Culture

What happens in France on May 1?

The day is associated with lily of the valley, workers’ rights, and a celebration of patriotism (by some)

Four men with instruments pose around a classic white car outside an old stone building.

How joining a band can build your community in France

16% of citizens play an instrument ‘often’ or ‘from time to time’

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French graveyard ‘safari’ brings history to life

Père Lachaise tour guide Thierry Le Roi talks to Théophile Larcher about the privilege of sharing the cemetery’s stories

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'I moved to France and wrote my first book'

These Connexion readers have put pen to paper since moving to France

Eating faux-pas: habits to avoid when dining in France

From ignoring fellow guests to taking too much cheese, we take a look at the no-nos when dining in France

Visit the Titanic at Paris and Bordeaux exhibitions

Two shows use immersive projections and virtual reality to take visitors back in time

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European TV is a necessary cultural corrective

Columnist Nick Inman argues for a more open-minded approach to viewing

Easter traditions across France: from rattles and hooded processions to giant omelettes

Regional Pâques celebrations highlight France’s cultural diversity

Burgundy’s Route du Cassis: a 55km journey of blackcurrants and culture

Enjoy liqueurs, jams, and more on this gourmet trail leading from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges

How does France’s April Fools’ Day differ from the UK or US?

Explore the origins of the day and its traditions

Five famous April Fools' pranks played on the French public

French media outlets and transport companies have pulled some classic ‘poissons d’Avril’ - here are five of the best

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Lovers of French history will enjoy these historical and romantic works

Five French films and series to watch in March

Improve your French language skills and culture knowledge with this month’s films and series

Costume, music, floats: where to see France’s vibrant carnival parades

Celebrate the end of winter with feasting and fun at a carnival near you

Black history in Paris: the story behind Maison Noire Américaine

An American non-profit is illuminating the legacy and vibrant presence of African-Americans and the African diaspora in France

‘It’s the place we are happiest’: why George Clooney and family become French

‘My kids have a much better life [and] speak perfect French’, the Hollywood star says

The Tour de France passing in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Culture, sport and events: What's new in France in 2026

Events include the Tour de France, the Six Nations and new museum openings

Why does eastern France celebrate Saint-Nicolas on December 6?

Father Christmas may be known for his present delivery on December 24, but in the east of France, another bearded figure bearing gifts is celebrated much earlier in the month

5 French films and TV series to watch in December

From comforting comedies to powerful documentaries, there is something for everyone this winter

December events in France: art, fashion and the Titanic

Explore Gustave Courbet's masterpiece at Musée d’Orsay, 1920s fashion at La Piscine, Picasso Museum's expansion, and the Titanic exhibition in Lyon

A view of the chateau, keep, gardens, and river

The Paris region has one of France’s ‘most beautiful’ villages

It is an official ‘plus beau village de France’

Edith Piaf museum planned for French town of Grasse

Building has been identified in the historic heart of the city

Vibrant Montpellier's festivals, beaches and year-round events

From Coeur de Ville en Lumières to Montpellier Danse, plus fabulous beaches, the city is a perfect getaway

Montpellier, a cultural hub with historic universities and diverse museums

Experience the city's diverse heritage and artistic offerings, featuring top museums like Musée Fabre

‘Proud to be French’: Author Ken Follett receives special citizenship

Respect for French culture and traditions made obtaining citizenship easy choice

What is the French Legion of Honour awarded for – and can foreigners receive it?

There is a limit of 100,000 Chevalier in an Order, but only 75 Grand’croix

Locronan: Brittany’s movie-set village with a rich history of its own

Local traditions stemming from Celtic legends are still practised today

Five French films and series to watch in November

Using stories and shows you are already familiar with can be a big help when learning French

November events in France: art, history, and early festive magic

Explore the best cultural events, from John Singer Sargent's exhibition in Paris to festive celebrations at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

guillotine on display was constructed in 1872

1872 guillotine on public display at French museum

Execution tool has been on show only three times since France abolished the death penalty in 1981

Residents react to George Clooney’s praise of life in Var

Locals in Brignoles take pride in their most famous neighbour and his love for Provençal life

October events in France: Futuroscope frights, live jazz and a dog museum

Fill your French diary with Halloween thrills, Limoges jazz festival, a virtual botanical garden and more

Heritage Days in France: ideas for visits this weekend plus photos

Over 2,000 sites are set to welcome visitors for free on September 20 and 21

Lyon's Festival of Light: a spectacular celebration of history and culture

Explore the enchanting Fête des Lumières in Lyon from December 5-8

Bordeaux's hidden stories revealed by hand-drawn maps

Architect Nicolas Coury captures Bordeaux's essence through a community-driven, memory-filled map.

