8 standout food festivals to enjoy this summer

As the warmer months beckon and the countryside bursts into colour, France offers a cornucopia of gastronomic festivals that are as rich in heritage as they are in flavour. From coastal celebrations of seafood to the refined elegance of haute cuisine and the simple joy of summer fruit, the coming months are brimming with opportunities to indulge in some of the country’s most iconic regional fare.  

Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques, Brittany – April 26–27, 2025

Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Côtes-d’Armor 

Each spring, the Bay of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany plays host to the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques, a jubilant tribute to the region’s prized scallops. Started in the 1990s to support the local fishing industry during economically turbulent times, the festival has since become a beloved annual event rotating between the ports of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Paimpol and Erquy. 

In 2025, Saint-Quay-Portrieux will play host over a weekend of culinary festivities, including seafood markets, tastings and expertly prepared scallop dishes. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours, exhibitions dedicated to maritime professions, sea rescue demonstrations and live music. Entry is free and the convivial, seaside atmosphere makes it an unforgettable weekend on the Breton coast. 

Taste of Paris – May 8–11, 2025 

Grand Palais, Paris

Returning to its historic setting at the newly renovated Grand Palais, the Taste of Paris festival marks its 10th anniversary with a four-day culinary showcase that promises to delight gourmands and food lovers alike. 

From May 8 to 11, the capital’s top chefs – including Michelin-starred names and rising talents – will present signature dishes in taster-sized portions from their pop-up restaurants. Alongside these gastronomic creations, visitors can attend live cooking demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The festival also features a vast market with more than 100 artisan producers offering everything from cured meats to caviar, oils, preserves and wines. Be sure to bring a basket – there will be plenty of irresistible souvenirs to take home.

Fête de la Fraise – May 11, 2025 

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Corrèze 

Springtime in the Dordogne Valley is sweetened by the arrival of the Fête de la Fraise, held annually in the picturesque village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. On May 11, this popular event pays tribute to the region’s famed strawberries with a day of festivities that includes bustling markets, tastings and local culinary delights. 

Visitors can stroll through stalls offering a variety of strawberry-based treats, from preserves to pastries, while soaking up the convivial atmosphere. The festival celebrates not only the fruit itself but also the strong community spirit of this riverside town. 

Cherry Festival – May 24–25, 2025 

Céret, Pyrénées-Orientales 

At the foot of the Pyrénées, the town of Céret ushers in the early days of summer with its vibrant Fête de la Cerise, taking place this year on May 24 and 25. Known for its exceptional cherries, Céret hosts a joyful programme of activities including tastings, performances by bandas and sardana dancers and the ever-popular cherry pit-spitting contests. 

The streets come alive with market stalls dedicated to cherry products of every kind, while local restaurants create special menus to highlight the fruit in both sweet and savoury dishes. It’s a delightful celebration of seasonal abundance, set against the backdrop of a town steeped in Catalan culture and charm. 

Bordeaux Wine Festival – June 19–22, 2025 

Quays of Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Much more than a celebration of wine, the Bordeaux Wine Festival transforms the city’s historic riverfront into a festive open-air celebration of the region’s viticultural excellence. For four days in June, visitors can sample wines directly from the producers at the Appellation Stands, gaining a deeper appreciation for the terroirs and traditions that define Bordeaux. 

The event also includes gourmet experiences hosted by local chefs, food and wine pairings, artisanal stalls, live cooking shows and cultural activities. The atmosphere is heightened by the arrival of magnificent tall ships docked along the Garonne, many of which welcome visitors aboard. Each evening, a spectacular drone light show dazzles the crowds, bringing the day’s festivities to a dramatic close. 

For those unable to attend in person, highlights from the festival will be shared online using the hashtag #BFV2025. 

Fête de l’Ail Rose – August 1–2, 2025 

Lautrec, Tarn 

In the heart of Occitanie, the medieval village of Lautrec, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, honours its renowned pink garlic with the Fête de l’Ail Rose, a two-day festival held this year on August 1 and 2. 

The charming cobbled streets fill with market stalls and the unmistakable scent of garlic as visitors enjoy tastings, demonstrations and traditional garlic-plaiting workshops. From sculptures made entirely of garlic to the richly flavoured local garlic soup, the event is a true sensory celebration of this unique and fragrant crop. A symbol of Lautrec’s agricultural pride, pink garlic is elevated to star status in this rustic and flavourful summer fête.

Fête du Cassoulet – August 21–24, 2025 

Castelnaudary, Aude 

While cassoulet may be more commonly associated with winter comfort, Castelnaudary’s Fête du Cassoulet proves that there’s no wrong time to celebrate France’s iconic slow-cooked casserole. Held over four lively days from August 21 to 24, this spirited festival brings tens of thousands to the self-proclaimed world capital of cassoulet. 

Visitors don blue and white attire and take to the streets to enjoy concerts, gourmet markets, processions and communal feasting. The highlight is, of course, the cassoulet itself – rich with pork sausages, duck confit and the all-important Lauragais ingot beans, prepared according to the Grande Confrérie du Cassoulet de Castelnaudary’s revered recipe. A joyous farewell to summer, the festival perfectly blends culinary tradition with communal revelry.

Fêtes de la Mirabelle – August 22–24, 2025  

Metz, Moselle 

Each August, the city of Metz in Lorraine celebrates its most emblematic fruit – the Mirabelle plum – with a vibrant and much-loved festival that dates back to 1947. The Fêtes de la Mirabelle offer a week of joyful celebration, drawing up to 80,000 visitors annually. 

Events include open-air concerts, theatrical street performances, parades of flower-bedecked floats, fireworks and a lively market filled with Mirabelle-based treats, from jams and tarts to liqueurs. One of the highlights is the traditional crowning of the Queen of the Mirabelle.  

Looking for more French food and drink content?

In our magazine we offer a whirlwind tour of the best gastronomic destinations. Discover La Belle France’s renowned markets, quirkiest food festivals, most indulgent restaurants and foodie experiences.

Lead photo credit : Metz Mirabelle fest_shutterstock