June 2024 promises to be a vibrant month in France, brimming with events and activities that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a cycling enthusiast, or a lover of the arts, there’s something for everyone in the City of Light and beyond.
Here’s a glimpse into what awaits you:
Commemorating D-Day
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, a pivotal moment in World War II. Normandy, the region where the Allied forces landed, will host over 100 themed events throughout June, with the most significant commemorations happening on the anniversary weekend (June 6th). This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in history and pay homage to the heroes of the past.
Marked by engraved headstones, battle-scarred landscapes, and the memories of the fast-disappearing ‘Greatest Generation’, a visit with La Compagnie des Guides will pay tribute to those young men that gave their lives for our freedom. We need to ensure that their story is passed on from present to future generations!
Tour de France
No list of events in France is complete without mentioning the world’s most prestigious cycling race, the Tour de France. The 111th edition graces France in June 2024, featuring grueling routes across the country, with the first-ever leg starting in Florence, Italy, on June 29th. Experience the excitement and cheer on the cyclists as they traverse the beautiful French countryside.
Festivities and Cultural Celebrations
- Fête de la Musique (World Music Day): On June 21st, the summer solstice and the official beginning of summer, France erupts in a joyous celebration of music. Free concerts transform streets into open-air stages, filling the air with vibrant melodies across the nation.
- LGBTQI+ March: Paris holds its annual LGBTQI+ march (previously known as the Gay Pride) on the last Saturday of June (June 29th in 2024), making it a vibrant time to visit the City of Lights and experience the city’s rich LGBTQI+ culture.
- Summer Sales: June usually marks the commencement of the summer sales in France, offering a fantastic opportunity to snag enticing deals on designer goods and other products.
Regional Events and Festivals
- Anjou Festival (Angers): Held from June 9th to July 6th, this open-air theater event is the second-largest of its kind in France, showcasing a diverse program within historic venues.
- Festival du Film de Cabourg (Cabourg, Normandy): Every summer, Cabourg transforms into a haven for romantic films with its dedicated film festival held from June 12th to 16th.
- Impressionist Normandy: Normandy and Paris co-host a celebration of Impressionism, one of the biggest art movements to have originated in France. Immerse yourself in this artistic heritage throughout June. La Compagnie des Guides offers a tour with a private guide to Monet’s house and garden in Giverny. In this lovely village is located the house and gardens of Claude Monet, where he lived and painted for 43 years. Inside the house, the reading room, the “épicerie” (the larder), the living room, the dining room, and the blue-tiled kitchen, the family rooms. In the studio next to the home, Monet painted his large Water Lilies paintings and murals, including those exhibited in Paris’ Musée de l’Orangerie. The Gardens are divided into two distinctive parts, the formal Clos-Normand and the water garden with the water lilies pond and a Japanese bridge.
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- La Gacilly Photo Festival (Brittany): This renowned open-air photography festival in La Gacilly showcases captivating works by established and emerging photographers throughout June.
Beyond the Events
June’s pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring France’s diverse landscapes. Hike or bike through verdant valleys, bask on the beaches of the Mediterranean or Atlantic coasts or delve into the cultural treasures of charming towns and villages. With the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for Paris from late July to early August, June presents a perfect opportunity to experience the pre-Olympic buzz and explore the vibrant city before the sporting extravaganza commences. Make sure to keep a close eye on public transport and road closures as the arenas and other infrastructures begin to take shape!
By carefully selecting events and activities that resonate with your interests, you can craft an unforgettable itinerary for your French sojourn in June 2024. Whether you’re visiting historical sites, enjoying world-class festivals, or simply soaking in the French culture, this summer promises to be one of the best times to visit France. Don’t miss out on making lasting memories in this beautiful country with La Compagnie des Guides.
