What To Do in France in November

Chilly winds are rising and the distant bells of Christmas are ringing faintly but before that, there are wine celebrations and photo exhibitions to attend! Here is a selection of events and festivals to enjoy in November 2023.

Salon des Vins et Vignerons Indépendants, Lyon – November 2-6

Meet the independent winemakers of France at this wine festival held in Lyon. Visitors are given a glass upon entry and can enjoy tastings with the vignerons themselves! The Vignerons Indépendants organise other fairs throughout the month in the cities of Reims, Lille and Paris.

 

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Paris-Photo – November 9-12

Paris Photo is an annual fair aimed at promoting artistic photography and promoting contemporary creation. It takes place every year for three days in mid-November. For the occasion, more than 140 galleries from 33 different countries present exceptional works to the public under the nave of the Grand Palais Ephémère.

 

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Beauty and the Beast show, Château de Maisons-Laffitte – November 10-December 17

An immersive, theatrical visit of the castle, this one-hour long show/visit lasts takes you on a stroll through the château and the story of La Belle et la Bête with incredible decors and a unique proximity to the actors.

 

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Armistice, France-wide – November 11

Across the country, people in every town, from the smallest villages to the largest cities, gather around the local Monument aux Morts to remember the fallen – the President’s speech is read aloud by the mayor and, in some cases, a glass of wine, a verre de l’amitié, is given to those who wish to gather longer. First a ceremony to honour those who died in World War One, it’s now a chance to remember all those who have lost their lives for France. While not a celebration as such, it is an opportunity to pay respects and to witness the local community coming together.

Beaujolais Nouveau festival, France-wide – November 16

Throughout France, the Beaujolais Nouveau festival takes place every third Thursday of November, the date on which winemaking ends and marketing is authorized. The release of this fruity wine is eagerly awaited by wine lovers, but is also a good reason to meet up with friends in a friendly atmosphere.

 

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L’art dans la nature, Parc de la Villette, Paris – November 16-January 21

An immersive and magical stroll through the work of surrealist painter Salvador Dali set up in the vast 19th arrondissement La Villette park.

 

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Le Grand Noël, château de Vaux-le-Vicomte – November 18-January 7

Explore the castle and its grounds like never before. The château will be celebrating fêtes and entertainment in the 17th century. The estate will offer visitors, through a festive and family program, the chance to become Nicolas Fouquet’s hosts for a day. Dressed in a red velvet cape loaned upon their arrival, visitors will stroll through an enchanting winter atmosphere. In the castle, they will enjoy the fireplaces, the magnificent decorations of the state rooms or the 360° projection in the Grand Salon. In the gardens, they will have fun thanks to the numerous activities: treasure hunt for children, roasting marshmallows, illuminations… and to finish in style, they will be able to marvel at the new monumental creation projected on the facade of the castle.

 

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Cannes Dance festival – November 24-December 10

Created in 1984, the Cannes Dance Festival is undoubtedly one of the largest international dance events. The creation of this festival is part of a historic relationship between the city and the world of dance, thanks in particular to the dynamic generated by the opening of the Rosella Hightower International Dance Center in 1961. Since 1993, the event has found its identity, drawing on numerous creations, resolutely focused on contemporary dance and presenting not only new talents from the choreographic scene but also the work of major international companies.

 

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Sensual Van Herpen exhibition, Paris – November 29-April 28

Dutch designer Iris van Herpen is the next fashion creator honoured by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, during a retrospective exhibition between fashion, technology and ‘meta-morphism’.

Christmas markets in France

The end of November marks the beginning of Christmas market season! Here are some of markets to look out for:

• Lille, November 22 – December 31
• Strasbourg, November 24 – December 24
• Colmar, November 24 – December 29
• Arras, Metz, November 24 – December 30
• Montbéliard, November 25 – December 24

Keep in touch with what’s on right now with our event listings page.