Not just the Olympics in Paris. In 2024, France celebrates many important events and celebrations, which represent an opportunity for an unforgettable journey.

France 2024 – 10 Events not to be missed

Sport events in France in 2024

111° Tour de France

The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world. This year, the 111th edition of the race will start from Italy on 29 June and will end in Nice, in French RivieraOn 21 July.

The Italian departure is an absolute novelty for the Grande Boucle, which for the first time will not end in Paris. The decision was taken to avoid overlaps with the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

The path of this edition Tour is particularly challenging. The race will begin with a stop in the plain in Tuscany, followed by a mountain stop in Liguria. The next stages will take place in France, with several passages on the Pyrenees and Vosges.

Here are some of the highlights of the 11th Tour de France:

• Departure from Florence: the first stage of the race will start from Florence, in Italy, on June 29.

• Mountain stop in Liguria: the second stage of the race will be a mountain stop in Liguria, with arrival in Genoa.

• Steps on the Pyrenees and Vosges: the next stages of the race will take place in France, with several passages on the Pyrenees and Vosges.

• Individual stopwatch in Nice: the last stage of the race will be an individual stopwatch in Nice, which could decree the winner of the race.

This edition of the Tour de France promises to be a great show. The cyclists will have to face a challenging path, with different mountain stages that could define the general classification.

Historical Anniversary in France in 2024

80th Anniversary of the Landing in Normandy

On June 6, 2024 the 80th anniversary of the landing in Normandy. International commemorations will be held throughout the region, including a great show of sounds and lights with 2,500 drones.

On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces landed in Normandy, beginning the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany. This year, the 80th anniversary of this historic event is celebrated, with a series of international commemorations throughout Normandy.

The celebrations will culminate on June 6, the D-Day, with a rich program of events. Among these, they stand out:

• Fireworks synchronized in the main sites of D-Day, like the beaches of Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword.

• A giant picnic on Omaha beach, where thousands of people will gather to celebrate the liberation of France.

• Balls of Liberation, which will be held throughout Normandy to celebrate the end of the war.

• An international launch of several hundred soldiers on the church of Sainte-Mère-Église, which recalls the landing of American parachutes on the church during the landing.

• Among the highlights, a great show of sounds and lights It will bring together 2,500 drones that will simultaneously fly over the 5 landing beaches. The show, which will last about 15 minutes, will be a tribute to the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives for freedom.

These commemorations are an important occasion to remember the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and to reflect on the meaning of this historical event.

250 years after Louis XV's death

On May 10, 1774 Louis XV died, the only king of France born and died in Versailles. The opportunity is to visit the Reggia and learn about the history of this ruler.

The death of Louis XV marks the end of an era, that of Ancien Régime, and the beginning of a new era, that of the French Revolution.

Louis XV was a controversial ruler. At the beginning of his reign, he was very popular, and he was given the nickname "Blessed". However, his popularity began to decline over time, due to the numerous wars in which France was involved, exorbitant expenses of the court and his personal scandals, including relations with his two favourites, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, which Louis XV built by his father, Louis XIV, was the center of the political and cultural power of France for over a century. Its construction was a colossal enterprise, requiring the mobilization of thousands of workers and large financial resources.

Versailles was a city with its own population, its services and infrastructure. It was a place of flicker and ostentation, where the court of Louis XV lived a life of luxury and fun.

The opportunity to rediscover Versailles

The death of Louis XV is an opportunity to rediscover the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of France and its history.

Versailles was built by Louis XIV, the father of Louis XV, and hosted the French court for over a century. The palace is a masterpiece of architecture and design, and houses a rich collection of works of art.

Artistic Anniversary in France in 2024

150 years of Impressionism

All over France, from Paris to Giverny, will be held exhibitions, events and festivals dedicated to this artistic movement.

On April 15, 1874, thirty-one revolutionary artists decided to challenge the traditional rules of painting by organizing an independent exhibition: the first impressionist exhibition.

150 years later, France pays tribute to this revolution in art history with numerous initiatives throughout the territory, involving over 30 cities from north to south.

Among the most important exhibition projects, stand out:

• The exhibition "Paris 1874. Invent Impressionism at the Museum of Orsay in Paris, which brings together 130 masterpieces of the Impressionist movement, including "Impression, Soleil levant" by Claude Monet, "Bal du moulin de la Galette" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and "La Grenouillère" by Gustave Caillebotte. The exhibition will be open from 26 March to 14 July 2024.

• The immersive experience "One evening with the Impressionists" at the Museum of Orsay in Paris, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 19th century Paris through projections of paintings, music and sounds. The experience will be open from 26 May to 11 August 2024.

• The festival "Normandie Impressionniste", which will take place throughout Normandy from 22 March to 22 September 2024. The festival will include exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and guided tours, with the aim of celebrating the influence of Impressionism on French culture and society.

