It’s cold and a bit dank outside right now, but Spring really isn’t that far away, so here’s what’s coming up in France as the days get longer, the sky bluer, and the sun warmer.

We know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking it might be too early to start planning what to do in Spring in France, and which festivals and events to consider going to. 

You may, then, want to look over our Winter festival guide, which runs all the way through to the end of January.

And, we also know, Spring — meteorologically and astronomically at least — doesn’t officially begin until March. But we can have some lovely days in France in February, and there’s always something going on somewhere.

So, here’s our pick of festivals and events in France in February, March and April.

February

Nice Carnival — February 11th to March 1st

If you’re sick of the winter blues by February, consider a trip to the south-east coast where weeks of festivities bring the Mediterranean city of Nice to life and mark the end of the winter hiatus.

There are Carnival Parades (Corsi) day and night plus the elegant Flower Parades. Lots of floats, decorated and presented under this season’s Long Live the Queen theme, parade to the rhythm of street art troupes and musical groups from  all over the world, all in a colourful, festive, family atmosphere.

If you want to keep up to date with French politics, there are also usually some extremely unflattering models of politicians on floats. For more information, click here.

Fête du Citron — February 14th to March 1st

Not to be outdone by its larger near-neighbour, the resort of Menton tempts more than 200,000 visitors every year for a spectacular 15-day celebration of all things citrus. 

Yep, that’s right. There are carnival floats made out of lemons, the town is decorated in lemons — and other agrumes — and there’s every variety of citrus-themed food and drink that you could possibly imagine. 

In fact, why not go to both festivals if you’re in the region? Click here for more. 

Le Salon International de l’Agriculture — February 21st to March 1st

One of the world’s largest agriculture fairs, the Salon de l’Agriculture, at Paris’s Porte de Versailles, attracts some 600,000 visitors over nine days and is a must-visit event on the senior French politicians’ calendar.

The Lumpy Skin disease outbreak among cattle may mean that livestock numbers at the event may be limited, or even off the books, this year, but organisers have said that there’s no danger that the event will be cancelled. Find out more here.

Carnaval Vénitien d’Annecy — February 27th to March 1st

For three days, hundreds of glitteringly masked and exquisitely dressed mannequins – many inspired by Commedia dell’arte characters – parade and pose in the streets of the old town of Annecy, on the shores of the lake, on the Pâquier lawn, in the Jardins de l’Europe or along the canals, in a silent atmosphere required by the rules. More details here.

March

Sarlat Fest’Oie — March 7th and 8th

Fois gras is a controversial delicacy in France due to concerns about cruelty in the production method. It has been outlawed altogether in several countries, and banned as a course in Christmas meals in some schools, while campaigns are ongoing to take it off menus at official town hall functions across France.

Sarlat, the capital of the Périgord Noir and the historic seat of the goose-liver product, however, is proud of its historic contribution to gastronomy and hosts an annual two-day fair to celebrate it. Find out more, here.

Foire Internationale aux Fromages et aux Vins — March 27th to 30th 

The Foire Internationale aux Fromages et aux Vins in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, features the expected array of food and drink, as well as producer competitions. Traditionally, there’s also a guess the cow’s weight competition that is open to the public, but welfare concerns may take that off the cards this year. More details, here.

Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo — March 11th to April 19th

Classical concerts abound in several venues in Monaco, as well as unusual locations such as the Oceanographic Museum and the occasional parking lot. Created at the behest of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, the festival quickly gained prestige attracts a distinguished lineup of performers. Further details are available here.

April

Quais du Polar — April 3rd to April 5th

Lovers of literary murder, assemble! Dozens of internationally known crime writers, including Catherine Ryan Howard, Peter James, David Peace, and Sarai Walker, descend on Lyon for the three-day literary festival. Details here.

Festival de cerfs-volants et du vent — April 4th to April 6th

Châtelaillon-Plage, in the south-west département of Charente-Maritimes, is a windswept delight of a beach that every year hosts the Festival international du cerf-volant et du vent (kite and wind festival) for three days in April. There are big kites, little kites, competition kites, fighting kites. Plus, kite surfing and kite-building workshops. Basically, kites plus wind plus sand plus sea equals a whole lotta fun. More information here.

Paris-Roubaix Challenge — April 11th

The Paris-Roubaix cycle race, aka The Hell of the North, sees some of the world’s best racers take on the partially cobbled road race challenge. That’s on Sunday, April 12th this year. A day earlier, the Paris-Roubaix challenge offers amateur riders aged 18 and over the chance to test their mettle on the same route. 

The good news is that two other routes are also available: a circuit of around 70km around Roubaix, including several cobbled sections, and another route of around 140km including the famous cobbles of the Carrefour de l’Arbre crossroads and the Trouée d’Arenberg trench. On second thoughts, that’s still not necessarily good news…

Details, for masochistic road racers out there, are here.

Printemps de Bourges – April 14th – April 19th

You know summer’s well and truly on the way when the outdoor music festivals start popping up on the agenda.

Enter the 50th anniversary edition of the annual, eclectic Printemps de Bourges in the central French town of Bourges, which this year features Vanessa Paradis, Gims, Superbus, Feu! Chatterton, and Linh — among others. The full line-up is here.