What to Do in France in April?

First published: April 2, 2024 by France Today Editors

Spring is in the air! Blossoming fruit trees and longer days aside, France has a packed calendar of events celebrating ‘le printemps’. Here is France Today’s round-up of events, exhibitions and openings in France in April 2024

Festival de Pâques in Aix-en-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône – March 22 – April 7

Provence has become an unmissable spring rendezvous for music lovers, and 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the wondrous Festival de Pâques. For two weeks each year, the entire city of Aix-en-Provence comes to life with free open-air concerts and exceptional music events in historical venues.

Bayonne’s ham festival, Pyrénées-Atlantiques – April 4-7

Who can argue with a tradition that dates back to 1462? La Foire au Jambon in Bayonne is a joyful celebration of Basque specialities in all their splendour.

Bayonne’s ham festival is a tasty treat! © Mathieu Prat

Radio Meuh Circus Festival, La Clusaz – 4-7 April

A major music festival hits the Alps this Spring across La Clusaz, in the Aravis where DJ decks and stages take over the slopes and free gigs pop up throughout this scenic village. The 12 th edition of the Radio Meuh Circus Festival will set these peaks alive, providing musical beats and DJ sets from dawn until dusk. Ski or snowboard by day, dance by night; this traditional mountain village is excited to host an incredible four-day line up, which is set to rock the valley into Springs. Book tickets online.

Cathars in Toulouse – April 5 – January 5

The Musée Saint-Raymond and Couvent des Jacobins invite us to discover the impenetrable mysteries of the Cathars through some 300 artefacts, documents and sculptures.

Radio Meuh

Cabu, Vive le Sport exhibition, Châlons-en-Champagne – From April 6

While the Paris 2024 Olympic Games captivate national and international attention, the Duduchothèque of Châlons-en-Champagne stays in theme to offer a unique retrospective exhibition on the work of Cabu, one of the greatest French caricaturists of the 20th century.

Yogiski, Les Menuires – 7-11 April

A whole week of events between Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville in the Belleville Valley will be blending spring ski and yoga workouts. From an early morning yoga session at the top of La Masse at 2,804m to a candlelit session in the beautiful old village of St Martin de Belleville. Plus the option of a day retreat at the Refuge Trait d’Union. There are many free sessions and a small charge for evening activities at altitude.

24 Heures Moto – April 18-21

You’ve heard of the 24 hours of Le Mans, but do you know the 24 Heures Moto? It’s an endurance race, motorcycle festival and the ultimate symbiosis of man and machine.

24H Moto © Arnaud Cornilleau

Bird and nature festival in the Somme bay – April 20-28

Bird watchers and outdoor ramblers rejoice! This festival celebrates all things feathery at the perfect time for bird-watching over the whimsical Baie de Somme. Guided walks, conferences, workshops, music and artistic performances will keep you on your toes. Find out More

Printemps de Bourges music festival, Cher – April 23-28

The opening music festival of the season in France, the Printemps de Bourges takes place not only on the festival grounds, but also in town where many free concerts, exhibitions and conferences are held in the streets of the city and on the riverbanks of the Auron river in the Printemps dans la Ville program

Printemps de Bourges

The International Gardens Festival, Chaumont-sur-Loire – April 24 – November 3

The International Gardens Festival at the majestic Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire offers a spectacular background to enjoy the talent to be found in all gardening and landscaping disciplines from all over the world.

Achilles in Nîmes – April 26 – January 5, 2025

The legendary hero who distinguished himself by his valour during the Trojan War is the centre of a major exhibition at the Musée de la Romanité.