France is almost always bustling with one hot activity, festival or event after another. It can be hard to narrow the thousands of fetes down to the few don't-miss events of the year. Here is a list of the best, hottest events in France of 2008.
1. Tour de France 2008
Stefan Kraus/Paris Tourism Office
Although previous years' tours lately were marred by controversy, this is still one of the key events in France annually. In 2008, this is sure to be a monumental and exciting tour. To witness it anywhere on the route this July in person will be a thrill.
2. Cannes Film Festival 2008
Festival de Cannes
Unless you are really part of the in crowd, you won't be able to actually attend film showings. But just being part of the excitement is still a blast. You can crowd up to the red carpet each evening to see celebrities prance by mere feet away. You can spend your days lounging at the beach, or sipping cafe au laits at outdoor bistros. This is the one event in France that attracts visitors from around the globe, both celebrities and commoners.
3. Nice Carnaval
Nice Carnaval
The Carnaval in Nice is a festive 10-day celebration featuring daily parades, concerts, street theater and more. Dating back to the Middle Ages, people from around the world have been descending on this gorgeous French Riviera city each year to cut loose. It is a chance to indulge in food, music and festivities, all in the mild winter climate of the Mediterannean. While this isn't the only Carnaval in Europe, this is certainly one of the biggest ones.
4. Beaujolais Nouveau's Release
M. Troncy/UIVB
The long-awaited release of each year's Beaujolais Nouveau comes at the strike of midnight on the third Thursday in November. There are about 120 festivals to honor the arrival of this enticing young wine in the Beaujolais region alone, not to mention throughout France and across the globe. To truly experience this amazing annual event, visit the Beaujolais region.
5. Christmas Markets
Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet
France is known for its wonderful markets, but one of the best times of year to visit is during the Santa season. There are several Christmas markets throughout France, with wonderful handcrafted ornaments, gifts and food items. Plan your trip to visit the Christmas markets. As a bonus, this is also a wonderful time of year to see France. Shops and homes are decked for the holidays. Village squares are dangled with lights. Beautiful and magical!
6. Bastille Day
The ultimate French holiday is Bastille Day, which is essentially their equivelant to America's Independence Day. A visit to any spot in France, be it Paris or a small village, is sure to be rewarded with amazing festivities, fabulous food and general revelry.7. Paris Gay Pride Parade & Festival
Catherine Balet/Paris Office of Tourism
This is one of the world's most popular gay events of the year. The event attracts about half a million people each year, as well as more than a hundred associations, trade unions, political parties, organizations for the defence of human rights and commercial establishments.
8. D-Day Invasion Anniversary
Normandy Tourism Office
Although the major festivities of the recent 60th anniversary of D-Day have come and gone, the annual anniversary is still a wonderful time to visit the World War II sites in northern France.
9. New Year's Eve
© Paris Tourist Office - Photographe : Amélie Dupont
The French really know how to celebrate New Year's, whether it's clubbing in Paris or the sublime midnight grape-picking event in the Midi Pyrenees or an upscale, medieval celebration in a Loire castle. Find out how to plan a New Year's Eve visit to France, and which events and festivals are planned for the turn of the new year.