France is hot and we're not only talking in regards to the catwalks in Paris or the yacht clubs on the Riviera.
There's no denying that 2024 will likely be an enormous yr for travel in The Hexagon with a lot happening across the country. Much has been said and written in regards to the Summer Olympics in Paris (and can proceed to be in the approaching months), but I’ll leave this major event aside here and as an alternative deal with other reasons to go to France this yr.
Some of the events could possibly be an ideal complement to a visit to the Games or function inspiration for a totally different adventure.
To leave an impression
After the Olympics, the events surrounding the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Impressionism are the second most talked about celebrations in France, with Normandy one of the best place to have fun outside of Paris. The fifth edition of the Normandy Impressionist Festival (March 22 – September 22) will happen across the region and a few parts can have an unexpected American influence. In Rouen, look out for an exhibition of works by renowned American artist Whistler, in addition to the twelfth edition of the sensational summer light and sound show at Rouen Cathedral.
In Paris, the Normandy region will sponsor a spectacular exhibition entitled “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment” on the Musée d'Orsay (March 16 – July 14). The event will feature over 100 masterpieces including paintings, sculptures, photographs and far more.
A greeting to the heroes of the summer of '44
The eightieth anniversary of the D-Day landings and subsequent Battle of Normandy will happen on June 6, and the military operation that modified history perpetually will likely be honored with pomp and ceremony across the region. In addition to official observations that require an invite, the D-Day Festival in Normandy on June 1 will feature fireworks over the five landing beaches, art installations and dozens of other events (e.g. parades, skydiving, historical re-enactments and concert events) (June 1-16).
There can even be events surrounding the eightieth anniversary of Operation Dragoon, a big Franco-American landing that took place in southern France on August 15, 1944. Commemorative events might be expected within the region.
The tour leads south
No discussion of sport in France can be complete without mentioning the Tour de France (June 29 – July 21), probably the most famous cycling race on this planet. This yr the race covers a loop of greater than 2,000 miles through a few of France's most breathtaking landscapes. The route changes with each edition of the race, however the mountain stages within the Pyrenees and Alps are a continuing and these regions provide exciting fan experiences. The 2024 race begins in Florence, Italy, before ending somewhere aside from Paris for the primary time in a century. Due to the Olympic Games, the tour ends within the jewel of the Riviera: Nice.
Set sail
The Vendée Globe, one other of France's biggest sporting events this yr, will actually begin in New York City. On May 24, sailors will gather on the Statue of Liberty for various pre-race ceremonies before embarking on a grueling 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic to France. Then, on November tenth, the tenth edition of the Vendée Globe will set sail from the coastal town of Sables d'Olonne within the Vendée region of France. Known because the 'Everest of Seas', this non-stop solo race will see around 40 skippers navigate across the globe, and even when you're not allowed to be there, it's the right excuse to find the attractive coastal region of the Vendée home long stretches of beach and a panoramic bay.
Flower power
Also within the Vendée region, Les Floralies de Nantes – one in every of Europe's most prestigious international horticultural fairs – will happen from May seventeenth to twenty sixth on the impressive Domaine de La Chabotterie. This 18th-century estate is ready in 100 hectares of meadows and woodlands and the festival will showcase the imaginative creations of 200 participants from France and beyond. In a nod to the Summer Olympics, the 2024 edition has been called “Flower Games” and can feature five themes: Water, Childhood, Intellectual, Physical and Garden.
Summer festivals galore
Bordeaux has been at the highest of travel lists for a while now and the 2024 edition of the famous Bordeaux Fête le Vin (June 27-30), the town's premier wine tourism festival, is the right excuse to get to comprehend it higher. Set against the backdrop of the Garonne River, the event offers a beautiful experience for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. The party starts early, as from June twentieth there will likely be quite a few events leading as much as the festival in the town's renowned wine cellars, restaurants and cultural venues.
On June 21, music will surround you across the country because the Fête de la Musique sees musicians of all levels (each amateur and skilled) take to the streets across France to point out off their skills. You can experience a big selection of musical styles (and abilities), from rock groups to choirs and orchestras.
Every two years, the coastal town of Dieppe hosts one of the vital colourful kite festivals on this planet, and in 2024 the Dieppe International Kite Festival is back and higher than ever. More than simply a gathering of kite lovers, this festival celebrates global unity and highlights the wealthy diversity of individuals and cultures on the planet. Expect the sky over Dieppe Beach to be awash with a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes, and to depart the vacation feeling slightly higher in regards to the state of the world.
End the yr in style
The end of the yr offers quite a few reasons to go to France.
Montmartre – arguably probably the most atmospheric district in Paris – will once more sparkle with fun in the course of the annual Montmartre Wine Festival (October 9-13). This event celebrates the district and its winemaking tradition.
In Lyon, the Festival of Light (December 5-8) will decorate the town with a stunning light show that can help brighten the dark early winter nights and spread hundreds of social media stories. From the special “tunnels of light” to the experience of seeing the town’s beautiful architecture bathed in light, it’s an event you won’t soon forget.
While Christmas celebrations happen all around the country, Alsace might be the capital of the Christmas markets, as along with the larger cities within the region: Colmar and Strasbourg, charming small towns resembling Riquewihr and Eguisheim shine brightly. Expect half-timbered facades, warm baked goods and a number of Vin Chaud, the local version of mulled wine.
Last but not least, Notre Dame Cathedral is scheduled to officially reopen on December eighth, greater than 4 and a half years after the devastating fire. This will undoubtedly be a special time in Paris.
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