The most established French language school in South-West France!

BORDEAUX FESTIVALS

"Bordeaux offers a wealth of festivals and events throughout the year"

Whether you choose to complete a short French intensive course or an extended French language course at BLS Bordeaux you will find activities throughout the year that will better familiarize you wholly with the French culture. Following is a selection of annual festivals and events held throughout the year to help you plan your stay.

Naturally, wine is the focal point of most of the festivals in the Bordeaux region; however, there are plenty of other events throughout the year to keep you entertained during your time learning French in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Fête le Vin
(June 26-29, 2008)

The Bordeaux Wine Festival occurs every two years and as Europe's biggest wine festival and the city’s premier wine event, it is certainly not to be missed! People who love wine, food, and culture are able to share these pleasures on Europe's largest square on the banks of the Garonne, in an atmosphere of celebration and fun.

Each appellation of Bordeaux has a tasting stand around the Place des Quinconces and along the river banks of the City. Visitors can try food and wine matching, enjoy the entertainment and take part in special initiation classes at the city’s official Ecole du Vin. There are parades, concerts on the water and over 12 hectares of exhibits to explore! Special evening events involve the procession of wine-growers' associations, Bacchus parade, giant banquet, barrel-rolling races, free concerts featuring classical music, popular songs and world music and a colourful fireworks display.

For more information visit www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com

Vinexpo
(June 2009)

Created in 1981, by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Vinexpo exhibition has established itself over the years as the key event for major international operators in the wine and spirits sector. It is held every second year.

Vinexpo is an outstanding showcase for products from all over the world, visited by buyers from every corner of the globe, and is a place for exchange and debate in the heart of the greatest fine wine growing area in the world. In 2007 there were 2,396 exhibitors from 42 countries, 50,433 visitors from 154 countries and 1,346 journalists and writers who attended the event!

For more information visit www.vinexpo.com

With the BLS French School located close to the town centre, and its rich and colourful history, Bordeaux is the perfect destination for French language students wanting to enjoy an authentic experience in France.
Possessing a wide range of cultural activities and tourist sights, Bordeaux is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy !
>>> Full details in our free Practical Guide (PDF) <<<

Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve
(June 2009)

Held every second year, The Bordeaux River Festival is a must-attend event for all fans of parties, unique ships and world music: enjoy four days of jubilation and unforgettable festivities!

For more information visit www.bordeaux-fete-le-fleuve.com

Les Grands Crus Musicaux
(July)

Each year in July Bordeaux is treated to performances by some of the world's most renowned musicians, who bring to life the works of the likes of Bach, Ysaye, Grapelli, Bartok and Dvorak. Five concerts, accompanied by wine tastings, will be performed in prestigious French chauteaux such as Chateau Giscours, Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte and Chateau Canon.

For more information visit www.grandscrusmusicaux.com

Bordeaux Jazz Festival
(May)

Bordeaux's annual jazz festival takes place at venues across town and in the surrounding area. 2008 sees the 8th annual festival which will host jazz bands and soloists in bars and other venues all over Bordeaux city. A pass is available to see any of the events for one fixed price.

For more information visit www.bordeauxjazzfestival.com

The Bordeaux International Fair
(May)

Taking place for more than 80 years, this national fair is the largest in France, with 2,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries and around 300,000 visitors each year. Held at Bordeaux’s Parc des Expositions, it features everything from agriculture to interior design, the environment and agriculture, as well as cultural events.

French film festival : Festival International du Cinéma au Féminin
(October)

As its name may suggest the Festival International du Cinema au Féminin is a film festival entirely dedicated to the work of women in film. Taking place annually in October in the French city of Bordeaux the festival features over 100 films that have been produced, carried out or written by women.

Salon Auto Moto
(October)

BLS French students who are automobile enthusiasts will enjoy the Salon Auto Moto held in Bordeaux 17-25 October 2009. Over 73,000 tourists pass through the seven day affair to drool over the latest cars and bikes on display from approximately 200 international exhibitors.

The Autumn Fair in the Place des Quinconces
(November)

As the name suggests, the fair is to celebrate the season of Autumn and it is heralded with an eclectic collection of markets where the most discerning French student will be able to find a souvenir to remind him of his/her memorable time in the beautiful Bordeaux region in France.

The Place des Quinconces with its many statues provides a spectacular surrounding for the event, nestled upon the Garonne River, and open air restaurants provide scrumptious food to suit all palettes.

Bordeaux Christmas Markets
(December)

Bordeaux’s stunning Allees de Tourny becomes a winter wonderland each year for the entire month of December. Surprise your loved ones with gifts of artisan perfumes, bottles of local wine and Foie Gras !

When you've completed your French course at BLS Bordeaux why not extend your stay and celebrate Christmas in Bordeaux ? The city is annually transformed into a beautiful and surreal setting for unique lightning effects and images projected onto buildings to celebrate the holiday season from 21 December - 1st January.

For further information on events in and around Bordeaux
visit the Bordeaux Tourist Board: www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

© 2010, INSTITUT PARISIEN DE FRANCAIS LANGUE ETRANGERE / BLS, 42 rue Lafaurie de Monbadon, 33000 Bordeaux, FRANCE.
Telephone : +33 (0)5 57 34 46 29 / Fax : +33 (0)5 57 34 39 02

BORDEAUX FESTIVALS

Bordeaux Fête le Vin (June 26-29, 2008)

Vinexpo (June 2009)

Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve (June 2009)

Les Grands Crus Musicaux (July)

Bordeaux Jazz Festival (May)

The Bordeaux International Fair (May)

French film festival : Festival International du Cinéma au Féminin (October)

Salon Auto Moto (October)

The Autumn Fair in the Place des Quinconces (November)

Bordeaux Christmas Markets (December)