What to do in September in France

Don’t panic, despite the back-to-school period, September still has plenty to offer and there’s something for everyone. Let’s see what’s planned across France.

We start our tour of France’s activities in the north with the Lille Braderie, which takes place every year on the first weekend of September. Take the opportunity to pick up some good deals from antique dealers and rediscover the famous mussels and chips, which during the Braderie are sold by the dozen tonnes.

In the Parisian region, the Humanité newspaper organises the Humanité Festival, or Fête de l’Huma, every year. The event includes many cultural activities such as concerts, exhibitions, debates as well as culinary specialities.

In the west, if you’re passing through Brittany, there’s still time to take a look at the La Gacilly photo festival. Indeed, during the months of May to September you can admire a showcase of large-format photographs in the parks and other green spaces of the Breton town. This is a committed event, between art and photo-journalism, designed to make visitors think about the future compromise of our planet.

We recommend the international nautical exhibition at the Minimes harbour in La Rochelle for boat enthusiasts. More than 800 exhibitors gather there for six days during which you’ll have the unique opportunity to try a boat at sea before buying.

Meanwhile, the Limousin region hosts a multidisciplinary festival on the theme of Francophonie in the world and more specifically in Africa. Theatre, dance, music and other arts will be on the programme.

More unusually, you can combine running and wine pleasures at the Médoc marathon. The sporting event offers an exceptional experience with a total of 23 wine tasting stands waiting for runners. The course, lined with orchestras and local residents, passes through around fifty wine châteaux.

In the Var, this time motorbike lovers can look forward to the Bol d’Or, this mythical international 24-hour motorbike race. Other entertainment will keep you occupied all weekend on site. Among these are exhibitions, a music festival, a children’s initiation workshop but most importantly the Bol d’Argent and the Bol Classic, which are two races taking place in parallel. It’s an event not to be missed – 68,000 spectators attended last year.

Still in the south, Antibes and its surroundings can boast of offering the oldest humour festival in France, Le Boeuf Théâtre. This unmissable appointment for young and old takes place throughout September, so don’t hesitate to check the programme.

In the east, the Lyon Dance Biennale is a contemporary dance festival. Performances will be offered throughout the Lyon metropolitan area and the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region and this for almost three weeks. The highlight of the festival will be the parade on 16th September on the theme “A parade for peace”.

For classical music lovers, the Musica Festival will take place in Strasbourg where around forty events will be offered over fifteen days.

Finally, we propose a national event, the Gastronomy Festival – Goût de France. As the name suggests, it’s an event dedicated to gastronomy, its players and their expertise. Banquets, tastings, picnics, workshops, conferences… There’s something for everyone, all over France, and this for three days! Note that the Gastronomy Festival changes name from this year to “Goût de France”.

Here’s further proof that France is full of activities throughout the year. Sport, art or gastronomy, you will undoubtedly find what you’re looking for. Happy back to school!