France offers a year-round calendar of iconic events, blending culture, sport, art, gastronomy, and international exhibitions. From January through June, the country comes alive with festivals, fashion weeks, music, and sporting events that attract travelers, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world.
Explore the landscape of major events in France 2026, a snapshot of gatherings that inspire unique experiences and bring the country’s culture to life.
January: A Creative and Cultural Kick-Off
Paris opens the year with Men’s Fashion Week (From January 20th to 25th) and Haute Couture Fashion Week (From January 26th to 29th), where heritage maisons and contemporary designers set global trends.
Beyond fashion, January offers a rich mix of culture, artistry and spectacle:
- La Folle Journée (from January 28th to Febuary 1st) in Nantes, bringing classical music to unexpected venues
- Maison & Objet (from January 15th to 19th), the leading trade show for design, interiors, and lifestyle
- Festival du Cirque de Monte-Carlo (from January 16th to 25th), combining artistry and tradition under the big top
- Martin Parr – Global Warning (from January 30th to May 24th 2026) at Jeu de Paume, Paris
These events reflect the vibrancy and diversity of French culture at the start of the year.
February: Winter Festivals, Gastronomy & Sport
February celebrates traditions, gastronomy, and sport. The Carnaval de Nice (from February 11th to March 1st) and Fête du Citron in Menton (from Febuary 14th to March 1st) brighten the Riviera with parades, sculptures, and fragrant gardens.
In Paris, the International Agricultural Show (from February 21th to March 1st) showcases French farming and culinary expertise, while Wine Paris & Vinexpo (from February 9th to 11th) draws wine professionals from around the globe. Sports enthusiasts follow the Six Nations Rugby Tournament (from February 5th to March 14th)
and the Jumping International de Bordeaux (from Febuary 5th to 8th), adding energy and spectacle to winter.
March: Art Exhibitions, Fashion & Equestrian Elegance
March blends fashion, art, and refinement. The Paris Fashion Week – Women’s Collections (from March 2nd to 10th) attracts designers, buyers, and international press.
Art lovers can explore exceptional exhibitions:
- Matisse (1941–1954) at the Grand Palais, from March 24th to July 26th
- Renoir and Love at Musée d’Orsay, from March 17th to July 19th
- Henri Rousseau: The Ambition of Painting at Musée de l’Orangerie, from March 25th to July 20th
Equestrian sophistication comes alive at Le Saut Hermès (from March 20st to 22nd), where sport, craftsmanship, and elegance converge at the heart of Paris.
April: Energy, Creativity & Outdoor Life
April brings movement, innovation, and inspiration. The Paris Marathon (on April 12th) energizes the city, while Foire de Paris (from April 30th to May 11th) celebrates craftsmanship, lifestyle and design.
The Festival du Livre de Paris (from March 17th to 19th) highlights literature, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (from April 4th to 12th
) attracts tennis fans, and the International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire offers a stroll through artistic landscapes. Meanwhile, the Video Games & Music exhibition (from April 2nd to November 1st) at the Philharmonie de Paris immerses visitors in interactive culture.
May: Cinema, Tennis & Cultural Highlights
May is one of France’s most internationally visible months. The Cannes Film Festival ( from May 12th to 23th) transforms the Riviera into a global stage for cinema and industry.
In Paris, Roland-Garros (from May 18th to June 7th) brings world-class tennis, while La Nuit des Musées (May 23rd) opens museums after dark, offering intimate and unexpected encounters with culture.
June: Music, Motors & Summer Energy
Summer arrives with legendary events: the 24 Hours of Le Mans (from June 10th to 14th), Fête de la Musique (June 21st), the Paris Jazz Festival, We Love Green (from June 5th to 7th), Rendez-vous aux Jardins, and the Monaco Grand Prix (from June 4th to 7th).
These gatherings showcase France’s rich cultural fabric, blending music, motorsport, outdoor celebration, and heritage, inspiring immersive experiences across the country.
Discover France’s Events in Depth
France’s events offer inspiration for tailored experiences. At Découvertes DMC France, we share further insights in our recent webinar “Main Events in France 2026 – Part 1: January 1- June 30, 2026”, offering a closer look at curated itineraries, exclusive venues, and authentic experiences that go beyond the surface.
With local knowledge and expertise, these moments can be woven into refined, memorable journeys, allowing clients to experience France in a thoughtful and elegant way.
Send us requests to to explore bespoke itineraries and exclusive options for your clients.
This is just the beginning. Part 2 will explore France’s major events from July to December, with a live webinar scheduled for January 22.