November Events in France
From hot air balloon gatherings to scallop festivals, there’s always something fun and unique going on in France in November
Foire Internationale et Gastronomique
Dijon, Côte d’Or
This foodie extravaganza in the mustard capital draws around 600 exhibitors and a whopping 180,000 visitors to sample its culinary delights. The festival has a global audience and each year a country is the guest of honour; last year it was Italy and this year it’s India.
31 October-11 November
Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine
For your first Breton festival experience, you can’t get much better than Yaouank. A charming mixture of local and international music, with the sound of everything from beatboxing to bagpipes filling the air, you can be sure all tastes are catered for.
7-23 November
La Toussaint
Nationwide
This nationwide Catholic holiday is often celebrated by families by gathering at cemeteries to lay chrysanthemum flowers and light candles in memory of their loved ones. Many shops and restaurants are shut too.
1 November
Rassemblement International de Montgolfières
Le Puy-en-Velay, Haute-Loire
Want a unique view of the Haute-Loire countryside and its imposing fortress? Then clamber aboard a hot air balloon, or montgolfière, for a trip like no other. The event attracts balloonists from the world over, as it’s considered an ideal end-of-season event.
8-10 November
Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Calvados
Join 50,000 gourmands in pursuit of seafood pleasure at this Normandy port that’s renowned for its scallops. During the event, the fish market that’s usually reserved for businesses is open to the public, where you can buy your fill of fruits de mer. There are also, of course, plenty of seafood concoctions to sample – bon appétit!
9-10 November
Sap-en-Auge, Orne
Now in its 20th year, this apple and cider-lover’s dream celebrates all things pomaceous. As well as copious tasting opportunities, there will be apple-picking demonstrations, traditional Norman dancing and an artisanal craft market.
9-10 November
Armistice Day
Nationwide
The victims of the First World War are remembered at ceremonies across France in this special centenary year. This year President Macron will make a speech at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe.
11 November
Rouen, Seine-Maritime
France may seem an unlikely location for celebrating the best of British short film, but this event is a real star in the festival calendar. Genres featured include fiction, animation and documentary and both new and established talents are welcome.
16-24 November
Beaujeu, Rhône
At 12:01 on the third Thursday in November, the latest vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau wine is released to the public. The Sarmentelles in Beaujeu is the biggest celebration of the wine’s release and is now in its 31st year. Enjoy tasting tours, a craft market, musical performances and fireworks.
20-24 November
Paris
This annual music festival showcases artists from Africa playing traditional and contemporary African music in a variety of venues in the Seine-Saint-Denis département. Film buffs will also enjoy the screenings of African films and documentaries.
15 November – 24 December
Angoulême, Charente
It’s not just comic books that draw people to Angoulême, but its food festival dedicated to local products is also very popular. It’s the ideal opportunity for amateur cooks to improve their culinary know-how, with demonstrations from chefs.
29 November – 1 December
Val Thorens, Savoie
The start of the ski season is fast approaching and if you want to upgrade your gear, there’s no better opportunity to see what’s new on the market. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding or even snow-scootering, all disciplines are catered for.
23 November
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