EXPERT
Provins, east of Paris, hosts a massive medieval festival each year that recreates the foires de Champagne
Le Mans, from classic to formula cars. Easily reached from the Channel coast, I’ve seen cavalcades of vintage cars erupt from ferries wending their way southwards – a sight for many to salivate over. There are many other motor
racing festivals held each year such as the Circuit des Remparts in September when a cacophony of voitures race around the ramparts of the ancient city of Angoulême. Then, of course, there’s the Monaco Grand Prix in late May where superyachts double park in the harbour to watch; this is followed by the Le Mans race a week or so later. I won’t get side-tracked by
horses but there are many racing festivals held at the likes of Longchamp, Paris and Chantilly in Oise with all sorts of other equine events filling the calendar for aficionados.
soldiers, nobles, cavalry and pyrotechnics followed by medieval feasting. Close to St-Émilion, you can marry the latter perhaps with tasting a little grand cru? In living memory, perhaps
the most moving are the D-Day commemorations held each year in Normandy on 6 June, where the world’s largest ever invasion took place 78 years ago. Guided tours allow you to walk in the footsteps of the Allies and you can watch parachute drops, historical re-enactments, period vehicle parades, exhibitions and concerts celebrating the world of swing and evocative music of the 1940s. Normandy is transformed with villages and houses decorated with French, British, American and Canadian flags during May and June. Many festivals have
achieved international fame and recognition – such as for anything on four wheels at
A NICE PLACE TO START I should have started the year with a quick trip to the French Riviera and February’s carnival in Nice celebrating Mardi Gras complete with parades and fireworks. Just outside Nice, in Menton, February also sees the lemon festival, when the citrus fruits decorate the streets bringing their golden glow to this gorgeous town. This is echoed in Bormes-
les-Mimosas where a traditional parade celebrates the eponymous bloom as surrounding hills along the coast are covered in banks of glorious yellow mimosa marking winter’s end. By March, music festival
season starts again (if it ever stopped) with La Route du Rock in Brittany featuring rock and post punk music. If that isn’t your bag, from trad jazz to classical, electronic, opera, you name it, there’s a festival. Among the best, Les Chorégies d’Orange sees opera sublimely performed in the Provençal town’s Roman theatre. In Paris there’s the Festival
of St-Denis in June, with classical concerts including performances by international artists, and the list goes on
€595,000
PRETTY IN PINK North of Nîmes and the excitement of the area’s many festivals, this delightful single-storey property offers three bedrooms in the main house plus a one-bedroom gîte. This modern and spacious home built in the traditional style offers all mod cons. Dine outside on the shaded terrace overlooking lovely gardens – naturally, there’s a swimming pool. Tresques is a quiet village with a bakery and village shop, close to Uzès and not far from Avignon.
€194,000
TOWNHOUSE NEAR LE MANS This ancient townhouse in Bonnétable oozes character and charm and is only 30km from the excitement of Le Mans. Parts date back to the 17th century, notably its pointed tower, staircase and fireplaces. Partially restored, there are five bedrooms (three to be renovated to your taste). There’s ample parking in the front courtyard, while the other will make a charming garden.
through to jazz among the snow in the Alps during the winter. Of course, the nationwide
music event is La Fête de la Musique, held on the longest day of the year, where there’s music everywhere and literally dancing in the streets, free concerts in town squares and generally a good time had by all! The largest music festival in
France – Vieilles Charrues – is held in Carhaix, Brittany. This July’s event sees feature acts such as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Robbie Williams. I love anything to do with
flowers, plants and gardens, and
we’re more than well catered for with floral celebrations here. In Digne-les-Bains, there’s the Corso de la Lavande with parades of lavender-covered floats, music and, naturally, fireworks. Visiting Provence in late June is a feast for the senses with sunbaked fields of purple lavender under deep blue skies and the divine fragrance scenting the air. A month or so later there’s a jasmine festival in Grasse. Chantilly hosts a wonderful garden festival at the Château de Montvillargenne in May, which is inspiring for any would-be
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: July/August 2023 49
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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