Paris: Great Contemporary Art Market – October 30^th to November 3^rd

The Great Contemporary Art Market at the Place de la Bastille is a must-see for all art fans.  During the five-day event, around 500 artists will showcase their creations. The market is aimed at everybody, so the works are sold at studio prices and artists are happy to answer any questions art novices may have.

Etaples, Pas de Calais: Festival of the Herring – Fête du Hareng Roi – November 8^th & 9^th 

Dressed up in traditional costumes, the people of Étaples meet up on the banks of the Canche River in northern France to celebrate their favourite fish (see photo). Every year, thousands of people join them to enjoy herring in all its delicious forms – pickled, grilled, or smoked and accompanied of course by lots of wine.

Paris: The Salon des vins – November 27th to Dec 1st

If you are a French wine enthusiast then there’s no better place to be than the annual Salons des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants (Independent wine growers fair) at the Porte de Versailles in Paris. It’s basically five days of wine tasting which showcases the best that France has to offer. Just pick up a tasting glass at the entrance and enjoy the welcome given to you by France’s wine growers.

Le Sap, Normandy: Cider Festival – La Fête du Cidre – November 8^th & 9^th 

Now in its 16^th edition, the annual Cider Festival puts traditional techniques of cider-making on show, using machines from the 19^th century. On top of that, there’s entertainment for kids, an art exhibition, and an artisan market selling local produce. The event takes place in The Grand Jardin of the Le Sap village, in the Orne department of Normandy.

France-wide: Armistice Day November 11^th 

On Armistice Day, France honours those who fell or were injured during World War I with commemorative services. In Paris, a military parade will take place, and a ceremony will be held at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe. 

Paris: Salon de la Photo – November 13th to 17th 

The Salon de la Photo has tons on offer, both for photography professionals and amateurs. The exhibitions feature works from famous names in the industry as well as young, emerging artists. Attend a technical workshop to learn more about photography techniques or head to the “Retail Village” to check out the latest equipment.

Colmar: Christmas Market Colmar – November 21^st to December 31st 

Though it may seem a bit early, the Christmas market in the picturesque town of Colmar in the Alsace region already kicks off in mid-November. Wandering around the illuminated city, trying out Alsatian specialties, and sipping from a cup of mulled wine will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit.

Reims: Reims Jazz Festival – November 13^th to 19^th 

This year, both young artists as well as well-known jazz musicians will take the stage at the Reims Jazz Festival. If you don’t feel like attending one of the big concerts, check out one of the jam sessions in the bars and restaurants in the city. 

Paris: Africolor Festival – November 15^th to December 24th 

The 26^th edition of this music festival is bound to bring back some colour into your life during this cold and depressing time of year. The festival, which started out in a Parisian suburbs, has now spread across the whole city and its surroundings, featuring artists from all over Africa.

Beaujolais: Beaujolais Nouveau – November 20th 

The arrival of the season’s Beaujolais wine is always a huge deal in France, and is celebrated with lots of different events in Beaujolais and other parts of the country. Each year, the wine arrives on the third Thursday of November, so the festivities (and the drinking) start around midnight on Wednesday, November 19th.

Paris: Le Grand Tasting – November 28^th and 29^th 

Is there a better way to spend your time than trying out fancy wines? At the Grand Tasting, the best wine makers from all over the world come together to show off their products. The tastings are about 45 minutes long and prices range from €15 to €50 per session.

Paris: The Salon des vins – November 27th to Dec 1st

If you're a French wine enthusiast then there’s no better place to be than the annual Salon des Vins des Vignerons Independants (Independent wine growers fair) at the Porte de Versailles in Paris. It’s basically five days of wine tasting which showcases the best that France has to offer. Just pick up a tasting glass at the entrance and enjoy the welcome given to you by France’s wine growers.

by Simone Flückiger