traveldk.com

This great lyrical art event has opened up in recent years. As well as classical opera in the courtyard of the Archbishop’s Palace, there are more contemporary works, such as Bartók and Britten, recitals and concerts by younger musicians, as well as music masterclasses and street theatre.

France’s greatest theatre event is really two festivals. The official one takes over the Papal Palace’s Courtyard of Honour and other venues for modern and classical drama. But it is the unofficial “off” festival which enlivens the town, with street performers and up to 400 shows a day, from dance to burlesque comedy.

The French leg of the World Volleyball Grand Slam, and the richest.

Some 30,000 film professionals attend the world’s main cine-gathering, to do business and, incidentally, see a few movies. The atmosphere is glamorously electric. But, as a member of the public, don’t expect to meet stars, or even see them, except as they mount the stairs of the Festival Palace for a screening.

France’s oldest music festival, started in 1860, has the town’s magnificent Roman theatre as its main venue (see Roman Theatre, Orange). The original stage wall ensures perfect acoustics for the classical operas which have earned the event an international reputation.

Bullfighting and festivities to welcome the Camargue rice harvest.

Upwards of 3,000 sheep cram into the old village, for an old-style sheep drive (transhumance ) to upland summer pastures. Along with sheep, goats and donkeys are shepherds in traditional costume, food displays and feasting.

To celebrate the ripening of their grapes, villagers dress up in medieval guise for street parades and performances and a torch-lit banquet.

Since 1980, the festival has drawn the cream of the world’s classical and jazz pianists to play beneath the plane trees and night sky at the Château de Florans.

Waterborne jousting.