Délicieux: The 15 Best Food Festivals In France
Picture this. You, with a dog-eared book, some light linen on and the sun kissing your cheek as you taste your way through tiny medieval French villages and sun-soaked coastal towns. Savouring every bite.
Sounds like heaven, right?
Well, it doesn’t have to be. With hundreds of food festivals in France each year, you’re no more than a short boat ride away from starting you’re very own love affair with French cuisine.
To tempt you into that trip, we’ve pulled together some of the best food festivals from around France. Celebrating foods as diverse as Cassoulet to giant Omelette’s.
Yep, you hear us.
So if you think you might be ready for your next great culinary love affair, then read on to add some of our favourites to your list.
January – March Festivals
Fête de la Truffe – Sarlat-la-Canéda (January)
If you’ve ever wondered why truffles are called the ‘black diamonds’ of French cuisine, Sarlat is the place to find out. This charming Dordogne town transforms each January into a haven for truffle lovers. With markets piled high with fresh truffles, cooking demos, and even truffle-hunting tours, it’s a full weekend of foodie heaven.
Can’t wait until January to get your truffle fix? Check out our collection of Black Truffles.
Fête du Citron – Menton (February)
When life gives you lemons, build entire floats out of them. At least, that’s what they do in Menton. This quirky Côte d’Azur festival is famous for its towering citrus sculptures, colourful parades, and a feel-good carnival atmosphere. Grab a bag of fresh lemons or orange marmalade to take home, or simply soak up the sunshine while you sip something zesty and enjoy the view.
La Trace du Fromage – Aubrac, Aveyron (March)
Walk a little. Eat some cheese. Walk again. Sounds ideal, right? This unique March event combines a countryside hike with cheese tasting stops along the way. You’ll explore the stunning Aubrac plateau, sampling the region’s famous Laguiole cheese and the irresistible local favourite, Aligot (potato whipped with cheese). It finishes with a hearty communal feast and a glass of mulled wine – c’est perfect.
April – June Festivals
Foire au Jambon – Bayonne (April)
The Bayonne Ham Fair has been going strong since the 15th century, and it’s still one of the tastiest celebrations in southwest France. Expect streets lined with ham stalls, sizzling Basque specialities, and a buzzing party atmosphere with parades and folk dancing. Grab a slice (or several) and join in the fun.
Fête de l’Omelette Géante – Bessières (March/April)
Ever seen 15,000 eggs cracked into a single pan? You will at Bessières’ Giant Omelette Festival! According to local legend, Napoleon himself inspired this tradition, and today the entire town comes together over Easter weekend to whip up – and share – the world’s fluffiest omelette. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s egg-cellent.
Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques – Brittany (April)
If seafood is your thing, this scallop festival along Brittany’s coast is not to be missed. Each spring, local fishing ports come alive with seafood markets, scallop tastings, and live music. Take a boat tour, watch maritime demos, or simply tuck into fresh scallops cooked every way you can imagine. Sea views and shellfish? Yes, please.
Fête de la Fraise – Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (May)
Beaulieu’s Strawberry Festival is as sweet as it sounds. Set in a beautiful riverside village, it’s a celebration of the season’s first strawberries. Think homemade jams, giant strawberry tarts, and a village square filled with music, games, and – of course – all the strawberries you can eat. The crowning moment? An 8-metre-wide tarte aux fraises shared with the whole crowd. Bliss.
Bordeaux Wine Festival – Bordeaux (June)
Wine o’clock isn’t an official time, but if it was, it’d probably be in June when this festival takes place. Bordeaux pulls out all the stops for this epic riverside wine festival. With tasting pavilions showcasing wines from across the region, food stalls serving up local delicacies, and live music filling the air, it’s a weekend to remember.
July – September Festivals
Féria du Melon – Cavaillon (July)
Melon madness takes over Provence every July as Cavaillon celebrates its famous Charentais melons. From juicy tastings to farm tours and even a parade of 100 white horses galloping through the streets (yes, really), this fragrant festival is pure Provençal magic. Grab a slice, sip some local wine, and soak up the summer vibes.
Fête du Cassoulet – Castelnaudary (August)
Four whole days of Cassoulet, will have you feeling Cass-o-yay as you get to feast on one France’s tastiest dishes for the best part of a week. This four-day feast celebrates the hearty stew of beans, duck, and sausage with parades, music, and communal meals. Grab a seat at one of the long tables, dig in, and enjoy.
Can’t wait until August for some Cassoulet? Check out our range now
Fêtes de la Mirabelle – Metz (August)
Metz turns golden every August for the Mirabelle Plum Festival. From vibrant parades to plum-packed markets and the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen, it’s a lively celebration of Lorraine’s favourite fruit. Stock up on jams, tarts, and liqueurs, and don’t miss the fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
October – December Festivals
Fête de la Châtaigne – Collobrières (October)
Autumn in Provence means one thing – chestnuts! Collobrières’ Chestnut Festival is a rustic, family-friendly affair with roasted chestnuts, chestnut cream, and even chestnut ice cream. Wander through craft markets, enjoy folk music under the golden leaves, and don’t leave without trying the wild boar stew with chestnuts. It’s autumn on a plate.
Salon du Chocolat – Paris (Oct/Nov)
The Swiss may be master chocolateers, but they learnt it all from the French! Paris hosts the world’s biggest chocolate fair every autumn, and it’s as decadent as it sounds. From artisan truffles to live chocolate-making demos and even a fashion show featuring dresses made of chocolate, this is pure cocoa heaven.
Les Habits de Lumière – Épernay (December)
Champagne at Christmas? Don’t mind if we do. Épernay’s “Dress of Lights” festival transforms the Avenue de Champagne into a winter wonderland with light shows, street performances, and – of course – plenty of bubbly. By day, tour the famous Champagne houses. By night, toast to the season under the twinkling lights. Santé!
Fête de la Dinde – Licques (December)
Tucked away in northern France, Licques celebrates its festive turkeys with a charming village parade, hearty turkey soup served from giant cauldrons, and a bustling Christmas market. It’s the perfect place to pick up a traditional bird for your holiday table or simply soak up the cosy winter vibes.
Bon Appétit
So there you have it – just a taste of the incredible food festivals France has to offer. From truffles in winter to melons in summer, there’s something happening almost every month to tempt your taste buds and fill your diary.
Of course, if you can’t make it to France just yet, you can still start your love affair with French cuisine from your very own kitchen. Explore our range of gourmet French foods like Foie Gras, Truffles and Cassoulets. Bon appétit!