National Event in Paris – Nuit Blanche. Held annually on the first Saturday night in October when museums, public buildings, monuments, swimming pools, cinemas, parks, universities and historic sites are open to the public all night – an art and culture party! Read our review of Nuit Blanche here.
National Event: Semaine du Gout – Taste Week: 16-22 October, 2023. In Paris and throughout France, a foodie event featuring original and varied cuisines. Taste Week is an opportunity to learn more about the art of gastronomy, taste and learn to appreciate the diversity of flavours, and it also aims to increase public awareness of a healthy lifestyle. As part of the event, workshops for the public include cooking classes, tastings and entertainment. Website for details: www.legout.com
National Event – many of the supermarkets in France host wine fairs during the month of October, pop into your local store to check out what’s on…
We take a look at some of our favourite events France in October 2022
Honfleur, Normandy – Fete de la crevette, 7-8 October 2023. The shrimp festival held in this lovely port town is authentic, fun and charming, not to mention delicious! Sea shanties, pirate village, arts and crafts stalls, cookery demonstrations and of course seafood specialities, plus cheeses and other local produce. or-honfleur.fr
Paris, Montmartre – Fetes des Vendanges, 11-15 October 2023. This is one you definitely should not miss if you’re in Paris at this time. A celebration of the wine made in the secret vineyard of Paris, with dance, food, fireworks and a lot of fun. Read our review of the Fetes des Vendanges here.
Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand – Chestnut Festival (Fieira de la Castanha). Every year tons of nuts and thousands of litres of cider are consumed at the tastings and exhibitions plus a chance to join in the harvest. 21-22 October, 2023. www.foirechataignemourjou.fr
Paris Salon du Chocolate: 28 October – 1 November, 2023. This fabulous Chocolate Fair in Paris is THE chocolate event of the year. Join master chocolatiers and world-renowned chefs, artisan producers and keen foodies for the ultimate chocolate experience. The Salon du Chocolat in Paris is the world’s largest chocolate-themed gathering, bringing together around 130,000 chocolate-lovers from all around the globe. This annual event in Paris is a chance for some 180 of the best chocolate makers from Europe (and further afield) to showcase their best products. Don’t miss the fashion show, clothes and accessories made from chocolate… Details: www.salon-du-chocolat.com
Picardy, Amiens: Grand Rederie Amiens – the second largest flea market in northern France after Lille’s Grand Braderie (the largest in Europe) held first Sunday every October. www.grande-rederie-amiens.com
Provence-Alpes Cote d’Azur, Marseille: International Fair 22 September to 2 October 2023. Held at the Parc Chanot with around 40 countries taking part and hundreds of thousands of visitors to this exhibition of global food, gadgets, art, craft, culture and heritage – a family event. www.foiredemarseille.com
We do check all the dates for accuracy but please check the websites directly to confirm dates and times as they may change and we don’t want you to be disappointed.
Read more about all the national holidays and days that are celebrated in France here.
Enjoy The Good Life France Magazine – totally free to read/subscribe
Want more France? We have a fun and fabulous podcast!
