There are so many exciting events taking place in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France in 2024. Whether you’re looking to experience something traditional to the region, an art enthusiast, a music lover, or something totally unique, you have something exciting to experience in the area. We understand exciting events like these can make accommodation a little trickier. We recommended visiting on a day trip as part of your itinerary.
Tour de France
Event Date: 17th – 21st of July 2024
Location: SuperDévoluy – Nice and Monaco
Description: The world’s most famous cycle race descends on the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region for it’s conclusion from the 17th to the 21st of July. The exciting final stage of the race on the 21st of July follows the 34km route along the coast from Monaco to the finish line in Nice. Grab the flag of your favourite team and get ready to cheer them on from the side-lines!
Lavender Festivals
Event Date: Various dates throughout July and August
Location: Ferrassières – Valensole – Sault
Description: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is well known for it’s fields of purple. The region has a number of different festivals celebrating Lavender season, the first of which takes place on the first Sunday in July in the village of Ferrassières. Visitors can enjoy tours of the fields, demonstrations and workshops with knowledgeable locals. On the third Sunday of July, head to one of the most famous lavender growing towns, Valensole. Shop for every kind of lavender product you can think of at the local market, learn about the essential oil making process and enjoy music and dance performances. Alternatively, in Sault on the 15th of August you can observe the French sickle lavender cutting championships.
Avignon Festival
Event Date: 29th June – 21st July 2024
Location: Avignon
Description: Founded in 1947 the annual Avignon Festival is a world-renowned contemporary performing arts event that takes place in the famous Palais des Papes and other locations across the city. The programme includes shows, readings, exhibitions, films, and debates suitable for aficionados and beginners a like.
Fête du Citron
Event Date: Annually in February/March
Location: Menton
Description: Every year the unique lemon festival completely transforms the coastal town of Menton. The main Golden fruit and evening parades are utterly breath-taking and there is so much more to see. Think transformed public gardens, fragrance workshops, pasta making classes, citrus sketching, lemon and mimosa hikes and guided gardens tours. There is something to ignite the tastebuds in every visitor!
Olympic Games Sailing
Event Date: 28th July – 8th August 2024
Location: Marseille
Description: Whilst Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, the sailing events are actually taking place in Marseille as well as some football games at the Stade Vélodrome. See the city come to life as events including windsurfing, kiteboarding and foil hit the Mediterranean Sea in Marseille’s Roucas-Blanc Marina. For visitors to the city earlier in the year, from the 9th – 11th of May, the magnificent 19th century three-master Belem ship is docking in Marseille with the Olympic flame on its way to Paris.
Les Rencontres d’Arles
Event Date: Summer
Location: Arles
Description: Les Rencontres d’Arles is an annual summer photography festival founded in 1970 by photographer Lucien Clergue, writer Michel Tournier and historian Jean-Maurice Rouquette. Exhibitions take place on various heritage sites across the city and often works have never been displayed for the public before. Other events include open-air projections, workshops, debates and performances.
Tintin, the Immersive Adventure
Event Dates: 21st February – 10th April 2024
Location: Carrières des Lumières, Les Baux-de-Provence
Description: Meet the beloved comic character Tintin, as depicted by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, at the Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence. See the adventures of Tintin, Snowy and his friends, come to life in this unique experience that is fun for all the family.
Experience these exciting events in Provence with an unforgettable trip to France. Join us in celebrating the beauty, culture, scents, flavours and joie de vivre of this stunning region in 2024.
À bientôt (See you soon)!
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