We take a look at some of our favourite events and fun things to do in France in July.
Get your sunglasses ready and enjoy a sunny day out as summer in France means there’s loads to do and see from the famous 14 July celebrations (known as Bastille Day to English speakers) to arts, foodie and music events…
Public Holidays in France in July
July 14th Bastille Day – celebrations all over France in honour of La Revolution.
Major Events in France July 2026
4 – 26 July, 2026: Tour de France. Starts this year in Barcelona and finishing in Paris at the Champs-Elysees.
Events in France July
Cognac, Charente department: Cognac Blues Passion. 1-3 July, 2026. Festival held in the beautiful public gardens of Cognac. During the day visit the famous houses of Cognac (Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell and Baron Otard which is located in the castle where François I was born. See website for full details bluespassions.com
Rhone Alpes, Annonay – Hot Air Balloon Festival. A colourful spectacle with about thirty balloons from all over Europe launch into the sky on 3-5 July 2026. This is the town where two inspired inventors Etienne and Joseph de Montgolfier launched the first hot air balloon in 1783. lesmontgolfieresdannonay.com
Cognac: Fête du Cognac is a major event to celebrate the delicious Cognac, Pineau des Charentes and Vins de Pays Charentais plus culinary Charentais. The Cognac Festival takes place from 23-25 July 2026 and you’ll discover Cognac the eau de vie in all its forms plus great street food along the Marina Cognac. www.lafeteducognac.fr
Aix-en-Provence, Provence: Spectacular music festival from 2-21 July 2026, in various locations in this lovely town. www.festival-aix.com
Avignon, Provence: Festival d’Avignon. This annual arts festival is one of the world’s greatest with performances given in more than 20 venues throughout the city and beyond. There are hundreds more “unofficial” shows. Takes places 4 – 25 July 2026 www.festival-avignon.com
Arras, Pas-de-Calais: Main Square Music Festival. 4-6 July, 2026. Arras holds one of Europe’s major musical events – The Main Square Festival. It’s a mix of the best up-and-coming artists with leading international artists. Past performances have included Sting, The Prodigy, Mike and the Mechanics and many more well known names. www.mainsquarefestival.fr
Nevers, Burgundy: Les Z’accros d’ma rue is a famous cultural street art festival which takes over the whole town of Nevers with many free performances: urban arts, brass bands, plays, concerts, circus acts and so much more. 3 – 5 July 2026. www.zaccros.org
Nice, Jazz Festival. Begun in 1948, the world famous Nice Jazz Festival is one of the oldest in France. Held in the centre of the city you’ll find there’s a wide-ranging mix of jazz, from gospel and blues to urban funk and even experimental sounds. 23-26 July, 2026. www.nicejazzfestival.fr
Bayonne: Les Fêtes de Bayonne. The running of the heifers in the Place Saint Andre square, in the heart of the Petit Bayonne quarter is a popular event in the area. The “Corso lumineux”, the evening parade of decorated floats regularly attracts more than 350,000 spectators. From 15-19 July, 2026. Bayonne will swing to the rhythm of the “Bandas” (roaming bands)
Aix-les-Bains, Savoie Mont Blanc. From 9-12 July, 2026 the Musilac Festival hosts dozens of international and French acts. More than 70,000 music lovers attend this lakeside festival in Aix-les-Bains, by the stunning Lake Bourget. It has become one of the largest rock festivals in France. www.musilac.com
Montreuil-sur-Mer, Pas de Calais. Every 14 July. A grand Antiques Fair takes over the while of the upper town. Montreuil-sur-Mer was the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables and the town certainly puts on a great show. Hundreds of stalls, music, fireworks and terrific restaurants.
Hyères, French Riviera. The MIDI Festival has become something of a mecca for music lovers. From 24-26 July, 2026, concerts are held in enthralling locations: The Villa Noailles, a pine forest out under the stars, the windsurfing Almanarre beach, as well as the Hyères racecourse. www.midi-festival.com
Chamonix, Haute-Savoie: Free concerts set in some of Chamonix’s most amazing locations – such as the top of the Aiguille du Midi, Lac Blanc and Grand Montet. The July Cosmo Jazz Festival features brass bands playing in breath taking sceneries. Definitely not to be missed. 20-25 July, 2026. www.cosmojazzfestival.com
Please note: We check every website for dates and details personally but changes do happen from time to time – please check website for confirmation.
