores the world of films from everywhere. 250 films, historic and contemporary are shown at a festival that prides itself on the unusual and the unknown (many are not distributed through the usual channels). Retrospectives rediscover forgotten works and stars. This year it’s the turn of Jacques Tati who produced the hilarious Monsieur Hulot films. If you want to see where Monsieur Hulot stayed, check out my article on Saint Nazaire. Saint-Marc-sur-Mer is just outside the town. New films bring European and international works to the audience. International stars always come to this festival.

Jun 26-28, 2026: Rock and electronic music Since 1997, the Garorock festival in Marmande by the Garonne river has offered 3 days of rock and electronic music. Outdoor stages attract thousands of music lovers, listening to music from 1pm to 5am.

Jun 29-Jul 5, 2026: Les Zaccros d’ma Rue in Nevers in the Loire Valley is as wacky as its title. Around 50 different troupes offer theatre, circus and magic with performances, brass bands, street parades, fire shows and more.

Events in France in 2026

Have I missed an event you think I should include? Please do let me know.

Events in France in January 2026
Events in France in February 2026
Events in France in March 2026
Events in France in April 2026
Events in France in May 2026

Events in France in July 2026
Events in France in August 2026
Events in France in September 2026
Events in France in October 2026
Events in France in November 2026
Events in France in December 2026

Major New Events and Openings in France in 2026

More about great Food Festivals in France
Public holidays in France

More about Normandy, much in the news this year.

Here’s a quick guide to the French regions and departments to help you find where the events are taking place.

Regions of France
French Departments

The post Events in France in June 2026 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

The best Christmas markets in north France are just a short ferry ride across the English Channel, then there’s a great choice in the region from Lille down to Le Touquet. You can just do a short day trip to the nearest, but if it’s possible it’s much more fun to stay over. Take your car, visit any of the best Christmas markets in north France, eat a good meal and stay overnight. Then come home packed with goodies.  
Please Note: Hotel prices are from the low season, but that suits a Christmas Market trip!

Here you’ll find details on the markets, dates, how to get there and that all-important detail…where to stay.

Amiens in Picardy

Amiens has France’s largest Gothic cathedral. At Christmas it is transformed by its spectacular son-et-lumière show. It makes the perfect backdrop to the annual market.

Amiens’ Christmas market is big with over 130 chalets selling food, drink and gifts from all over France, but also from further afield and places like Canada and India. There are special Christmas-themed rides for children (don’t miss the train), and a Big Wheel for the older ones. It takes place in the center of the city in Place Gambetta and the surrounding streets.

Amiens Market Dates: Nov 21-Dec 30, 2025 from 10:30am (except Monday morning) to 7:30pm (9pm Fridays and Saturdays).

More about Amiens

How to get to Amiens from the UK

Where to Stay in Amiens

Hôtel Le Prieuré et La Résidence is a chic 3-star hotel in two different buildings. The main 3-star hotel is in a former residence of a canon of the cathedral. It’s right in the old centre of town, has a range of 12 beautifully decorated rooms from the saintly and traditional to the fu

0.nky and modern.
Rates: Double/twin room from €77. Breakfast €12.50.

The 5-star Hôtel Marotte is at the top end of the range, and well worth the money. Set in a Flemish-style former house, this boutique hotel is now an Art Deco lover’s dream. It’s right in the action, has a wine and Champagne bar and tea room, and a spa. There’s a separate modern extension with spectacular huge suites.  
Rates: Double/Twin from €295.

Arras

If you can, come when St Nicholas abseils down the belfry on 6 December. There are bands playing on Fridays.

Arras Christmas Market information

Arras Market Dates: Nov 28-Dec 30, 2025

More about Arras

How to get to Arras from the UK

Where to Stay in Arras

Check into what was once a 17^th-century Jesuit monastery. Gone is the austerity; in its place the Hôtel de l’Univers offers 38 large, prettily decorated rooms just a few minutes away from the main action. It has a restaurant, and is family friendly.
Rates:  Doubles inc breakfast from €102.

