Marathon du Medoc, 10th September

Organisers claim the Marathon du Medoc takes the longest to run out of all the marathons in the world, with runners given up to 6 hours to complete this fancy dress race. Participants can also make pit stops along the way at various chateaux and food stops and sample the region’s finest wines and local delicacies.

Each year, runners dress up according to the marathon’s various themes. This year, the theme is ‘Tales and Legends’, so think of your favourite fairytale characters, and get costume-making.

Click here for more information.

Last year's winner. Photo: AFP

Jazz à la Villette, Paris, 30th August – 11th September

Prolong your summer with this 12-day jazz festival at La Villette. The line up promises an eclectic mix of pop, funk and soul as well as jazz performances. The festival, which has been running since 2002, even offers shows specially adapted for child audiences. This year the line-up features acts from a host of big names in hip-hop and soul music including Nas, Talib Kweli and Laura Mvula. 

For the full programme, click here.

Photo: Jazz a la Villette

Monaco yacht show, 28th September – 1st October

Marvel at some 125 one-off superyachts at Monaco’s annual yacht show, which takes place at the beautiful Port Hercules. The world’s largest international yacht exhibition attracts plenty of tourists, yacht enthusiasts and billionaires every year. 580 exhibiting companies are participating this year, and 40 new launches are to be unveiled so don’t miss this opportunity to get a look at some of the world’s most beautiful boats, in a very glamorous location. 

For more information, click here.

Photo: AFP

Lille Reste en Fête, Lille, 4th-6th September

Despite organisers having to cancel Europe’s largest flea market the ‘Braderie de Lille’ this year due to the high risk of terror attacks, the city has organised a replacement with a variety of fun events happening over that weekend.

These include comic and bande-dessiné market which will be held at the the Palais des Beaux-Arts, with well-known writers and illustrators holding performances and book signings. The ‘foire aux mane1ges’, a fun fair boasting over 150 attractions, will also go on as usual this year on Lille’s Champ de Mars. 

For more information on what's on, click here.

Photo: Maëlick/Flickr

European fair Strasbourg, 2nd-12th September

With over 1,000 exhibitors taking part, this annual cultural fair is one of September’s major events in France.

Each year the fair is themed after a different country. This year’s theme country is Tunisia. Head down to discover Tunisian foods, traditions and culture. 

Click here for more information. 

Photo: Marius Brede/Flickr

Journée du patrimoine, 17-18 September, 2016

French cultural heritage sites open their doors up to the public on this weekend in September. There will also be activities held throughout the country, including exhibitions, workshops, walks and conferences. 

This opportunity to explore some of France’s most exciting points of interest comes around just once a year, so make sure you find out what’s happening near you. 

Click here for a full list of events. 

You can get a rare glimpse inside the Elysee Palace. Photo: AFP

Technoparade, Paris, 24th September

Tens of thousands of electro fans flock to the streets of the capital every year for the Technoparade. Music fans and DJs mixing music atop floats will meet 12pm at Port Royal. The parade ends 5km away at Place de la République. 

For more information, click here.

Photo: Technoparade

Rene Magritte exhibition, Centre Pompidou, Paris, 21st September – January 2017

A new exhibition on the surrealist artist opens at the Centre Pompidou in September, entitled ‘The Treachery of Images’. Around a hundred of Magritte’s paintings will be on display, as well as drawings and other archived documents. The last exhibition dedicated to Magritte at the Centre Pompidou was back in 1979, so this is will surely be one not to miss. 

Click here for more information. 

© Centre Pompidou, mnam-cci /Dist. RMN-GP, Photo : G. Meguerditchian © Adagp, Paris 2015

Fête de la gastronomie

This three-day food festival takes place throughout France, giving the food enthusiasts the chance to attend tastings, cookery workshops and picnics. Bringing food experts and foodies together, it is a celebration of France’s culinary tradition. 

For the full programme, click here. 

Traditional mooncakes and Chinese tea. Photo: Wee Keat Chin/Flickr