Festivals to Attend While Traveling France
This year is the year! You are going to travel to France soon, and you want to make sure you take advantage of any festivities along the way!! Here are some not-to-miss well-known festivals in France that you should try to fit into your schedule.
Travel France - Corso
Every Ascension Thursday, the Provençal town of Cavaillon hosts a
parade of themed bouillonage floats. Bouillonage refers to the way the
lacey-look, textured floats are made, using layers of hand crumpled
crepe paper. Each float, because of the immense amounts of time and
preparation needed to finish it, requires more than six month of
preparation.
Travel France – Festival Saint Louis
Held annually in August in the town of Aigues-Morte, this French
festival is a treat for the out-of-town traveler well versed in the
Middle Ages. Celebrating the high point of the French in medieval
times, this event reenacts the arrival of King Louis XI (1215-1270) in
full regalia, including a tavern erected in the middle of town.
Aigues-Morte was once the salt capital of France, making it by default
one of the riches cities because of that fact, when the gabelle (salt
tax) was still the primary source of income for the government.
Travel France: Palais des Papes
One of the most exclusive festivities in France, travelers wishing to
view this annual, month-long event will require lots of advance booking
time. Only 30 visitors each evening are allowed into this stunning,
late night tour of the “Popes Palace” in Avingon. Attendees are treated
to views of the Provencal countryside from inside the palais, and a
medieval feast of epic proportions, complete with live musicians.
Travel France: The Festival of Goat Meat Eaters
Travelers to Bellegarde-en-Marche, France on the first Sunday in
September will witness this town’s obsession with goats. Dating back to
the Middle Ages, legend says that those living in this town fought with
sharpened goat horns, which helped them win many a battle. Today, the
celebrations continue in thanks by parading the “goat fraternity”
throughout the city wearing a myriad of costumes.
Travel France: Fête de la Taraque
Towards the end of July, travelers to the town of Tarascon, France are
treated to four days of revelry celebrating the defeat of a dragon that
supposedly preyed and killed young children in Rhôme. These horrible
crimes occurred, according to legend, until Sainte Marthe came and
captured the critter with a sign of the cross. In 1474, King René
formally recognized the festivities, and they have continued ever since.
Travel France: The Liars’ Festival
In Moncrabeau, France, travelers during the month of August can witness
the largest yarn-pulling event of, the entire year. International
competitors come together to fib, lie, pull legs and slap thighs in
this orgy of fibbery. In the end, the King of the Liars is crowned.
So much to do...so little time. Bon Voyage!!
Can't wait to experience festival on such places.Thanks for mentioning those events in your post.
-Sarah
Posted by: St.Maarten Village | Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 10:11 PM
omg, Travel France , Festival Saint Louis 8)
Posted by: Serhat Fatih Tülek | Saturday, January 03, 2009 at 04:16 AM
Yeah, I've been to Corso and it was a very enriching experience for me. I was just thankful that I got to book hotels online. Else, I wouldn't be able to make it with my hectic schedule.
Posted by: Shawn | Monday, June 18, 2007 at 11:43 AM