Bordeaux Events and Festivals

(Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine, France)

Bordeaux is home to many exciting events and lively local festivals, held throughout the year. The city's extensive calendar of fairs includes those devoted to antiques, food, furniture and cars, to name just a few. A number of major sporting, cultural and literary events also come to Bordeaux each year

The tourist office in Bordeaux is always a useful source of information on things to do during your stay in the city, as well as forthcoming festivals and fairs.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day (Jour de l'an)
• Easter Holiday - Easter Monday (late March or early April)
• 1st May - Labour Day (Fête du premier mai)
• 8th May - Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945; Fête du huitième mai)
• May (40th day after Easter) - Ascension Thursday
• 14th July - Bastille Day (Fête nationale)
• 15th August - Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Assomption)
• 1st November - All Saints Day (La Toussaint)
• 11th November - Remembrance Day, Armistice Day (Jour d'armistice)
• 25th December - Christmas Day (Noel)
• 26th December - Second Day of Christmas (In Alsace Lorraine only)

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Salon des Antiquaires- held at the Bordeaux Lac Exhibition Centre, this antique fair attracts some of the best-known antique dealers in France. Popular with those involved in the antique trade, it's also become a firm favourite with amateur antique lovers
• Aquitaine Wedding Fair - held at the Bordeaux Lac Exhibition Centre, see how French couples plan to spend their big day, with exhibitors' stands, demonstrations and makeovers

February

• International Showjumping - mid-February, the world's finest riders come to the Bordeaux Lac Exhibition Centre to compete in this world-class showjumping event
• Holiday on Ice - the Patinoire de Mériadeck is the venue for an annual ice dancing spectacular, Mystery, performed by Holiday on Ice skaters. More than 50 skaters bring the spectacle to life, accompanied by flamenco, gypsy and rock music

March

• Escale du Livre - this well-known book fair is held in and around the Place Renaudel

April

• Bordeaux Spring Fair - from late April to early May, the fair is held on the Place des Quinconces. Visitors crowd to this lively annual market in search of bargains, from antique furniture, to food and plants

May

• Foire de Bordeaux - held late May at the Parc des Expositions. Crowds of up to 300,000 visit this international fair each year to see the latest products on offer from the worlds of interior design, decoration, agriculture and the environment
• Nuit des Musées - beginning of May. Once a year, Bordeaux opens its museums to the public for free. A great opportunity to see for yourself Bordeaux's rich heritage

June

• Bordeaux River Festival - every June, the city's riverfront comes alive with light shows, parades on water and visiting ships
• Garden Festival - held in various locations throughout Bordeaux, this festival of everything green-figured, includes concerts, gardening displays, exhibitions and children's activities
• Festival du Conte - held in mid-June in the St. Michel district, the city celebrates the world of the fairy tale in the written and spoken word, through street performances, shows and exhibitions.
• Bordeaux Pride - held in early June, this annual festival includes political and cultural events, as well as the more traditional carnival-style parade

July

• National Antiques Market - held in the Bordeaux Lac Exhibition Centre, this annual event is shopping heaven for antique-lovers, with plenty of bargains on offer
• Les Epicuriales - some 300,000 people come to the Allées de Tourny, to wine, dine and dance. Music concerts, street theatre, an evening art and craft market, and food and wine tasting are some of the events on offer
• Bastille Day - held on 14th July, open-air dancing and a firework display over the River Garonne are some of the festivities held on the eve of Bastille Day

August

• Un été au Ciné - throughout July and August, Bordeaux celebrates the world of cinema through indoor and outdoor events, including screenings and workshops

September

• Journées du Patrimoine - held mid-September. During its Heritage Weekend, Bordeaux opens the doors of some of its best-known historical buildings to the general public free of charge. From art deco architecture to a Roman amphitheatre, it's a great opportunity to discover all the historic attractions that the city has to offer

October

• Festival International du Cinéma au Féminin - Bordeaux's Women's Film Festival is a celebration of women's role in the world of cinema. Centred around the Allées de Tourny, events include debates and exhibitions, as well as an annual awards' ceremony
• Baby Fair - this biennial fair is held at the Parc des Expositions, attracting thousands of visitors to view the latest in baby products, from clothing to toys and furniture

November

• Autumn Fair - held from November to December on the place des Quinconces, this traditional fair offers visitors the opportunity to pick up some unusual Christmas gifts at bargain prices
• ConforEXPO - held at the Parc des Expositions in Bordeaux. Some 600 exhibitors display everything devoted to the home and garden, as well as health, beauty, fashion and leisure

December

• Salon de l'Auto et de la Moto - held at Bordeaux's Parc des Expositions, this biennial fair attracts thousands of visitors who come to look at the latest cars and motorbikes set to hit the roads around the area