Béthune

Béthune is another one of those places that you normally pass by. But stop there and you’ll say ‘Wow; why haven’t I been here before?’ Most of the centre was destroyed in World War I. But standing in the square and looking at the 14^th-century belfry, still extraordinarily intact after surviving the destruction, you wouldn’t know. The pretty houses around the square are a wonderful mix of baroque, Art Deco and…’what period is that one’ style?

So a visit to the Christmas market is doubly worthwhile. Over 50 chalets sell all the goodies you could want; there’s a carousel, big Big Wheel, sparkly Christmas tree, childrens section, special train and large covered ice rink.

Béthune Market Dates: Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025

More about Béthune and its market

How to get to Béthune from the UK

Where to Stay in Béthune

Le Vieux Beffroi is simply decorated and good value. And it is just steps away from the main square. It has a restaurant and bar.
Rates: Double/Twin room from €67. Breakfast €9.90.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

The Christmas market might only be one weekend in December, but it’s such a great market and such a great city that I thoroughly recommend you go here for your Christmas shopping.

The market is held in the delightful vielle ville  (old town) which many visitors miss. Rue de Lille in full of chalets selling local delicacies (don’t miss the herrings!) and lovely gifts. There’s plenty of street theatre going on as well with elves cavorting (in the nicest possible way), and knights on wooden hobby horses entertaining you and the family. At the end of the rue de Lille stands the great, rather bombastic cathedral. The priest who had it built wanted something like St Peter’s in Rome; there’s nothing wrong with ambition.

Boulogne-sur-Mer Market Dates: Dec 12-14, 2025

More about Boulogne-sur-Mer

How to get to Boulogne-sur-Mer from the UK

Where to Stay in Boulogne-sur-Mer

To be near the market in the old town (and the château, museum, gardens, restaurants etc.,) and for a really interesting and pretty place to stay, try the upmarket L’Enclos de l’Evêché. The bed and breakfast has 3 bedrooms, all delightfully decorated in different styles. There’s a bar and a good breakfast.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €100 inc breakfast.

For a really great experience, check into the 4-star, 35-roomed La Matelote. It’s on the seafront and right opposite Nausicaá – the excellent Centre National de la Mer. Rooms are comfortable though some can be on the small side. For the best, book a room with a terrace looking out to sea. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant with excellent set menus (very good indeed), and a spa with swimming pool. It’s family owned and it shows with the friendly welcome.
Rates: Double/Twin room from €134.

Calais

Calais enjoys Christmas and does it very well. The Christmas Village takes over the large Place d’Armes and from 25 November, there’s also a forest of Christmas trees and a Nativity Creche to see.

There’s a Christmas letterbox open from the start of December (and Santa will answer!). There are all the usual jolly stalls, plus a 1900s 2-tier carousel and a skating rink you can whizz around. There are plenty of carol concerts, late openings in the shops and special offers.

If you’re in Calais don’t miss the great Calais Dragon as he huffs and puffs his way around town. He can take up to 50 passengers and lives on the Calais seafront so you often see him as you come in by ferry.

Calais Christmas Market Dates: Nov 29, 2025-Jan 5, 2026

More in my Guide to Calais

More about Calais and the Christmas Market

How to get to Calais from the UK

Where to Stay in Calais

The 3-star Hôtel Meurice is one of Calais’ two rather splendid old-fashioned hotels. It’s next to the very good Fine Arts Museum, and has been welcoming guests (many of them British) since 1771. Its large rooms are pleasantly decorated; there’s a good restaurant and a bar which is distinctly British and club-like. It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Rates: Double/Twin room from €79. Breakfast from €8.

Hôtel Métropole is another of those old-fashioned hotels that offer no surprises but comfort and good value. 40 rooms are well-sized; there’s a bar and the breakfast really satisfies. It’s a 5-6 minute walk from the train station and central Calais.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €79.

