What To Do in France in August

August is traditionally quiet in the less touristy areas of France as most French take their holidays then but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of things to do! With festivals and foodie gatherings, August is your chance to explore a different side of France. Here is France Today’s selection of events to attend in France in August 2023.

Festival du Bout du Monde, Crozon peninsula – August 4-6 

Located in an exceptional setting a few hundred metres from the ocean, the Festival du Bout du Monde gathers artists from all over the world to play on one of the festival’s three stages in a friendly and festive atmosphere. 

Festival Interceltique, Lorient – August 4–14 

Join 700,000-plus fellow revellers in Brittany to celebrate Celtic culture with music, dance, art, and gastronomy. This year, Ireland is the guest of honour. 

www.festival-interceltique.bzh 

Foire Internationale de L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – August 11-15 

Since 1920, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has welcomed bargain hunters from all over the world during its annual fairs dedicated to antiques and second-hand goods. The L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue International Fair transforms the town into a large open-air art market, with four major exhibition areas: antiques & bric-à-brac, old books, contemporary art, design & decoration. 

Fêtes d’Arvor, Vannes – August 12-15 

Celebrate Breton folklore with the election of the Queen of Arvor and her runners-up, as well as a host of activities devoted to traditional Breton culture. For three days, exhibitions, bagadoù shows, a fest-noz, parades in costume, but also concerts and initiations to Breton dance are organized for the pleasure of all during these fêtes d’Arvor. 

15 août festivities, France-wide – August 15 

Fireworks, bals dansants (public dances) DJ sets and more will go on long into the night throughout the country for the August 15th celebrations. Originally celebrating the Assomption, this bank holiday is now mostly the opportunity to get together and enjoy a good time. Check local tourist boards or even local mairies (town halls) to see if there is a celebration near you. 

Fête du Cassoulet, Castelnaudary – August 16–20 

For the past 22 years, the iconic event in Occitanie has been growing and innovating, now with free concerts, shows, and always delicious cassoulet, bien sûr. 

 

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Fête de la Saint-Louis, Sète – August 17-22 

Every year since the inauguration of the port in 1666, the Saint-Louis celebrations have ignited the city. The games take place along the royal canal for six to seven days. Competition is at the heart of the celebration, from the press tournament on Wednesday to the heavyweight tournament on Monday which attracts thousands of spectators. Swimming across Sète is also a popular event. Entertainment, shows, quayside bars, sports tournaments, fireworks also contribute to the exceptional atmosphere that reigns in Sète during this week. 

Fête de la Mirabelle, Metz – August 18-20 & 26-27 

The Mirabelle plum festival celebrates the harvest of the emblematic fruit of Lorraine. Many activities take place around the mirabelle plum such as dinner shows, concerts, balls, a carnival, fireworks and a parade. A large market with local products and crafts with a hundred exhibitors gathered over two days allows the public to meet plum producers, but also pastry chefs, chocolate makers and beekeepers from the area. The election of the Mirabelle Queen remains one of the highlights of the event, and, this year, a nautical parade honouring Jean Cocteau. 

Rock en Seine, Domaine National de Saint-Cloud – August 23-27 

One of the most rock-and-roll festivals of them all, Rock en Seine is turning 20 and celebrating in style with an unbeatable line-up led by pop star Billie Eilish and including The Strokes, The Chemical Brothers and Florence and the Machine.  

Ravel festival, Basque Country – August 23 – September 9 

Under the artistic direction of pianists Bertrand Chamayou and Jean-François Heisser, the festival celebrates Ravel and his influences with 30 concerts in locations along the Atlantic coastline including Biarritz and Bayonne. 

Music Beach Festival, Le Touquet – August 25–26 

Le Touquet gets the seaside vibing for two days of concerts, dancing and fun for all generations with Martin Garrix, Bakermat, and Purple Disco Machine, plus many others. 

Fête de la Figue, Solliès-Pont – August 25–27 

The fig capital in Provence devotes two days to celebrate the luscious fruit with hikes, parades, music and plenty of great food.