Provence – Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes Maritime, Festival of Violets. The whole village smells of violets, there are farmers markets, and a violet parade with a battle of the flowers! Held annually first weekend in March. tourrettessurloup.com
Rhone-Alpes Grenobles 7-28 March 2019: Grenoble Jazz Festival. For more than 40 years this festival has established itself as a premier jazz event in France. Musicians come from all over the world to play at many venues across the city. www.jazzclubdegrenoble.fr
Limousin, Limoges: Puces de la Cité. A very lively market with over 100 antique dealers. Held every 2nd Sunday of the month www.tourismelimoges.com
Côte-D’Azur,Nice: Les Printemps des Poètes, 9-25 March 2019. People in Nice go poetry potty in March. This annual festival sees, and hears, recitals over a two week period in bars, theatres, clubs and cafés all over town. www.printempsdespoetes.com
Pas de Calais, Le Touquet: Car Rally, 14-16 March 2019 is the 59th edition. It’s a crazy car rally through the countryside and along the coast of Pas de Calais. More than 150 rally drivers converge on the lively seaside resort of Le Touquet for this one www.letouquet.com
Cambrai, Nord, 14-18 March 2019, International Orchid Festival in stunning surroundings in an ancient abbey – just gorgeous. abbayedevaucelles.com
Lagouile, Midi-Pyrénées, Aveyron: La Trace du Fromage 17 March 2019 is the 33rd edition. It’s a truly amazing cheese tasting event. https://www.tourisme-aveyron.com
Aquitaine, Bayonne Ham Fair:18- 21 March 2019. For more than five centuries, the Bayonne Ham Fair has been the rendezvous for gourmets with a festival of authentic regional produce. There’s also an omelette and ham competition!
Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis Banlieues Bleues, 22-19 April 2019. Jazz, blues and world music in districts all over Paris. uk.tourisme93.com/banlieue-bleue-festival
Gers, Le saint Mont, Vignoble en Fete. Winegrowers demonstrate their knowledge and products to visitors. Held annually, last weekend of March. www.marciactourisme.com
Please note: We check every website for dates and details personally but changes do happen from time to time – please check website for confirmation.