Article by Dorte Holm Jensen
If you are trying to schedule your Avignon vacation to fit with an event, you have definitely chosen the right destination; Every month of the year – Avignon has a special event listed. Whether you are in the mood for music, theatre, film, antiques or have interests like chess, wine or horses – Avignon can deliver!
January, February and Marts is a good trimester to visit Avignon if you are interested in horses, contemporary dancing, theatre, motors or Cotes du Rhone wine.
April, June and July offers Commercial fairs like a pottery and craft market, book fair and an Antique fair. You will also find exhibitions like the rose’s exhibition in the Palace of the Popes and night museums.
For three weeks in July the Avignon Theatre Festival is an essential summer stopover in the cultural life of France – but actually there a two of them running side by side. The alternative version known as the “Festival Off” is a bazaar, party, fair, a theatre supermarket – all that and more. During July the living arts take over Avignon, theatres flourish in the bosom of the city, sometimes in some improbable locations, and the number of shows offered are more than you can possible manage…so be selective.
In August you can enjoy concerts and strolls from the bridge to the Palace at night – but the really big August event is “The Tremplin Jazz Festival” where some of Europe’s finest jazz musicians come together to perform in the glorious Palace of the Popes.
September, October and November have various events from celebrating the harvest of the grapes, Pets exhibition, and a huge art event with 60 artists and more than 40 venues throughout the city.
The annual Blues event in Avignon is not to be missed. Blues musicians from Australia and USA are performing in different venues in the city. Normally it takes place some time between late September and mid November.
Finally you will find a traditional Christmas market in Avignon throughout the month of December. This is the place to rediscover your Christmas spirit in the beautiful lit-up streets of Avignon. Quite an impressive amount of events. You will have absolutely no problems scheduling your vacation with an event. You will find cultural events in Avignon all year round. Every month has a festival, a fair or a market. I have just given you a brief overview – for more details and dates; check with the Tourist Office.
If you are several people going together, you will have the advantage of interesting cultural offers to choose from and with a little luck, you will find something for everybody’s taste. Avignon is indeed Festival City.
About the Author
Dorte Holm Jensen is co-founder of FincaFantasticaTravel.