For a good, modern option go for the Ibis Styles Calais Centre. It’s in central rue Royale, has good, simply decorated rooms and a jolly breakfast area. It’s about 6 minutes from the train station and in the same street as one of my favourite Calais restaurants, Histoire Ancienne (at number 20). Children 15 and under stay free with an adult.
Rates: Double/Twin from €88, breakfast included.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk (Dunkerque) is a small town well worth visiting, quite apart from the World War II Operation Dynamo sites. Their Christmas market opens in Place de la République, Place Jean Bart, and Place Charles Valentin. 50 chalets with good gifts; a big wheel, a Christmas forest complete with elves of course, a free ice rink and a whole lot of extra events. Santa Claus arrives in style to be welcomed to his castle (the town hall) at 5.45pm on 6 December (TBC).

Dunkirk Christmas Market Dates: 2025 Dates to be confirmed. Nov 27-Dec 27,2024

More about Dunkirk

How to get to Dunkirk from the UK

Where to Stay in Dunkirk

Try the good value, simple All Suites Apart Hôtel by the water. There are useful kitchenettes and good sized rooms.  
Rates: Double/Twin from €72. Breakfast €12.50.

Licques

You may not have heard of Licques. But this small town just 21 kms south of Calais rates pretty highly in French folklore at Christmas. For one weekend in mid December the town offers a great regional Christmas food market. So far, so good. What makes Licques stand out is the Fête de la Dinde. The turkey festival sees a gaggle of well-fed birds running through the town herded on Sunday morning by the Confrerie de Licques, the local bigwigs. It’s a competition for the best bird, and boy is it competitive. You’re offered a glass of the local liqueur, Licquoise, and you can then choose which bird you’re going to buy for the Christmas meal. The weekend ends with a dinner dance.

Licques Market and Turkey Parade Dates: Probably Dec 10 to 12, 2024 (Turkey parade on Dec 12).

More about Licques from the nearby Tourist Office

How to get to Licques

Where to Stay in Licques

Base yourself in Calais

La Longère d’Ecottes is a pretty bed and breakfast in Licques. It’s a pretty house with a terrace and garden. But it is closed in winter, opening in April 2026.
Rates: Double/Twin room €90 including breakfast.

Lille

Lille is one of my favourite cities and I’m not alone. Its Christmas market in Place Rihour has around 90 wooden chalets selling gifts from around the world. There’s a big Big Wheel and a huge Christmas tree while festive lights twinkle all over Lille.

Lille Christmas Market Dates: Nov 19-Dec 30, 2025.

How to get to Lille from the UK

Where to Stay in Lille

The 3-star Hôtel de la Treille in the heart of old Lille was built in 1988 but is decorated in classic style. So you get modern comfort with old-fashioned elegance. It’s friendly and welcoming.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €125, breakfast €10 to €14 according to type of package.

Please note: The hotel operates a 2-night only booking basis at busy times of the year.

The Brueghel is a constant favourite. The hotel in a 19^th-century Flemish-style building is tucked away down a side street. Rooms are simply but well decorated with antiques throughout, and it’s just 200 metres from the Grand Place.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €134. Breakfast from €12. Breakfast is included in more expensive rooms.

Le Touquet Paris-Plage

Fashionable, stylish with a great history connected to Britain, Le Touquet Paris-Plage (to give it its formal name; most people just refer to Le Touquet), is a favourite seaside resort. Its a good place for presents and food. It takes place in the lovely covered market so you won’t have to worry about the weather.
There’s lots going on in Le Touquet, starting on the weekend of 25, 26 November with lights being turned on, a jazz band, fireworks and more. Father Christmas drives through the streets on certain days when you can give him your letters. Events, many at the weekends, continue to 1 January with a New Year swim. Here’s the programme.

Le Touquet Christmas Market Dates: Nov 28, 2025-Jan 4, 2026

More about the Christmas market in Le Touquet

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage renamed its airport in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. More on that here.

How to get to Le Touquet from the UK

Where to Stay in Le Touquet

The splendid L’Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster takes you back to a bygone, elegant age. It’s been recently refurbished and is very splendid indeed. Behind its Art Deco façade, you’ll find a Spa Nuxe, Michelin-starred restaurant, Art Deco brasserie and indoor pool.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €253.

Stay just outside the centre in the splendidly traditional golf hotel Le Manoir. It’s set in the leafy, forest-like part of Le Touquet, is very comfortable and near the excellent golf course. If you’re a golfer they have special packages.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €119.

