Little Pieces of Light

Cheval Passion equestrian festival in Avignon

So do you fancy a show with a thousand horses, 250 exhibitors, and new equipment for horses, riders, and competitions? Or perhaps a Pony Show Jumping Competition and an international working riding competition? Or demonstrations of reining, cutting, flagging, and roping (in an American-style ranching exhibit, complete with country music and line-dancing)? The Cheval Passion (and associaed Crinières d’Or gala event) are one of the highlights of the Provencal Winter Calendar. Even if you have neve

2024/04/28 02:15

Southern Nights Festival in Vence

The Nuits du Sud (Southern Nights) Festival has been held annually in Vence since 1998 and is an internationally renowned event in a lovely venue, with a varied and high quality program; perfect for fans with an eclectic taste in music. Its popularity has grown due to a wise combination of diversity, discovery, and discounted pricing (23-39 Euros).Les Plages Electroniques, Cannes © TraversoThe central Place du Grand Jardin is transformed for the occasion into a concert hall under the starry skie

2024/04/28 00:17

Les Hivernales Festival in Avignon

In the heart of winter, there is nothing like some contemporary dance to get your blood flowing and bring some warmth back to proceedings. Organised by the Centre de Dévelopement Chorégraphique National (CDCN), the Hivernales Festival in Avignon is one of the best events of its type in the world (running since the early 1980s).Over approximately twenty days (including a week dedicated to young audiences), the organisers brings together more than 7,000 people to deliver a varied programme of show

2024/04/20 01:40

International Jazz Festival in Juan-les-Pins

Jazz à Juan has long been one of the best - and the best loved - annual jazz festivals in the world. All the greats have played the event, including Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller, George Benson, Oscar Peterson, Pat Metheny, Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Stéphane Grappelli, Stevie Wonder and Wynton Marsalis.The vast majority have left their handprints in the ceramic tiles dotting the sidewalk of the Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, which runs behind the seaside stage. The stage it

2024/04/20 00:07

The Alleys of Seillans Mountain Bike Race

Organised by Seillans Vélos Nature and Leï Caminaïre, the "Ruelles de Seillans" vélo tout-terrain (VTT) Mountain Bike race in Seillans has courses for all levels & ages and is open to anyone who wants to register. It's not overly competitive and is great fun to watch. Breathtaking descents in the alleys Photo © Var-Matin (archives C. Go.)You can sip on a little morning cocktail (my sort of thing!) whilst enjoying a variety of different formats and circuits: • 4 circuits of different levels in

2024/04/12 03:36

Art Festival - Tourrettes

"Les Arts au Coeur du Village" (arts in the heart of the village) is an annual cultural event organised in the perched Var village of Tourrettes. Held in the middle of July since 2024, it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. A rich "special edition" program will be offered to visitors, with artistic performances, discovery workshops, a major closing concert and much, much more...Arts in the heart of the village (of Tourrettes)The village association brings together an average of 70 artists e

2024/04/12 03:06

Opera Festival - Aix-en-Provence

The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is an annual international music festival which takes place each summer in Aix-en-Provence, principally in July. Devoted mainly to opera, it also includes concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumental music.An audience 'en plein air' for the Aix FestivalThe festival was founded in July 1948 by Countess Lily Pastré, who famously covered the entire costs of the first edition herself! It was made up of three or four concerts in the cour de l'Archevêché,

2024/04/12 02:29

Les Foulées du Lac - Montauroux

Every year, EPF Athletics and the Naturatrail team organise a nature race along Lake Saint Cassien in Montauroux. Participants can choose between an individual race (13.2 km) or a team relay race of 3 (in order: 3-7-3.2 km).The Race Start © EPF AthlétismeThe beautiful course around the St Cassien lake is sure to inspire you and it's a mixed ability group of runners, trailers, walkers, cross-country runners, track and field runners, parents and children. You will love it!The 20th Edition of Les F

2024/04/11 02:39

Strawberry Festival in Carpentras

By now, you'll be well aware of the "living by the seasons" way-of-life in Provence. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. And our purpose today, dear friends, is the celebration of the most delicious of fruits; the strawberry. Once a year, in Carpentras, there is a day dedicated to the magnificent red fruit; with direct, fresh sales from the producers for the pleasure of young and old!Strawberry Festival in CarpentrasCarpentras may be a bit of a drive f

2024/04/11 02:05

Square Boules Championship in Cagnes-sur-Mer

Pétanque, or boules as it is more commonly known abroad, is practically a provençal institution. This iconic French ball game can be played on just about any dusty, gritty surface, and at any time of year. It is played throughout France but it's most commonly associated with the south having been invented in La Ciotat, near Marseilles.All this you know, of course. What you may not be familiar with is the square boules variety; played in Haut-de-Cagnes; the medieval hill village in the centre of

2024/04/10 23:22

Costume Festival in Arles

On the days leading up to the first Sunday in July every year, the Fête du Costume takes place In Arles. I know what you are thinking. Doesn't every town and village in France have a festival with traditional costume in the mix? Well, this is different in Arles, trust me! Arlesian costumes are famous for their delicacy, elegance, and originality, and back in the day, they were the most fashionable in the region since they followed the fashion trends directly from Paris.The Pégoulado on the Boule

2024/04/10 22:44

Jasmine Festival in Grasse

Every year on the first weekend of August, the annual Jasmine Festival – Fête du Jasmin – takes place in the beautiful medieval town of Grasse. Enjoy dances, music, concerts, exhibitions, processions and fireworks. All in honour of the city's gold – the perfume.The Corso at Grasse Jasmin Festival © RécréaNiceJasminum grandiflorumJasminum grandiflorum has been cultivated in Grasse since the mid-19th century. It gives off an unforgettable scent; sweet, floral and fruity. The picking season lasts f

2024/04/10 21:20

Lavender Festival in Valensole

Just outside the Var in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department - and near to the famous Gorges du Verdon - Valensole is right in the heart of Lavender growing country. Valensole takes its name from the Latin words ‘Vallis’ and ‘Solis’, which mean valley of the sun. And as you take in the gorgeous stone houses bathed in the golden rays, you will see why! Held on the third Sunday in July every year, to celebrate the beginning of the harvest, the Valensole Lavender Festival is one of the largest of

2024/04/10 20:34

Antibes Wine & Gastronomy Fair

Every year in October, the city of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins celebrate the Harvest Festival with a Wine & Gastronomy fair. Over 70 producers from the locality and from all over France offer their wine, cheeses, chocolate, liqueurs, pastries, and various delicatessen to the public.RSAJ Band © Justine AubertThe 16th edition - 2024The yearly gastronomy festival always runs at the end of October (dates still to be announced) and is organised by Kiwanis Club d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins. The festival is s

2024/04/10 02:57

Oktoberfest Beer Festival in Grasse

The summer season may be coming to an end, but the party and good humour is alive and well in Grasse, where they celebrate an Oktoberfest Beer Festival; celebrating the relationship with their twin town of Ingolstadt in Germany. Perhaps combine it with a trip to the famous parfumeries such as Fragonard and the perfume museums, where you can take free tours.Valbonne en Fete © Pascal LinteAs you might expect, there is a great selection of German beers (served in huge glasses), as well as Bavarian

2024/04/09 21:17