2024 promises to be a bumper year for major events from the Paris Olympics to the re-opening of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame…
Major EVENTS Spring 2024
The Good Life France Spring 2024 magazine is out! It’s totally free and you can read/subscribe (for free) here: magazine.thegoodlifefrance.com
Nuits des Musées 18 May 2024
All over France on a weekend in mid-May on the Nuits des Musées – hundreds of museums, churches and Government offices open their doors to the public and offer free entry from nightfall until 1.00 a.m. Many of them put on special exhibitions and demonstrations in this unique annual event. Why not enjoy a magical moonlit museum tour!
Our Festivals of France podcast covers some of the biggest, best and quirkiest events in France – from pig squealing contests to giant strawberry tarts, and giants!
Tour de France 2024
29 June – 21 July 2024
For the first time in the race’s history the Tour de France won’t be finishing in Paris as the city will be preparing for the Olympic Games. For 2024 the route embarks from Florence, Italy, on June 29 and features four high altitude panoramic finishes as the race crosses the Alps twice, races through the south of France including Nimes, Gruissan and Pau, Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Champagne before ending with a dazzling Monaco to Nice time-trial!
Paris Olympic Games
26 July – 11 August 2024
More than a million visitors are expected to attend the Olympic Games in France! It’s the third time that Paris has hosted the Modern Games (1900 and 1924). The majority of events will take place across the heart of the city with iconic landmarks – from the Eiffel Tower to the Place de la Concorde – being transformed into sporting arenas. Some events – like football – will take place in stadiums around France including Lille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Note that travel in Paris during this time will be affected, and hotels, restaurants etc are likely to be super busy. Find out more: paris2024.org/en
Major Anniversaries
150 years of Impressionism
2024 is the 150th anniversary of Impressionism and there will be exhibitions and events in Normandy, Paris, Ile-de-France and Hauts-de-France.
The Eiffel Tower celebrates 135 years
She was only supposed to be there for 20 years – but this grand old dame is now one of the most popular monuments in the world and has stood for 135 years wowing millions. (Have a listen to our Eiffel Tower podcast to discover some of its most fascinating secrets).
80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings
There will be events throughout May-August 2024 in Normandy and in Pas-de-Calais. At La Coupole Historic Centre and 3D planetarium near Saint-Omer, there will be an exhibition dedicated to the liberation of the region which will run from June 2024 – June 2025. calais-cotedopale.co.uk
Regional Events
International Kite Festival, Berck-sur-Mer, Pas de Calais
20-28 April 2024
10 days of kite flying on the beach of Berck-sur-Mer on the glorious Opal Coast. This is no ordinary kite festival – be prepared to be totally wowed by the sight of hundreds of kites, from ginormous to weird. calais-cotedopale.co.uk
Amiens Rederie, Picardy
21 April 2024
The second biggest flea market event in France (Lille Braderie in September is the biggest). Thousands flock to the flea market in the shadow of the famous Cathedral of Amiens. It’s a great day out and you may just find the bargain of the year if you go early in the morning! Details: somme-tourisme. com
International Garden Festival, Loire Valley
24 April – 3 November 2024
All over France gorgeous gardens will burst into bloom but if you’re seriously into glorious green-fingered beauty head to the International Garden Festival at the Chateau de Chaumont, Loire Valley. Kew Gardens meets Chelsea Flower show with a lot of French flair. Stunning permanent gardens, contemporary art exhibitions, a beautiful, historic chateau and each April, the opening of the International Garden Festival. www.domaine-chaumont. fr/en
Cannes Film Festival
14-25 May 2024
11 days of glitz and glamour under the warm spring sun as the movie elite head to the south of France.
Roland Garros French Open
20 May – 9 June, 2024
Stars of the tennis world descend on Paris to take part in the French Open, one of the four Grand Slam events of the year
Bordeaux Wine Festival
27-30 June, 2024
Celebrate the legendary wines of Bordeaux at this feel good, fun festival along the banks of the River Garonne in the centre of the city. Tall ships in port, music and great street food make this more than a great wine tasting event.
Chopin Festival Paris
1 June – 1 July, 2024
If you’re in Paris in June, head to the Parc de Bagatelle for a Chopin concert in the Orangerie – a true Paris experience. Frederic-chopin. com
And finally, a little further ahead, the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame is still on track for December 8, 2024.
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