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Ten great things to do in France in September

The Local France
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Ten great things to do in France in September
The Techno Parade in Paris will see tens of thousands of electro music fans will take to the streets of the capital. Photo: Thomas Samson/AFP

Who said summer was over? It may be back to work for most of us but there’s still plenty to do and see this September. Here are some unmissable events around France.

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1. Deauville American film festival, September 4th-11th

Since 1995 the Deauville festival has been awarding prizes for American independent cinema with previous guests including Hollywood stars Robert de Niro and Clint Eastwood.

It’s also the only festival in the world to screen films for the general public and cinema enthusiasts 24/7 for a 10-day period, from the first Friday in September to the Sunday of the following week.

For a full programme visit the festival’s website

Irish actor Pierce Brosnan (C) at the 2014 edition of the Deauville American film festival. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP

2. European Fair in Strasbourg, September 4th-14th

With over 1,000 exhibitors, this annual cultural fair is a major event in France.

Each year, this fair focuses on one country invited as a guest of honour. The theme for this year’s fair – the 83rd – is India.

There, visitors will be able to explore Indian traditions, crafts, culture and food. For more information click here

Thailand was the guest country for the 2010 European Fair. Photo: Ji-Elle/Wikicommons

3. Marathon du Médoc, September 12th

With a generous six hours given to runners to complete the race, this marathon is said to be the longest in the whole world, as well as one of the most fun.

Each year the race sees runners dress up in themed outfits, stopping along the way at various chateaux and food stops to sample some of the region’s best wines and local delicacies.

This year’s theme is "The Medoc marathon dressed up to the nines!" so make sure you bring your best suit or ball gown. Click here for more information.

Two marathon runners pass a vineyard during the 2000 Médoc Marathon. Photo: Michel Gagne/AFP

4. Fête de a gastronomie, September 25th-27th

This food festival brings food professionals and foodies together in a celebration of France’s culinary traditions.

The nationwide festival includes cookery classes, recipe competitions and special tastings at some of the country’s top restaurants.
For more information click here

A banquet organized during the 2011 Fête de a gastronomie in Avignon. Photo: Gerard Julien/AFP

5. Monaco Yacht Show, September 23rd-26th 

With 500 hundred exhibitors and 121 superyachts afloat, this is the largest international yacht exhibition in the world that sees thousands of tourists, yacht enthusiasts and billionaires descend on the historic Port Hercule in Monaco. 

Unfortunately, most of the tours of the superyachts are by invitation only so, unless you're a billionaire with money to burn, you'll have to content yourself with a view from the shore. 

For more info click here

A photo of Port Hercule during the 24th edition of the Monaco Yacht Show in 2014. Photo: Valery Hache/AFP

6. Game of Thrones exhibition, Paris, September 8th-12th

Summer may just be coming to an end, but for Game of Thrones fans winter is certainly coming, with the upcoming arrival of an exhibition devoted to the blockbuster TV series.

The free exhibition will include 70 items from the cult HBO series, including the wedding outfits of Margaery Tyrell and Joffrey Baratheon in the "Purple Wedding" section, one of Khaleesi’s dragons as well as the mythical Iron Throne. 

For more information click here.

The exhibition includes Khaleesi's dragon eggs. Screengrab: YouTube

7. Techno Parade, Paris, September 19th

This year’s techno parade, now in its 17th year, will see tens of thousands of electro music fans will take to the streets of the capital. Special guests include Korean DJs Mushxxx, Soolee and Grace Kim. 

The parade kicks off at 12pm at Port Royal and ends some 5 km away in Place de la République. Click here for more information.

A DJ plays music in front a crowd during the 17th edition of the Techno Parade music event in 2014.Photo: Thomas Samson/AFP

8. Festival du film Britannique du Dinard, September 30th-October 4th

So it's no Cannes, but this 26-year-old festival in the seaside town of Dinard, Brittany, nevertheless attracts some of the biggest names in French and British cinema. 

Each year, it shortlists six films, with the best one awarded the Golden Hitchcock by a jury of leading figures. The public are also invited to preview screenings and other events at five different venues. For more information click here

Previous high-profile guests have included actresses Jane Birkin and Charlotte Rampling. Photo: Valery Hache/AFP

9. Braderie de Lille, September 5th-6th

This is no ordinary flea market. Every year over 2 million people flock to the town of Lille in search of a bargain at Europe's largest flea market. 

You'll find just about anything here from vintage clothes to bric-à-brac. For more information and a street guide to the market click here.

People visit the annual Braderie de Lille. Photo: Philippe Huguen/AFP

10. Les Journées du Patrimoine, September 19th-20th

This annual EU programme will see around 16,000 French cultural heritage sites throw open their doors to the public. There will also be a whole range of activities to choose from, including walks, exhibitions, workshop and conferences.

This year the theme is "21st century hertiage, a history of the future". For a full programme click here

Visitors queue up outside the Ministry of Justice on the final day of the Journées du Patrimoine in 2007. Photo: Stephanie de Sakutin/AFP

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