THE GUIDE WINTER BREAKS 2017/18


A gang of turkeys is chaperoned through the streets of Licques at Christmas


atmosphere at the Cité Internationale des Congrès. The theme for 2018’s festival is ‘A New World’, focusing on composers who have braved new territories and made their mark on foreign land, from Prokofiev to Schoenberg. January 31 – February 4 www.follejournee.fr


Le Salon du Chocolat Between advent calendars and gingerbread houses, winter is heaven for those with a sweet tooth. Chocoholics should consider starting the season with Le Salon du Chocolat in Paris. More than 500 exhibitors flock to this prestigious gathering, including leading chefs and master chocolatiers from all corners of the world. Besides roaming the stalls, visitors can attend exhibitions and pastry workshops, watch


demonstrations by experts and even witness a chocolate fashion show (yes, the ensembles are cocoa-based)! The show also hosts some serious competitions, including the Pain au Chocolat Masters, Artisan Patisserie Trophy, International Cocoa Awards – and, the crème de la crème, the Awards du Chocolat. October 28 – November 1 www.salon-du-chocolat.fr


Saint Nicolas Day Saint Nicolas Day, or the Feast Day of Saint Nicolas, is observed with particular flair in the river-front city of Nancy. To pay tribute to the gift-giving saint, a


152 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2017 FT164.WINTER BREAK GUIDE.indd 152 08/09/2017 15:06


weekend of festivities, float parades, processions and theatrical performances takes place through Place Stanislas and the central streets. Few other festivals are as eclectic: you’ll see costumed dancers, animatronic creatures, marching bands, fireworks – and Saint Nick himself, of course. Plus, there’s the staple vin chaud et châtaignes grillées to keep you warm. Just be prepared for the inevitable crowds! December 1– 3 en.nancy-tourisme.fr


La Fête des Lumières The Festival of Lights sees Lyon shapeshift into a playground of light and colour, as iconic buildings, such as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, are lit up in honour of the Virgin Mary. This annual celebration stems from 1852, when the golden Virgin Mary statue was installed atop the basilica on Fourvière Hill. After the inauguration was delayed by a flood and storms, the weather settled on the eve of December 8, which residents marked by gratefully lining the front of their homes with candles. The tradition has been upheld on the 8th every year since, and the Festival of Lights is a way to draw even wider attention to the occasion. Carefully orchestrated projections dancing across the façades of buildings to music are sure to put stars in the eyes of all visitors to the city. December 7 – 10 www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr FT


Untit


IMAGE © MICHEL GIULBERT


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15