Festivals are deeply rooted in traditions. In France, beautiful villages and towns morph into vibrant places of celebrations of culture, colour, and joie de vivre. Be it the Bordeaux Fête le Vin or the Fête de la Lavande in Provence, festivals here reflect French pride and the ritual of living well.
And nowhere is that ritual more enchanting than along the Côte d'Azur. As you travel from vineyard to violet hill, coastline to countryside, a string of iconic festivals mark the months. While one local festival in France may honour grapes and their glorious fermented fate, another will pay homage to perfumed flowers, historic trades, or age-old crafts.
Planning a visit to France? These French festivals are worth taking time out for.
Fête le Vin, Bordeaux
Every two years, Bordeaux hosts Fête le Vin, a tribute to wine. Held along the Garonne riverfront in June, this festival draws wine connoisseurs from around the world. With guided wine tastings, gourmet pairings, and fireworks over the river. It’s a feast for every sense.
If you want to feel how deeply wine runs in the French soul, this is it.
Lavender Festival, Valensole
Just a scenic drive from the Côte d’Azur lies Valensole, a village that turns violet every July during the Lavender Festival. Rows upon rows of perfectly combed fields stretch into the distance, perfuming the entire valley.
Wander through fragrant village stalls and you’ll stumble upon lavender ice cream, hand-poured soaps, floral honey, essential oils, and sweet treats kissed with blossoms. Local artisans set up stalls, musicians perform under olive trees, and locals don straw hats as they share age-old farming secrets. Witnessing lavender in bloom feels like being let in on a well-kept French secret.
Wine Harvest at Bellet, Nice
The Bellet wine harvest in the hills of Nice is one of the Riviera’s best-kept secrets. With vineyards perched just minutes from the Mediterranean, Bellet’s wine-growing tradition dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest appellations in France.
Intimate gatherings, tasting tours, and cellar visits mark the wine harvest in France. Bellet offers a close-up view of winemaking, family-run estates, sun-drenched terraces, and a grape-to-glass experience under azure skies.
Fête du Citron, Menton
Come February, the town of Menton, just a lemon’s throw from Monaco, transforms into a zesty dreamscape for the Fête du Citron, the citrus festival. You’ll get to witness giant sculptures of dragons, castles, and kings built entirely from oranges and lemons. Over 140 tonnes of citrus are arranged with painstaking precision, turning gardens and streets into living artworks.
Join fruit parades, night shows, citrus-scented stalls, and blooming exhibits in this charming coastal town. It’s a celebration of fruit and Menton’s agricultural roots.
Visitor’s Tip:
- Check regional calendars for smaller harvest or bloom-based festivals.
- Book tastings and transport in advance
- Ask your concierge for local insights; many festivals aren’t always listed online but are well-known by locals.
The Côte d’Azur can be described as a piece of heaven on Earth. With sun-drenched beaches, sparkling azure waters, and a glitzy yet grounded atmosphere. The French Riviera delivers a luxury experience like no other, especially when festivals in France are in full swing.
ONE Hôtel Privé’s villas place you right in the heart of this cultural celebration. Explore lavender fields by day and return to a sea-view villa by evening. Immerse yourself in our exclusive villas and let your stay feel like part of the celebration itself.
Pour réserver votre séjour au ONE Hôtel Privé, visitez notre site internet.
French 
English 
Spanish 
German 
Portuguese 
Russian 