Saint-Omer

Saint-Omer is a delightful town, known for its excellent food market. So this is a good place to visit at Christmas when the main square, Place Foch, gets covered in red carpet for the carousels, a big wheel and stalls selling mulled wine for parents. It’s a small market but particularly good for young children with special stalls like the one offering fishing for ducks. Find the artisan stalls on the smaller square, Place Victor Hugo.

Saint-Omer Christmas Market: Nov 28, 2025-Jan 1, 2026

Saint-Omer Tourist Office

How to Get to Saint-Omer

Where to Stay in Saint-Omer

L’Industrie has just 6 rooms, located above a well-known and popular restaurant in the centre of Saint-Omer.

Rates: Double/Twin Rooms from €80; Breakfast €13.50.

Ibis Saint-Omer is a good hotel with a popular restaurant; it’s part of the Mercure chain.

Rates: Double/Twin from €95.

So which are your best Christmas markets in north France? Please do send me your comments, so I can add your favorites.

Check out my article on the Best Christmas Markets throughout France from the North to Avignon.

Hauts-de-France region has wonderful food, so wonderful in fact that it was awarded the 2023 European Gastronomy Award.

Best Restaurants in north France (not always the most expensive!)

Here’s the story of food in Hauts-de-France.

And if it helps…here’s a bit more information

How the French celebrate Christmas

Festive Christmas Food in France

Events in France in November 2025

Events in France in December 2025

Food Festivals in France

French Public Holidays

More about getting to France from the UK

Most of the towns have cheap hotels. Check the budget hotel chain options.

The post Best Christmas Markets in North France in 2025 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

Visiting the glorious Christmas markets in France is one of the great joys of the holidays, for both the French and for foreign visitors. These wonderful Christmas marchés de Noël fill cities, towns and villages throughout France from the end of November through December with some going on for a few days in January 2026.

Here’s my pick of some of the best Christmas markets in France. They run from Caen in Normandy to Avignon in the south. And in the east, the oldest Christmas market of all, in Strasbourg. If you know of a Christmas market you think I should include, please do tell me.

I have included times when I have them. Check with the local tourist office for more information. Christmas markets are closed on December 25 (except for Colmar and Toulouse); many finish early on Dec 24 and Dec 31. Some continue into the first few days of January 2026.

Here you’ll find the best Christmas markets in North France . The north France article also covers accommodation which I check regularly. So I hope you’ll find it useful. One of my favourites is in Amiens where France’s oldest Gothic cathedral provides the perfect backdrop.

North France

Normandy

Caen

Caen is a wonderful city to visit but it’s too often used only as a ferry entry port for holiday makers going south and visitors miss its glories. The Christmas market adds a great reason to visit Caen in the winter. Over 60 wooden chalets fill Place de la République and Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc, with the lit up château on the nearby hill providing the right backdrop. Traditional French items from nativity figurines to pain d’épices (gingerbread), and a grotto with Father Christmas. Eat good snacks, and take a glass of mulled wine (or Calvados – you’re in the heart of the area!)

On Saturday 6 December around 5.30 pm when it’s dark, the theatre company Les Quidams takes to the streets. The actors become ivory horses, prancing and dancing through the city centre with Santa Claus.

Caen Christmas Market Dates: Nov 29-Dec 28, 2025.
Closed Dec 25 and closes on Dec 24 and 31 at 4pm.
Caen Market Information

Rouen

The ancient city of Rouen and capital of Normandy always pulls out the stops. 82 wooden chalets sell all the great French goodies in the Place de la Cathédrale with the magnificent backdrop of the cathedral as an illuminated backdrop.

Skating rinks and Santa’s Grotto feature at Rouen Givré (Frosty Rouen). There’s plenty of street entertainment taking over the city’s historic streets (including of course the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake).

Rouen Christmas Market: Nov 21, 2025-Jan 5, 2026
Open Mon 2-8pm; Tues-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-8pm.

