Paris Carnaval

When: 3 Feb 2008 (annual)

Where: Rue Le Vau

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Build-up at Porte de Bagnolet from 1.30pm Parade leaves the Rue Le Vau at 3pm; arrives at town hall 7pm

Paris' annual carnaval procession goes by many names - including the Promenade du Boeuf Gras (Fat Cow Parade). Led by the Fat Cow herself, it revives an age-old tradition begun in 1274.

Lille Festival of Flavours

When: May 2008 (annual)

Where: Place Rihour

Cost: Free

Visitors can enjoy two days of culinary delights in the centre of Lille during the delicious Festival of Flavours. Local producers offer tastings of confectionery, cheese, beer, coffee and much more.

Festival of the Jester

When: May 2008 (annual)

Where: Saint Quentin en Tourmont

Cost: Outdoor activites free

Each year at the Festival of the Jester, the city of Saint-Quentin revives the popular festive traditions of the north of France. Herbert, the Saint-Quentinese giant, walks through the crowds and watches over the city.

Bastille Day Celebrations

When: Jul 2008 (annual)

Where: France

Public celebrations don't come much grander than France's Bastille Day. Be prepared for spectacular fireworks and the belting out of La Marseillaise as the French celebrate 1789 and a swarm of revolting peasants. Major cities and rural towns alike congregrate for this huge annual commemoration.

Les Festives Halles

When: Aug 2008 (annual)

Where: Questembert

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: All day

Questembert's 16th-century market halls resound to the strains of street performance and market trading as more than 100 artists and craftsmen gather for this annual festival.

Les Festives Halles

When: Dec 2008 (annual)

Where: Deauville

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: All day (no perfomances on Christmas day)

This is a Christmas event with a difference. Rather than the ubiquitous "if you've seen one you've seen them all" Christmas markets that swamp France in December, Deauville hosts a Street Theatre Festival, known as Noël au Balcon.

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