14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 28 Feb and 1 March
Nice Carnaval
Nice, France
A million spectators take in the parade, music and fireworks, while papier mâché figures are danced down the street in giant floats. "Fat Thursday" following Lent.
Website
26 Feb - 7 Mar (annual)
Russian Festival
Théâtre Toursky, Marseille, France
The Théâtre Toursky, on the outskirts of Marseille, presents its annual celebration of all things Russian, with plays, film, cabaret and exhibitions relating to the former USSR.
5 - 16 Mar (annual)
Festival of Nordic Cinema
Cinema Le Melville, Rouen, France
Rouen’s Festival du Cinéma Nordique celebrates the best of the region’s output.
1 May (annual)
May Day
Place de la Bastille, Paris, France
More strictly observed by the French than Christmas or New Year, everything except the Eiffel Tower closes down for Labour day - La Fête du Travail - on 1 May.
21-24 May
Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco, Monaco (near Nice, France)
The glam stop on the Formula One circuit, with cars racing through the pretzelled roads that compirse James Bond's stomping ground.
Website
9-15 June
Le Mans 24-Hour Race
Le Mands, France
Endurance, skill and auto mechaics come together in this gruelling, legendary car race.
Website
13 July (annual)
Petite Troménie
Le Nemeton, Locronan, France
The Petite Troménie in Locronan is one of the oldest pardons (religious days) in Brittany. Pilgrims in costume, carrying gold brocaded, silk banners and singing Breton songs.
28 July - 6 August
Interceltic Festival
Lorient, France
Annual showcase of the Celtic arts, featuring performers from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Asturias, Galicia, Isle of Man and Brittany.
6-14 Sep
International Kite Festival Dieppe
Dieppe, France
The world's best gather to show their piloting skills at Europe's biggest kite festival.
Wesbite
29 Sep
Mont St-Michel Procession
St Michel, France
Every year more than 3000 pilgrims brave the tides around Mont Saint-Michel.
10 Oct - 1 Jan
Lille 3000
Lille, France
Exhibitions, music, dance and one hell of a party are set to spice up the streets of this city in nor thern France.
Oct (various dates)
Bric-a-Brac Market
Parc des Expositions (Exhibition Park), Bordeaux, France
The lively Foire à la Brocante (bric-a-brac market) takes place in Bordeaux’s vast Parc des Expositions.
16-22 Oct
Tasting Week – La Semaine du Goût
Various towns, France
Real food is the subject of Tasting Week, celebrated in France’s key towns and gastronomic regions.
8 Dec 2007 - 8 Dec 2008
Lourdes Jubilee Year
Lourdes, France
In 1858, in a cave in Lourdes, 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous was visited on a number of occasions by the blessed Virgin Mary.