Plan your trip around the most exciting festivals and authentic cultural experiences in Western France
Written by Marie-Edwina Provost,
Expert in creating custom travel itineraries in Western France.
Published on May 26, 2026
Annual Festivals in the Loire Valley
©Eric Sander
International Garden Festival – Chaumont-sur-Loire
📅 April to November
A world-renowned garden design festival featuring creative, modern landscapes set around a historic château. Perfect for nature and art lovers.
Vitiloire – Tours
📅 Late May
A lively wine festival celebrating Loire Valley wines with tastings, food, and entertainment right in the heart of Tours.
© F. LEGUERE
Sound & Light Shows – Loire Castles
📅 Summer (June to September)
Many famous castles, like Chambord and Blois, come alive at night with projections, storytelling, and music.
📅 Every two years (Late September 2027-2029…)
One of Europe’s largest river festivals, celebrating traditional Loire boats with parades, music, and riverside entertainment.
Annual Festivals in Normandy
D-Day Festival Normandy – ©Thomas Le Floc’H – Normandie Tourisme
D-Day Festival Normandy
📅 Around June 6
A series of ceremonies, parades, and historical reenactments honoring the Allied landings of World War II.
Normandy Impressionist Festival
📅 Summer (varies by year)
An art festival celebrating Impressionism with exhibitions, events, and installations across the region.
Medieval Festival – ©Thomas Le Floc’H – Normandie Tourisme
Deauville American Film Festival
📅 Early September
A major film event showcasing American cinema, attracting actors, directors, and international visitors.
Medieval Festival – Bayeux
📅 Early July
Step back in time with medieval markets, costumes, parades, and street performance.
Annual Festivals in Brittany
Quimper
Can you help me plan my trip around festivals and events?
When is the best time to visit for festivals?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Are these festivals suitable for international visitors?
Follow us on social media
Other News of “France Trip Secrets”
image sources:
- France Trip Secrets – Medieval festival Bayeux – ©Thomas Le Floc’H – Normandie Tourisme: Thomas Le Floc'H
- Château de Chambord, Centre, France (Chambord Castle, Loire Val: Bruno Morandi/The Image Bank/Getty Images
- France Trip Secrets – Rivau castle in the Loire Valley- ©ADT Touraine – JC Coutand: ©ADT Touraine - JC Coutand
- France Trip Secrets – Villandry castle and gardens in the Loire Valley – ©ADT Touraine – JC Coutand: ©ADT Touraine - JC Coutand
- France Trip Secrets – Gourmet tour in Normandy – © Mathilde Boclet – Normandie Tourisme: © Mathilde Boclet - Normandie Tourisme
- Angers winter ©Sebastien GAUDARD – Anjou Tourisme: ©Sebastien Gaudard
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences in Normandy – ©The Explorers – Valentin Pacaut – Normandie Tourisme: ©The Explorers - Valentin Pacaut

