There’s no shortage of amazing food festivals in France, with something happening nearly every month. Here are some of the best ones to check out!
January- The Fete de la Bresaola in Digne-Les-Bains
From the 12th to the 14th of January, the town of Digne-Les-Bains in southeastern France celebrates the Fete de la Bresaola. This annual Festival celebrates the region’s traditional cured meat, bresaola. Visitors to the Festival can enjoy a variety of bresaola-based dishes and learn about the history and methods of curing meat.
The Festival also features music and dancing, making it a fabulous event for the whole family. If you’re visiting France in January, add the Fete de la Bresaola to your list of must-see events!
February – Carnaval de Nice
Every February, the French Riviera comes alive with the Carnaval de Nice, a food festival celebrating the best Mediterranean cuisine. For two weeks, top chefs from around the world converge on Nice to showcase their culinary skills. The Festival features cook-offs, tastings, workshops, and various food-related events.
Whether a casual observer or a seasoned gourmand, the Carnaval de Nice is sure to whet your appetite. So if you find yourself in France next February, check out this delicious event.
February- The Lenten Fish Festival in Menton
One of February’s most exciting food festivals is the Lenten Fish Festival in Menton. This French Riviera town celebrates the start of Lent with a parade of floats adorned with giant seafood creations. The Festival also features stalls selling delicious fish dishes, live music, and entertainment. If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate Lent, the Lenten Fish Festival in Menton is worth a visit!
March – Fête du Fromage à Roquefort
March is an exciting time in Roquefort, France, as the annual Fête du Fromage à Roquefort Food Festival takes place. This celebration of all things cheese is a must-attend event for any foodie, with plenty of opportunities to sample the local produce. From creamy Camembert to tangy Roquefort, there are endless varieties of cheese to try.
In addition to cheese tastings, the Festival also features cooking demonstrations, live music, and dance performances. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about French cuisine and culture, and of course, to enjoy some delicious cheese!
April – Festival de la Gastronomie à Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule
April is the perfect time to visit Saint-Pourçain-Sur-Sioule for the annual food festival. The town comes alive with stalls selling local produce, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and more. This is a unique opportunity to sample the best of what the region offers and learn about the gastronomic traditions of the Auvergne.
There are also plenty of activities for children, making it a great family event. So whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun day out, check out the Festival de la Gastronomie in April.
May – Les Routes du Vin en Bourgogne
The Les Routes du Vin en Bourgogne Food Festival is an annual event in the Burgundy region of France. The Festival celebrates the region’s rich culinary tradition and features a wide variety of food and wine from local producers. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon and more experimental fare such as foie gras ice cream and truffle-infused cheese.
In addition to the food, there are plenty of activities for visitors, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live music. The Les Routes du Vin en Bourgogne Food Festival is the perfect way to experience the best of what Burgundy has to offer.
May- The Strawberry Festival in Cagnes-sur-Mer
May is a beautiful month to be in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France! This is when the Strawberry Festival happens, an event not to be missed. The Festival celebrates the area’s rich history of strawberry production, and there are stalls selling all kinds of strawberry-themed food and drink.
You can try strawberry wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry jam, and even savory dishes containing strawberries. There is also live music, street performers, and a fun atmosphere. If you love strawberries or want to experience a unique food festival, visit Cagnes-sur-Mer in May!
June – Festival International des Jardins de Chaumont-sur-Loire
June is a great time to visit the Loire Valley, not just because of the beautiful weather. The Festival International des Jardins de Chaumont-sur-Loire celebrates the best in garden design, with over 30 different gardens on display. This year’s theme is “Food for Thought,” The gardens will explore everything from traditional kitchen gardens to cutting-edge urban farming.
In addition to the beautiful gardens, there will also be a food market featuring local produce and a range of culinary demonstrations. So whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to spend a day in the Loire Valley, check out the Festival International des Jardins de Chaumont-sur-Loire.
July – Foire au Fromage et aux Vins d’Auvergne, à Clermont-Ferrand
If you love cheese and wine, then you’ll want to check out the July food festival in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This annual event celebrates the best of Auvergne cuisine and features dozens of regional cheeses and wines. Visitors can sample their way through the different stalls, and there are plenty of opportunities to purchase specialty items to take home. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or want to try something new, the Foire au Fromage et aux Vins d’Auvergne is worth visiting.
