5 French Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of (But Shouldn’t Miss)
France has world-famous events like Bastille Day and the Cannes Film Festival, but there are many quirky and lesser-known festivals that offer a unique way to experience French culture. These events are deeply rooted in local traditions. They give visitors a chance to see a different, unexpected side of France.
Here are five unusual French festivals that you’ve likely never heard of but should definitely check out!
1. The Giant Omelette Festival - Bessières
Every year on Easter Monday, the small town of Bessières in southwestern France (Occitanie region) celebrates the Giant Omelette Festival (Fête de l’Omelette Géante). Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte once visited the town and loved the local omelette so much that he ordered one large enough to feed his entire army.
Today, townspeople come together to cook a giant omelette using over 15,000 eggs in a massive pan in the town square. It’s a fun and family-friendly event with music, dancing, and of course, plenty of omelette for everyone.
2. The Lemon Festival, Menton
Menton (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) is located on the French Riviera. The town is famous for its lemon groves. Every February, the town hosts the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival). This colorful event includes huge floats and sculptures made entirely of lemons and oranges. The streets are filled with music, parades, and bright citrus displays.
Visitors can explore the citrus gardens and enjoy the nighttime light shows that give the festival a magical atmosphere.
3. The Interceltic Festival, Lorient
Lorient in Brittany hosts the Festival Interceltique every August, celebrating Celtic culture from across Europe. This ten-day festival brings together artists, musicians, and dancers from Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, and other Celtic regions.
Visitors enjoy traditional Celtic music and a grand parade of Celtic nations featuring bagpipers and dancers in traditional attire. There is also a grand Celtic football tournament. It’s an immersive cultural experience that attracts people from all over the world who share a passion for Celtic heritage.
4. The Pig Festival, Trie-sur-Baïse
If you’re looking for something truly offbeat, head to Trie-sur-Baïse in the Pyrenees for the La Pourcailhade (The Pig Festival). This festival celebrates all things pig-related, with hilarious piglet races, a pig-calling contest, and even a competition for who can eat the most sausage.
You can sample various pork delicacies, and you'll enjoy the lighthearted, carnival-like atmosphere.
5. The Corsican Polyphonic Singing Festival, Calvi
The festival Rencontres Polyphoniques de Calvi celebrates the ancient tradition of polyphonic singing in Corsica. Singers from around the world gather to perform haunting, multi-part vocal harmonies that are deeply rooted in Corsican heritage.
Concerts take place in historic locations like churches and outdoor squares, creating a magical and intimate atmosphere.