What’s on in February 2023?

Here are some French events to add to your calendar this month, from Pancake day and a lemon festival in Provence to a classic car show in Paris and wine festival in Jura…

It’s Pancake Day! If you’re looking for an excuse to savour a crêpe or two (or more!), today’s the day. February 2nd is known in Christianity as Candlemas, marking the day Jesus was presented at the temple in Jerusalem, and in France it is commemorated with crêpes. Here’s a great recipe on TasteofFranceMag.com. One tradition claims that if you hold a coin in one hand and successfully flip the crêpe in another you will receive financial prosperity during the year – bonne chance!

2 February 2023

Attracting 130,000 visitors each year, the Rétromobile auto show has exhibitions of rare vehicles, workshops, conferences and events to entertain car enthusiasts. It’s held at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris and is a must-attend for anyone that loves a classic car…

1st-5th February 2023

This world-renowned festival celebrates the Vin Jaune – a white wine that is matured in oak casks after being fermented. This year it takes place in Voiteur (each year it is celebrated in a different village) and on this weekend the winegrowers will open their cellars to the public as visitors stroll between food stands that offer regional specialities such as a franc-comtoise platter or andouillette sausage and wine tasting sessions.

3rd-5th February 2023

The Côte d’Azur is bright and beautiful – and a celebration of this blossoming tree in its yellow glory is a joyous addition to any calendar. Head to Mandelieu where flower parades, displays and a Miss Mandelieu competition indicate the arrival of spring on the French Riviera…

8th-12th February 2023

France is a diverse and exciting country, brimming with art, history, natural wonders and of course, its splendid food and wine. At times, however, the French can baffle us with confusing cultural quirks, potentially dampening our experience of this beautiful country. Janet Hulstrand, author of ‘Demystifying the French’ is here to help France Today Live members understand France and its customs, distilling forty-plus years of insightful (and hilarious) experience living and working in the country. France Today Live events are free and cover a wide range of topics – you also get access to the video hub of past events when you sign up!

16th February 2023

The Fête du citron® is also known as the Carnaval de Menton, and it’s a celebration of this Provencal town’s production of specialty lemons and other citrus fruit. Every year incredible sculptures are created from lemons and oranges for the famous festival, and the night parades and day excursions that take place during this fortnight attract over 200,000 visitors each year.

11th-26th February 2023

1 Angers, Pau, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Pornichet-La Baule

2 Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vincennes, Lyon-La Soie

3 Pau, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Deauville, Vincennes

4 Machecoul, Vincennes, Deauville, Mauquenchy

5 Pau, Vincennes, Prix de l’Ile-de-France

6 Chantilly, Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer

7 Châteaubriant, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Graignes, Pornichet-La Baule

8 Pau, Vincennes, Marseille Vivaux

9 Nantes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Mauquenchy

10 Lyon-La Soie, Argentan, Vincennes, Deauville (P)

11 Chantilly, Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Toulouse

12 Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vincennes, Saint-Galmier

13 Pau, Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer

14 Agen-La Garenne, Vincennes, Pornichet-La Baule

15 Pau, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Laval

16 Chantilly, Vincennes, Lyon-La Soie

17 Graignes, Chantilly, Cagnes-sur-Mer

18 Angers, Agen-La Garenne, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Laval

19 Pau, Vincennes

20 Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vincennes, Pornichet-La Baule

21 Fontainebleau, Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Marseille Vivaux

22 Vire, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Toulouse

23 Bordeaux, Vincennes, Lyon-La Soie

24 Mont-De-Marsan, Chantilly, Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer

25 Chantilly, Auteuil, Saint-Galmier

26 Machecoul, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vincennes, Amiens

27 Nantes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Le Croisé Laroche

28 Fontainebleau, Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer