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What’s on in France: Eight great things to do in August 2017

If you're in France for August, you might notice the towns and cities empty out for the summer - but don't worry, there's still plenty to do for those who are left behind.

Published: 1 August 2017 17:23 CEST
What's on in France: Eight great things to do in August 2017
Photo: AFP

Here's our pick of the best events on in France in August, from food to culture and plenty more besides.

Lama Film Festival, Until August 4th
 
Always wanted to head to Corsica but never had a reason? Why not pop down to the Lama Film Festival. Granted, you'll need to have a good grasp of French to understand the films, and considering it's a European Film Festival the subtitles will be in French – BUT – take a look at the video below and tell us that you wouldn't want to visit this charming town. 
 
Celtique Festival, Brittany, August 4th-13th

Thousands of musicians are set to descend on the town of Lorient in Brittany, western France for the annual InterCeltique festival. Brittany is one of the six “Celtic nations” where Celtic traits have survived (the others are Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man).

 
AFP
 
Expect Celtic music in various styles, including traditional, classical, folk, jazz, and even rock. All aspects of Celtic art will be explored over the ten days, with writers, film directors, painters and lecturers on hand.

Fête du bruit, Landernau, August 11th-13th

This annual music festival takes place in Landerneau, in Brittany, western France with this year's headliners including Texas (Friday). Tickets for the three-day pass are on sale for €118.

Feria de Dax, August 11th-15th

The town of Dax, in the south west of France, plays host to its biggest festival of the year in August for La Feria. The festival will certainly not be for everyone's taste as it involves the ever divisive Corrida or bullfighting, which has long been a tradition in the area.
 
AFP
 
But there is also plenty of entertainment on hand, including folk music, fireworks, and activities for the kids.
 
Jazz Festival, Ramatuelle, August 16th-20th
 
If you a fan of all things jazz then this is the festival for you. Head to the town of Ramatuelle on the French Riviera and listen to jazz acts to your heart's content. This year's programme includes Lisa Simone, daughter of singing legend, Nina Simone.  
 
Fête du Cassoulet, Aude, August 24th-28th
 
Who doesn't love a good cassoulet? Luckily, the name of this festival doesn't deceive, with over 40,000 varieties of the delicious French specialty on offer (learn how to cook it here).
 
But that's not all there is to it, Fete du Cassoulet also offers up a hearty dish of musical acts and sporting events. 
 
Get an idea of what to expect from the video below. Bon appetit!
 
 
Rock-en-Seine, Paris, August 25th-27th

This year, Paris's three-day summer festival features The XX, PJ Harvey, George Ezra and plenty more great acts. Buy tickets from the website.

The Chemical Brothers performing at last year's Rock-en-Seine. AFP

 
Do you like classical music? Look no further. This music festival is celebrating its 42nd year in 2017, and it's already showcased some since it opened earlier this summer. 
 
August will be no exception, with the southern French town playing host to a range of choirs (including Gregorian, Orthodox Russian, and Basque), and indeed fine music on most days. 

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EVENTS

How Cologne is preparing for the start of Carnival on Friday

Dressing up, singing, and drinking: On Friday, countless Jecken (revelers) in Cologne will once again celebrate the start of the Carnival session.

Published: 9 November 2022 10:29 CET
How Cologne is preparing for the start of Carnival on Friday

Dubbed Germany’s “fifth season” by locals, the event starts every year on November 11th at 11:11 am, and typically stretches into February or March, when colourful parades spill into the streets.

Carnival stronghold Cologne in particular is preparing for the onslaught of tens of thousands of people who will flock to its Altstadt (old town), and especially to the student quarter, starting early Friday morning. 

READ ALSO: 10 unmissable events in Germany this November

“Far too many people want to celebrate in far too small a space,” city director Andrea Blome told DPA. “We can’t stop anyone from coming to Cologne now.” 

More security this year

In the popular Kwartier Latäng student quarter, there have been regular bouts of drinking by young partygoers in the past, who crowded into a confined space, leaving litter everywhere and publicly peeing on the corners of buildings. 

Google Maps shows the location of the so-called Kwartier Latäng part of Cologne.

But with a new security plan, the city and police hope to keep the situation under control.

Several checkpoints and road closures have been set up to secure the safety of the revelers and relieve the burden on worried residents, according to Blome. Visitors will only be able to enter the closed-off area around Zülpicher Straße via a single access point. 

On Friday, Cologne is also set to send a total of 150 employees from the Ordnungsamt (public order office) onto the streets, who will be supported by 520 private security guards. 

A glass ban will again apply in the celebration zones, and several hundred toilets will be set up at the hotspots, “which nevertheless will probably not be used by all visitors,” Blome predicted.

READ ALSO: 10 words you need to know at Cologne’s Carnival

Up to 1,100 police officers are expected to be on duty on the day – about 200 fewer than last year, said head of operations Rüdiger Fink. But he expected to keep the situation “under control with a new security plan.”

What to expect

On Cologne’s Heumarkt, there will be a stage program all day with bands such as the Bläck Fööss, the Paveiern and Brings. 

Google Maps shows Cologne’s Heumarkt along the Rhine River.

According to the Willi Ostermann Society, about 10,000 tickets were sold in advance for the event, which will be aired by German WDR for several hours.

Meanwhile, in Düsseldorf, the day will start at 11:11 a.m. with the “Hoppeditz Awakening” in front of City Hall. 

According to a spokesman, the police will be adequately prepared for the start of the season, with a particular focus on the Altstadt, where there will certainly be celebrations.

“But 11.11. is a very different event here in Düsseldorf than in Cologne,” he said, referring to a more orderly start and fewer guests.

READ ALSO: What you need to know about celebrating Carnival in Germany

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