August – Les Vendanges de Beaujolais
The annual Les Vendanges de Beaujolais food festival is held each year in the Beaujolais region of France. The event celebrates the harvest of the region’s iconic red wine, and visitors can enjoy various food and wine-related activities. There are cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and chances to tour local vineyards.
The Festival also features live music and entertainment, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Beaujolais while taking in the sights and sounds of the French countryside. Whether you’re a fan of red wine or just looking for a fun-filled day trip, the Les Vendanges de Beaujolais food festival is not to be missed!
August- The Tomato Festival in Corsica
Every August, the small town of Sartene in Corsica comes alive for the Tomato Festival. For three days, locals and visitors alike celebrate all things tomato. There are parades featuring giant puppets made from tomatoes, cooking competitions, and even a Miss Tomato pageant. But the highlight of the Festival is the food.
Corsican chefs create dishes using all kinds of tomatoes, from small cherry tomatoes to large heirloom varieties. There are also stalls selling tomato-based products, like jam and pasta sauce. Whether you’re a tomato lover, the Tomato Festival is a fun and unique event worth checking out.
September – La Fête du Sel à Guerande
Every September, the small town of Guerande in France comes alive for the La Fête du Sel food festival. For three days, the streets are filled with stalls selling local produce, including salt-based dishes and products. Visitors can also enjoy live music, entertainment, traditional dancing, and decorated floats. The Festival’s highlight is the Procession des Flambeaux, a parade of people carrying torches through the streets. The Festival is an excellent opportunity to try some delicious local food and experience a piece of French culture.
October – The Taste of Paris
Each year, the city of Paris comes alive with the Taste of Paris food festival. For two weeks, some of the best chefs in the world come together to showcase their skills. Visitors can stroll from stall to stall, sampling delicious food from around the globe. There is something for everyone at the Taste of Paris food festival, making it one of the most popular events in the city. This year, the Festival will take place from October 10th-22nd. So if you’re in Paris during that time, check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
October- The Oyster Festival in Arcachon
Lasting from the 25th to the 27th of October, the Arcachon food festival is a chance for foodies to celebrate some of the world’s best cuisine. The Festival focuses on oysters, which are in peak season during October. Arcachon is located in southwestern France and is known for its high-quality oysters.
During the Festival, there will be chances to learn about oyster farming, taste different types of oysters, and enjoy live music and entertainment. Some of the area’s top chefs will also be cooking demonstrations. With so much to see and do, the Arcachon food festival is not to be missed.
November – Lyon Gastronomy Days
November is the perfect time to visit Lyon, France, for the annual Gastronomy Days food festival. This city is known as the country’s culinary capital; during the Festival, visitors can enjoy special menus at restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and more. There are also opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Lyon through its food.
This is a great time to sample some of the city’s specialties, such as quenelles, pot-au-feu, and Buche de Noel. With so much to see and do, the Gastronomy Days food festival is a must-visit for any foodie.
November- The Truffle Festival in Richerenches
Every November, the small town of Richerenches in southeastern France comes alive for the Truffle Festival. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of truffle-themed dishes for three days, from simple omelets to more elaborate fare like truffle-stuffed quail. There are also cooking demonstrations, tastings, and even a truffle market where locals sell their wares.
The Festival’s highlight is the traditional truffle hunt when specially trained dogs scour the surrounding forests for the elusive fungus. It’s an exciting event for locals and visitors and a delicious way to enjoy one of France’s most iconic ingredients.
December – Christmas markets in France
December is an exciting time in France, as the Christmas markets open up in town squares across the country. Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from hand-crafted gifts to delicious festive food. The atmosphere is always festive, with music and lights adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the Christmas markets is the food festival, which features a range of traditional French dishes. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from savory crepes to sweet confections. The Christmas markets are a great way to sample some of France’s best cuisine and get into the holiday spirit.
December – Christmas in Strasbourg
Every December, the city of Strasbourg in France comes alive with the Christmas Strasbourg Food Festival. For two weeks, the streets are filled with the sights and smell of traditional Christmas cuisine worldwide. Visitors can sample dishes from countries as far as Japan and Peru or enjoy a more familiar dish with a festive twist. There is something for everyone at the Christmas Strasbourg Food Festival, making it the perfect place to enjoy the holiday cheer.
In conclusion
If you’re a foodie, France is the perfect country. There’s always something new to try with dozens of food festivals happening every month. This article highlights some of France’s best annual food festivals, from the Oyster Festival in Arcachon in October to the Christmas Strasbourg Food Festival in December. There’s something for everyone at these festivals, so add them to your travel itinerary!
