|
Are you traveling to France soon, and want to make sure you take advantage of any festivities along the way? This article will discuss some of the more well-known festivals in France that travelers such as yourself should try and fit into your schedule.
Travel France - Corso
Every Ascension Thursday (May 5th in 2005), the Provençal town of Cavaillon hosts a parade of themed bouillonage floats. Bouillonage refers to the way the lacey-look, textured floats are made, using layers of hand crumpled crepe paper. Each float, because of the immense amounts of time and preparation needed to finish it, requires more than six month of preparation.
Travel France – Festival Saint Louis
Held annually in August in the town of Aigues-Morte, this French festival is a treat for the out-of-town traveler well versed in the Middle Ages. Celebrating the high point of the French in medieval times, this event reenacts the arrival of King Louis XI (1215-1270) in full regalia, including a tavern erected in the middle of town. Aigues-Morte was once the salt capital of France, making it by default one of the riches cities because of that fact, when the gabelle (salt tax) was still the primary source of income for the government.
Travel France: Palais des Papes
One of the most exclusive festivities in France, travelers wishing to view this annual, month-long event will require lots of advance booking time. Only 30 visitors each evening are allowed into this stunning, late night tour of the “Popes Palace” in Avingon. Attendees are treated to views of the Provencal countryside from inside the palais, and a medieval feast of epic proportions, complete with live musicians.
Travel France: The Festival of Goat Meat Eaters
Travelers to Bellegarde-en-Marche, France on the first Sunday in September will witness this town’s obsession with goats. Dating back to the Middle Ages, legend says that those living in this town fought with sharpened goat horns, which helped them win many a battle. Today, the celebrations continue in thanks by parading the “goat fraternity” throughout the city wearing a myriad of costumes.
Travel France: Fête de la Taraque
Towards the end of July, travelers to the town of Tarascon, France are treated to four days of revelry celebrating the defeat of a dragon that supposedly preyed and killed young children in Rhôme. These horrible crimes occurred, according to legend, until Sainte Marthe came and captured the critter with a sign of the cross. In 1474, King René formally recognized the festivities, and they have continued ever since.
Travel France: The Liars’ Festival
In Moncrabeau, France, travelers during the month of August can witness the largest yarn-pulling event of, well, the entire year. International competitors come together to fib, lie, pull legs and slap thighs in this orgy of fibbery. In the end, the King of the Liars is crowned.
|
|
|
|
