It's hot in France, but we're not just talking about the catwalks of Paris or the yacht clubs of the Riviera. There's no denying that 2024 will be a big year for Hexagon Travel. Many travelers travel all over the country. Much has been said and written about the Paris Summer Olympics (and in the coming months), so this article will leave that mega-event to the side and instead focus on the other events visiting France this year. I would like to focus on all the reasons.
Some of the events below will serve as the perfect end to your match trip, while others will serve as inspiration for an entirely different adventure, so keep reading to find out what's in store for France this year.
Photo: Claude Monet, Water Lily Pond, circa 1918. Oil on canvas, 51-58 x 77-12 inches (131 x 197 cm). Personal collection. (Photo courtesy of the Denver Art Museum)
leave an impression
After the Olympics, the second most talked-about event in France this year will be the 150th anniversary of the Impression, and outside of Paris, Normandy is the perfect place to celebrate. The 5th Normandy Impressionist Festival (March 22-September 22) will be held across the region, with some parts featuring an unexpected American influence. Rouen will host a wonderful exhibition showcasing the work of famous American artist Whistler and the 12th edition of the sensational summer light and sound show at Rouen Cathedral.
In Paris, the Normandy Region is sponsoring a stunning exhibition entitled “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment” at the Musée d’Orsay (from March 16th to July 14th). The event will feature over 100 masterpieces including paintings, sculptures, photographs and more.
Tombstones at the Normandy American Cemetery. (Photo via Stig Nygaard/Flickr)
In honor of the heroes of Summer '44
The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and subsequent Battle of Normandy will be held on June 6th, with the military operations that changed history forever being celebrated in style and grandeur across the region. In addition to the official observation, which requires an invitation, a fireworks display will be held on June 1st at his five landing beaches, art installations and dozens of events (parades, parachutes, historical events) during the Normandy D-Day Festival. reenactments, concerts, etc.) will be held. (June 1st to 16th).
The event will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Dragoon, a significant French-American landing in southern France on August 15, 1944. It is expected that commemorative events will be held in the area.
Photo: A group of cyclists during the Tour de France. (Photo via Flickr/charel.irrthum)
tour cycle south
You can't talk about French sports without mentioning the most iconic cycling race on the planet, the Tour de France (June 29th – July 21st). This year's race will run over a 2,000-mile loop through some of France's most breathtaking scenery. The route changes with each edition of the race, but there are always mountain stages in the Pyrenees and Alps, and these regions offer a great fan experience. The 2024 race is scheduled to start in Florence, Italy, and finish outside Paris for the first time in a century. Due to the Olympics, the tour ends in Nice, the jewel of the Riviera.
Departure
Another of France's biggest sporting events this year, the Vendée Globe, actually begins in New York City. On May 24, sailors will gather at the Statue of Liberty for pre-race celebrations before embarking on the grueling 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean to France. And on November 10th, the 10th Vendée Globe will set sail from Sables-Her-d'Olonne, a coastal town in France's Vendée region. About 40 captains will sail around the world in this nonstop solo her race, known as the Everest of the Seas. Although you are not allowed to go with the captain, it is a great excuse to discover the beautiful coastal areas of the Vendée. Here you'll find long stretches of beach and breathtaking bays.
power of flowers
Also in the Vendée region, Les Floreries de Nantes, one of Europe's most prestigious international horticultural shows, is held at the impressive Domaine de la Chaboterie (May 17th to May 26th). This 18th-century mansion he built is set in over 100 acres of meadows and woods, and the festival will showcase the imaginative work of his 200 participants from France and abroad. In honor of the Summer Olympics, the 2024 edition will be named 'Flower Games' and will feature his five thematic areas: water, childhood, intellectual, physical and garden.
Wine shop in Bordeaux, France (Photo by Hans Brunk)
Lots of summer festivals
Bordeaux has been on everyone's travel list for a while now, and the 2024 edition of Bordeaux's premier wine tourism festival, the famous Bordeaux Fête le Vin (June 27-30), is the perfect excuse to get to know Bordeaux. Sho. Better. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Garonne River, this event offers a fun experience for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. The party starts early, with a number of events leading up to the festival starting June 20th at the city's famous wine cellars, restaurants and cultural venues.
On June 21st, the music festival will bring music to the country as musicians of all levels (both amateurs and professionals) take to the streets across France to show off their skills. Experience a variety of musical genres (and talent), from rock groups to choirs and orchestras.
The coastal town of Dieppe hosts one of the world's most colorful kite festivals every other year. In 2024, Dieppe International Kite Festival will be back and better than ever. More than just a gathering of kite enthusiasts, the festival is a celebration of global unity, highlighting the rich diversity of people and cultures on Earth. Expect to see the sky above the beaches of Dieppe painted in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes and come away feeling a little better about the state of the world.
Photo: Christmas market stalls in front of a half-timbered building in Colmar, France (Photo by Scott Hartbeck)
End the year in style
There will be plenty of reasons to visit France at the end of the year.
Arguably the most atmospheric neighborhood in Paris, Montmartre is once again filled with joyful atmosphere during the annual Montmartre Wine Festival (October 9-13). This event is a celebration of the region and its winemaking traditions.
In Lyon, the Festival of Lights (December 5-8) will decorate the city with a dazzling display of light bulbs that will help illuminate the dark nights of early winter and generate thousands of social media stories. From a special 'tunnel of light' to the experience of seeing the city's stunning architecture illuminated by lights, this will be an event you won't soon forget.
Christmas festivities are held all over the country, but there's no doubt that Alsace is the heart of the Christmas markets, with the region's big cities of Colmar and Strasbourg, as well as the charming small towns of Riquewihr and Eguisheim, all shining brightly. there is no. Enjoy the half-timbered façade, warm baked goods, and plenty of food. Van Shawa twist on local mulled wine.
Last but not least, Notre Dame Cathedral is scheduled to officially reopen on December 8, more than four and a half years after the devastating fire. There is no doubt that staying in Paris will be a special time.
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