Rouen Tourist Office

Champagne

Reims

Christmas is the time for bubbly and Christmas so it’s appropriate that Reims, capital of Champagne, holds one of the biggest fairs in the region and it’s one of the best Christmas markets in France. It takes place at les promenades Jean Louis Schneiter, in front of the station and on the esplanades port de Mars. But you’ll also find a lot of smaller markets throughout the city offering gourmet experiences, children’s entertainment more. 150 chalets offer good quality gifts, glass, ceramics, food and wine.

Reims Christmas Market: Nov 26-December 28, 2025
Mon 2-8pm, Tues-Thurs 10.30am-8pm; Fri, Sat 10.30am-9pm; Sun 10.30am-8pm. Monday Dec 20 & 27 10.30am-8pm.

If you’re here visit one of the great Champagne houses in Reims.

And try to make the great Champagne and Christmas weekend in Epernay. I had a wonderful time at Les Habits de Lumière as the second city of Champagne lets its hair down in spectacular fashion. This year it’s Dec 12th to 14th.

Paris

You’ll find Christmas markets all over Paris. There are between 15 and 20 of them!

Paris Christmas Markets

Notre-Dame Cathedral Market

Nov 28-Dec 25, 2025
The Christmas market beside Notre-Dame promises an exciting mix of stalls selling arts and crafts and some very good gourmet delights. The great medieval cathedral of Paris re-opens on Dec 8, 2024 so time your visit later to see how far the restoration has got.
6 Parvis Notre-Dame
Pl. Jean-Paul II
Paris 1
Metro:  Hôtel de Ville

La Magie de Noël (Jardin de Tuileries)

Visit the Tuileries Christmas market just by the Louvre, where 100 or so stalls offer all the right treats. There’s a huge Big Wheel, plus carnival rides, an ice skating rink, and a Champagne bar if you’re fed up with mulled wine. It glitters and sparkles with all the magic of the season.
Nov 15, 2025-Jan 4, 2026

Jardin de Tuileries
Place de la Concorde
Paris 1
Metro: Tuileries or Concorde

East France

Alsace

Alsace first introduced Christmas markets into France from Germany so it’s a particularly rich region for the festive season.

Colmar

Colmar has 6 different markets in the old city. It’s mainly pedestrianised so you can stroll around them easily. 60 wooden huts in the Place des Domenicans sell decorations and gifts. In the Place Jeanne d’Arc you can stock up on local food and drink from cured meats to wines and eau-de-vie spirits. 50 more surround the Schwendi fountain by the canal. The indoor market in the medieval Koïfhus sells local artisans’ works. After you’ve bought to your heart’s content here, drop into the Decapole Hall for more in a museum setting.

A children’s market takes over Petite Venise where you can let the children loose on the merry-go-round before they post a letter to Father Christmas. Don’t miss the evenings when children sing carols from boats moored on the canal. There are skating rinks and many of the nearby shopsare open on Sundays during the Market.

Colmar really pushes the boat out with carol concerts and choirs all around the city as well as special events. The city describes itself as an ‘open-air theatre’ and for once, it’s true.

Colmar Christmas Market: Nov 25, 2025-Jan 4, 2026
Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm; Fri-Sun 10am-8pm. Dec 24: 10am-5pm; Dec 25, 26: 11am-7pm.

Metz

Metz is another of those fabulously popular and top Christmas market in France, rivalling Strasbourg. 5 different markets stretch out with over 120 chalets , from Place de la République with its huge lit up tree to the gourmet train in Place de la Comédie. Christmas tasting specialities are in Place Saint-Jacques; a big wheel in Place d’Armes that looks over the cathedral, and local arts and crafts in Place Saint Louis.

Metz Christmas Market Nov 24-Dec 30, 2024  
Place Saint Louis/Saint-Jacques/d’Armes/la Republique
Sun to Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm.

Place de la Comédie Sun to Thurs 5pm-11pm, Fri, Sat 11am-11pm. 

Mulhouse

Make your way to the Place de la Réunion in the old city centre overlooked by the lovely city hall. Here you find around 90 wooden chalets, all decorated in a special fabric designed each year. It’s an appropriate thing to do; the Museum of Printed Textiles has the largest collection of textile images in the world. The textile industry, which enriched the city from the 18th century, began in 1746.