Petition against France loaning Bayeux Tapestry to the UK reaches 72k signatures

People are concerned the 11th Century artefact could be damaged during transportation

Why are so many places in Normandy named -ville?

Unique history of region sees many settlements with same name ending

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Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for September 2025

Including tax and rental property deadlines as well as several festivals

Six films and TV shows to improve your French this rentrée

From cultural references to new vocabulary, watching films in French is essential for your progress

HPI final season: the end of a French TV phenomenon

Comedy-thriller starring Audrey Fleurot that gripped France airs final episodes

Unmissable September events in France: antiques, art and cinema

Explore top attractions this month, including Lille's antiques fair and Le Havre's art festival

How rap artists are becoming the new French poets

Julien Barret - an author with a particular interest in rap music and the French language - explains how the meaning of words is shaped by culture

Podcasts and exhibitions: four French cultural ideas

Find inspiration for outings and a way to deepen your knowledge of France

Basque houses have timeless appeal, cultural significance, and historic charm

These traditional houses in the western Pyrenees are known as etche or etxe in local dialect

Three French-themed books to read in August

A novel set in Provence, a recipe book and a French language-themed colouring book

Toulouse exhibition celebrates the elegance of French air travel

New exhibition shows off the enduring style of Air France

Uncovering France's Easter Island statues

There are five statues in various locations across France

Exhibition: see inside the iconic pavilion of a French prefab architect

Ferdinand Fillod was a French pioneer of prefabricated metal buildings. One of his most famous creations was rescued from ignominy and put on display not far from Perpignan

Breton name bowls: 'People are no longer interested in the traditional craft'

These bowls have become a staple of French cabinets and breakfast tables, but how are they really made?

Five things to do in France in August

A photo festival, a light show, and a fashion exhibition... we suggest four upcoming events for your cultural calendar

A view of houses in an old part of Marseille

Is there an official definition of the ‘south of France’?

There are several theories for where the 'south' begins

We missed opera in France – so we brought it to us

Columnist Peter Bear tells how he introduced rural opera to his French home

Split: Voltaire home plaque and sketch of Voltaire portrait

Five famous historical French figures who were exiled to Britain

From Voltaire to De Gaulle, we share the stories of five exiles who fled across the Channel

In France, do you know your porcherie from your pigeonnier?

These traditional structures have helped small-scale farmers source protein for hundreds of years

How does France mark July 14, and where are the best firework displays in 2025?

Paris, Lyon, Cannes and Strasbourg are among highly-rated displays

New to bandes dessinées? Start with this expert-picked list of beach-worthy reads

BDs can be easy to read for French learners because they usually don't use advanced vocabulary

Bayeux Tapestry to be loaned to British Museum: things you may not know about iconic artefact

The tapestry - which may not be that French after all - is not the only one of its kind. The Connexion speaks to a woman who has spent ten years creating an exact replica

5 podcasts to improve your French this summer

Listening is one of the most important language skills to grasp and podcasts are a great tool

Giant housing estate to block view of Cézanne’s mountain in south of France

Mayor insists the houses are badly needed and that there has been consultation

I sent my parents to Marseille… this is what they thought

Sun, sea, and rosé are highlights in the up-and-coming city-break location

Discover Bordeaux: wine, food and culture

Explore Bordeaux's rich wine heritage, culinary delights and vibrant cultural scene

Key cultural dates for your diary in France in July 2025

Including summer festivals, the national holiday and the return of the Tour de France

Centre Pompidou renovation: get to know this 'inside out' Paris site

Centre Pompidou is one of France’s most recognisable public buildings, but it will be temporarily closed to the public from September

Six exhibitions to see in France this summer

A round up of events for your cultural calendar

Artwork borrowers: the return of the artothèque in France

The Ministry of Culture announced a plan to expand access to contemporary art in rural France

France’s Fête de la Musique brings music to streets nationwide this Saturday

Up to five million people are expected to take part in this first weekend edition in years

This weekend’s European archaeology festival sees hundreds of events in France

Dig sites usually closed to the public will be opened up, many with tours and workshops

Concorde in Toulouse museum declared historic monument

The supersonic aircraft's last flight was in May 1982

Paris Nuit Blanche 2025: join in this weekend’s ‘all night’ free culture festival

Dozens of galleries, museums, and art spaces are holding events and tours

From chicken-shaped cabins to alcoholic seafood soup: eight quirky facts about Vienne

This department, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, has some interesting, yet unexpected features

Magic of 800-year-old natural light display returns to historic French abbey

Art historian Dr Julia Faiers discovers how a medieval PR campaign about a saint’s holy relics determined the rags-to-riches story of Vézelay Abbey in Burgundy