Only in 2009 France was host to 10,000 events and festivals in the sphere of culture alone. From cinema (Palm D’Or and Festival d’Avignon, among the most famous) to arts and craft shows.

2010 is the year of Chopin, celebrated in France and in Poland equally. Various music events are scheduled.

Shows (cinema, concerts, theater) or other activities (festivals, flea markets, exhibitions)  are listed in specialist guides on sale at newspaper kiosks or in the local press, especially in the weekend editions. Tourist Offices also have available lists of events in the town and surrounding area.

Free Concerts

Many churches and cathedrals in Paris and throughout France offer free concerts, especially during the summer. In Paris, free organ recitals are given at Notre-Dame, St-Eustache, St-Merri and Eglise de la Madeleine on Sundays. Check with local tourist offices for more information.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of France at a Glance

• Gardens and Gastronomy in France
  

  This “colorful and tasty” program has been designed especially for Cultural Crossroads travelers who are particularly interested in discovering the secrets of French cuisine and some of the most interesting gardens including many private gardens not normally opened to the public. Cultural Crossroads travelers will enjoy a cooking demonstration by a well-known Chef, wine and olive oil tastings, and a private visit to a Renaissance castle which is now a private residence. We also visit a workshop that creates Provencal fabrics, a glass blowing museum, the impressive estate and winery of Val Joanis, and a class with a perfume expert in her laboratory in one of the most famous perfume factories of Grasse. Of course, every day will include local French cuisine.

• Treasures of Art in the Loire Chateaux Country
  

  Amboise will be our home for 6 nights, a perfect location in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is often referred to as the center of the French “Art de Vivre” because of its long tradition of elegant chateaux and delicious food. Cultural Crossroads travelers will follow our expert study leader, from castle to castle from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the 18th and 19th century, we will discover treasures of art, exceptional parks and gardens, arts and crafts of the region and enter the fascinating history of the châteaux country.