FESTIVALS 2019/20 THE GUIDE


Awards du Chocolat. www.salon-du-chocolat.fr


Street Food International Festival


September 16-17, 2019


Paris may be globally renowned for its haute cuisine but street food culture is gaining as much ground here as it is in other European cities. Le Food Market holds frequent events on the Boulevard de Belleville (between Métro stops Ménilmontant and Couronnes) but it’s at the Street Food International Festival at Porte de Versailles in September that the prestigious Truck d’Or, Truck d’Argent and Truck de Bronze awards will be held. Last year’s event was unfortunately cancelled, so the participants will have had a full two years to up their gourmet game. The winners are decided in true democratic style: by the votes of those who attend. www.streetfoodinternational festival.com


Festival Médiéval de Sedan May 2020 (Dates TBC)


Expect crêpes and other sizzling mouthfuls at the Street Food International Festival


HISTORICAL Cidre et Dragon September 21-22, 2019 You can blame Tolkien for this, but these days the worlds of medieval mythology and magic intertwine at costumed fairs across the continent. Cidre et Dragon is one of France’s best. Spread across the golden sands of Merville-Franceville-Plage in Calvados, Normandy, this eccentric gathering coaxes out


not only cider and dragons, but also knights and maidens, elves and goblins, fi re dancers and hatchet throwers, damsels and steampunk dandies. It’s obviously not so much about authenticity and more about fun, and it’s a ripe opportunity to indulge in a little escapism, whether you choose to attend in everyday threads or dressed to the nines in full-blown mythical garb. www.cidreetdragon.eu


Every year the northern city of Sedan hosts a weekend festival to rival all medieval-themed jollies. For starters, this one is held in the 15th-century Château Fort de Sedan, the perfect backdrop for the hearty traditional banquet, medieval markets, fl ag-throwing competitions, wrestling, sword duels and tournaments on horseback, and the artisan reconstructions of the clothing, homeware, weaponry and medicine of yore. On the Saturday night, a parade sweeps through the castle and a grand show is held by the moat. For adults and little ones alike, this is a history lesson like no other. www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr


Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc April to May 2020 (Dates TBC) Joan of Arc, as we explained in the last issue of France Today, was originally from Lorraine. However, her name will


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Take a break in Limousin


with 7


direct routes from


UK


Fly from London Stansted and Gatwick, Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester, Southampton, Leeds-Bradfordd


Haute-Vienne Tourisme


www.tourisme-hautevienne.com www.aeroportlimoges.com


Jun/Jul 2019 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 149


IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK


©JChristDupuy


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