Again the city has special markets and events like the opening of the Advent calendar on December 1, concerts of Christmas music and bric-a-brac days.

Mulhouse Christmas Market: Nov 21 to Dec 27, 2025
Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm. Dec 24, 27 10am-6pm; Dec 26 noon-8pm.

Strasbourg

It all began, so the story goes, in Strasbourg in 1570. Today, the biggest city in Alsace welcomes around 2 million visitors to its Christkindelsmärik.

300 stands spread out from Place Broglie and Cathedral Square to other parts of the city. The highest Christmas tree in Europe occupies Place Kleber with a further two trees erected in Place des Hall, lighting up daily at 5pm. Over 300 stalls fill the streets with all sorts of goodies.

This is one of the great European Christmas markets and the city responds with a spectacular light display. Walk through the illuminated entrances on either end of the Grand rue. The rue des Tonneliers is appropriately decorated with 22 twinkling barrels. You can skate outside the cathedral and follow the Nativity Trail from the Bishop’s place in Rue Brulée, in windows of shops along Rue des Juifs, and the Place du Chateau. 

Strasbourg Christmas Market: Nov 26 to Dec 24, 2025

Franche-Comté

Montbéliard

Les lumières de Noël transform this delightful town into a glittering Christmas event. 180 stalls cluster around Saint Paul and the surrounding streets, selling high quality artisan good and gifts. There are exhibitions, concerts and street spectacles. For something different the good fairy Aunt Airie accompanies Father Christmas.

Montbéliard Christmas Market: Nov 22-Dec 24, 2025
Mon 2-8pm; Tues-Sat 10.30am-8pm; Fri 10.30am-9pm; Sat 1-am-9pm; Sun 10am-9pm except Dec 24 when it closes at 6pm.

South of France

Avignon

The Cour Jean Jaurès has 20 wooden chalets selling food and drink from the region and beyond. Stock up on chocolates, truffles, sausages, olives and more either here and in the Place de l’Horloge.

Or take home designer items like olive wood spoons and boards, jewellery and textiles, particularly Provençal fabrics. You won’t have to go far to find santons, little painted terracotta nativity figures. The best artisan ones are expensive, but will last a lifetime.

The town hall has an astonishing nativity scene. You’ll find jazz, concerts, exhibitions and more at the various museums and attractions throughout the city.

Midnight Masses and Nativity celebrations take place on Dec 24th and 25th.

Avignon Christmas Market: Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025
Daily 10am-7pm

Toulouse

Held in December in the centre of this lovely pink city, the market has a bit of everything from gourmet region food specialties (of course) to local artisans’ stalls. Over 100 stalls are in the spacious Place du Capitol square.

Toulouse Christmas Market: Nov 27-Dec 28, 2025
Sun-Thurs 10.30am-8.30pm; Fri, Sat 10.30am-10pm; Dec 24 10.30am-7pm; 25 2-8.30pm; 26 10.30am-7pm

French Atlantic Coast

Bordeaux

If you’re on the French Atlantic coast, the Bordeaux Christmas market is a definite must. Over 150 stalls sell great gifts, food and of course mulled wine. It mostly takes place in the Allées de Tournay but there’s also the Darwin Christmas Market which features socially and environmentally conscious artisans environmentally-conscious artisans there. This year try the new organic chocolate stand where they make and sell chocolate. The boat has its floating Christmas market; there are great light shows, a Christmas circus, concerts by candlelight and more.

Bordeaux Christmas Market: Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025
Daily 11am-9pm

Guide to Glorious Bordeaux
And while you’re there, don’t miss the Cité du Vin

If you’re in the Loire Valley or Paris, visit one of the châteaux that dress themselves up so beautifully over the Christmas holidays. A Christmas Châteaux.

And if it helps…here’s a bit more information

The best Christmas Markets in north France

How the French celebrate Christmas

Festive Christmas Food in France

Events in France in November 2025

Events in France in December 2025

Food Festivals in France

French Public Holidays

More Practical Information

More about Getting to France from the UK

Most of the towns have cheap hotels. Check the budget hotel chain options.

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