Festival des Arts de la Rue
May
If you are seeking a unique experience while you are studying French
in the Basque region, the Festival of Street Arts, Festival des Arts
de la rue, held in Biarritz every May may be what you are seeking. Watch
as comedians, acrobats, clowns, musicians and dancers come together
to display their talents in a festival specifically dedicated to the
art of street performance.
Fêtes de la Mer et casetas
June
Every June Biarritz celebrates its Spanish influences with a lively
street festival. Centered around food, street entertainment, surfing
and tapas, there is something to suit everyone.
Fêtes de la Saint Jean
June
The Fête de la Saint Jean is held on the weekend occurring closest
to the 21st June every year, and it celebrates the summer solstice.
Participants in the festival can look forward to music, dancing and
beach bonfires.
Biarritz Surf Festival
July
Founded in 1993, the annual Biarritz Surf Festival at the Côte
des Basques attracts surfers from all over the world, including Hawaii,
California and Australia. Over 150,000 surfing enthusiasts come to party
at the biggest surfing festival in Europe, watching some of the top
proponents of the sport in action, whilst enjoying the weeklong festivities
held at every beach in town!
The Hawaiian spirit permeates the Basque town as surfers and spectators
re-create the search for the endless summer…
International Roxy Jam Surfing World Cup
July
Held in Biarritz every July, the International Roxy Jam Surfing World
Cup combines a schedule of professional surfing competitions with
art and music exhibitions. Celebrating its fourth year, the Roxy
Jam will take place 10-14 July 2009, with 32 professional women surfers
participating to fight for the title of 2009 Ladies World Champion.
Possibly the largest ladies surfing event in the world, the Roxy
Jam is held at the gorgeous Côte des Basques. For one week
Europe's home of surfing is dedicated to women's surfing and features
The Women's Longboard World Championship as well as shortboard riders.
The action isn’t all in the water! This unique festival also
includes music and art by inspiring and incredible artists, exploring
the theme of femininity and surfing.
Gaz de France Open de Biarritz
July
The International Tennis Open, Gaz de France de Biarritz, is a clay
court competition that attracts some of the world’s top female
tennis players to compete for a 100,000 euro in prize.
Fêtes de Bayonne
July
Join the biggest street party in France. Starting on first Wednesday
of August every year, the Fêtes de Bayonne is a series of festivals
in the Basque town of Bayonne, France. International students studying
French in France will enjoy this colourful and exciting festival, featuring
bull runs, musical performances and much more. The Fêtes de Bayonne
begin 29th July 2009 and runs for five days and five nights.
The Biarritz Cup
Late July
Out of the water Biarritz continues to celebrate, hosting the annual
Biarritz Cup, a prestigious nationwide golf competition comprised of
mainly French golfers. The playoffs take place at one of the first golf
clubs in Europe, the magnificent Golf du Phare.
The Rip Curl & Sprite Music Festival
August
Held on the beach at Ilbarritz, this event is seen as one of the rising
stars in Europe’s up and coming music scene. With your feet in
the sand, enjoy two free nights of exclusive Rock, Reggae and Ragga
concerts right in the heart of the town that witnessed the birth of
surfing in Europe over 50 years ago…
"To Surf and Preserve…” This is the eco-friendly
concept put forward by Rip Curl and Sprite for the festival which was
awarded with the “Green’n’Clean “ label in March
2008 by Yourope, the European Festival organization.
All proceeds go towards the WWF to support the “Rip Curl Coral
Guard” programme, aiming to preserve the endangered coral reefs.
According to estimations, 10% of the world’s reefs have been harmed
beyond repair and 30% of them are seriously under threat.
French Festival Musical de Basse Navarre
August
Festival Musical de Basse Navarre, a music festival in its 10th year,
will be held 5 – 13th August 2009 in and around St-Jean-Pied-de-Port,
a town at the foot of the Pyrenees and celebrates Baroque music and
the beautiful surroundings of the French town. Participants in the festival
can look forward to beautiful dinners and musical concerts, classes
in acting and improvisation and leisurely walks in the woods.
Entry to Festival Musical de Basse Navarre
Full price 13€
Reduced 10 €
Free for children under 16 years with free entertainment
Lunch + concert packages
Fête du Thon in St jean de Luz
August
The annual tuna festival is held at the quaint fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
In 2009, it will be held on 9th August. Visitors to the festival will
enjoy parades and festivities, and be able to sample delicious fresh
tuna.
Le Temps d’Aimer
September
This three-week-long festival is one of the best European festivals
devoted solely to dance, in all its guises. From baroque dancing to
breakdancing, ballet, avant-garde jazz-influenced contemporary dance
and flamenco, performances can be enjoyed throughout the town, from
parks and churches to larger auditoriums. The ballet on display is always
of a high calibre and there is a prize for the best work.
Basque Coast Music Festival
Early September
Basque Coast Music Festival is one of France's premier classical music
festivals. Orchestras, choirs and soloists come every year to perform
for appreciative lovers of classical music in the glorious churches
of Saint-Jean de Luz, Bayonne and Ciboure, as well as Biarritz's
Casino Municipal. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in September
2009, the Musique en côte Basque festival draws international
musicians to play at its many venues in the Basque region of France.
International students studying French in the Basque region will
be able to enjoy many performances by professional musicians in the
many beautiful churches and venues throughout the Basque region.
Visit www.musiquecotebasque.fr for
a full list of schedules and events.
Latin American Festival in Biarritz
Late September
The exciting Festival of Biarritz has been held annually since 1992
to showcase Latin American cinema and culture. The weeklong event includes
expos, concerts, literary workshops and arts dedicated to Latino culture.
The festival's highlight is its film competition, in which a number
of respected directors tough it out in various categories to win the
praise of the grand jury. The principal venues are the Salle Atalaya
at La Gare du Midi, the Cinema le Royal and the Casino Municipal.
This is an excellent opportunity for students
studying French in France to be able to soak up Latino culture in
an amazing location.
Visit the website of Festival de Biarritz (www.festivaldebiarritz.com)
for information about tickets, venues, concerts and screenings.