The 150-year initiatives of Impressionism offer a unique opportunity to discover this important artistic movement and to understand its impact on art history.

The skies of the painter Boudin

On 12 July 1824, in Honfleur, Normandy, Eugène Boudin was born, one of the most important landscape painters of the 19th century, known as the painter of the skies of Normandy. In Honfleur, his hometown, you can visit the museum dedicated to him.

Boudin is considered a precursor of Impressionism, thanks to his attention to light and color. Its paintings are characterized by an immediate and spontaneous vision of nature, which captures the atmosphere and emotions of a moment.

The heavens of Boudin

The heavens are one of Boudin's favorite subjects. He paints them in all their forms and shades, from the clear and blue days of sunshine to the stormy and dramatic days of rain.

Boudin is a master in capturing the light and movement of the sky. His heavens are often full of life, with clouds moving rapidly, sun rays illuminating the waves of the sea or stars shining in the night sky.

The Boudin Museum of Honfleur

On the 200th anniversary of Boudin's birth, the Boudin Museum in Honfleur hosts an exhibition dedicated to its skies. The exhibition, entitled "Boudin, the heavens", presents a selection of over 60 works, including some of the most famous paintings of the painter.

The exhibition is a unique opportunity to admire the art of Boudin and to understand his role as a precursor of Impressionism.

Jean Cocteau in Menton

In Menton, on the French Riviera, will be held an exhibition dedicated to Jean Cocteau, a multifaceted artist who has left an indelible mark in the history of French culture.

On 5 July 1889 Jean Cocteau was born in Paris, one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Poet, playwright, director, painter, designer, scenographer, writer of stories and novels, Cocteau left an indelible mark in French and international culture.

135 years from birth and 60 years from death, Menton, a city where Cocteau spent several stays, dedicates an exhibition entitled "Je reste avec vous" ("Resto con voi"), hosted at the Jean Cocteau-Bastion Museum until 17 June 2024. A unique opportunity to discover the work of a multifaceted and visionary artist, who left an indelible mark in the culture of the 20th century, the exhibition presents a wide selection of works by Cocteau, from public and private collections around the world. Among the works on display are paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, theatrical costumes and design objects.

The exhibition is organized in four sections, covering the different stages of Cocteau's life and career:

• "The birth of an artist", that traces the childhood and adolescence of Cocteau, and its artistic formation.

• "The theatre", who explores the theatrical activity of Cocteau, both as author and as stage designer and costume designer.

• "The cinema", presenting the film works of Cocteau, including "Orpheus" and "The Beauty and the Beast".

• "The sacred art", which focuses on Cocteau’s interest in sacred art, and his religious works.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to learn about Jean Cocteau’s multifaceted artistic production. It is a fascinating journey through the life and work of an artist who has left an indelible mark in the history of French culture.

The colors of Matisse in Nice

On November 3, 1954, 70 years ago, Henri Matisse died in Nice, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. In Nice, where he lived the last years of his life, you can visit the museum dedicated to him.

Matisse was a master of color, and his works are characterized by a wise and vibrant use of shades. Its colours are often strong and bold, creating an atmosphere of joy and vitality.

The Matisse Museum of Nice is the ideal destination for those who want to know the work of this extraordinary artist. The museum houses a rich collection of works by Matisse, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings.

The exhibition "Forme in libertà"

Until 24 May 2024, the Matisse Museum of Nice hosts the exhibition "Forme in libertà". The exhibition presents a selection of works by Matisse from the last years of his life, in which the artist focused on the use of color and form in an increasingly free and experimental way.

The exhibition is a unique opportunity to admire the mastery of Matisse in the use of color. The works on display, including "Dance I" and "The Dance II", are an explosion of colors that convey a sense of joy and freedom.

Musical Anniversary in France in 2024

The centenary of the birth of Charles Aznavour

On May 22, 1924 Charles Aznavour was born, one of the greatest French singer-songwriters of all time. All over the world will be concerts and recitals in his memory.

On May 22, 2024 the centenary of the birth of Charles Aznavour, one of the greatest French singer-songwriters of all time.

Aznavour, born in Paris by a family of Armenian immigrants, began his musical career in the 1940s. He composed over 1,000 songs, including some of the greatest hits of French music, such as "La bohème", "Je m’voyais déjà" and "Hier encore".

His unmistakable voice, his poetic writing and his often ironic and pungent lyrics made him an artist loved by the public of the whole world.

To celebrate the centenary of his birth, there are numerous initiatives throughout France and abroad.

In France, there will be concerts, recitals and exhibitions dedicated to Aznavour. In particular, they point out:

• A great concert in Nice on 6 April, in which will perform some of the greatest interpreters of his music.

• A recital to the Grand Rex in Paris on May 25, where the son of Aznavour will perform, Charles Aznavour Jr.

Abroad, concerts and shows will be held in memory of Aznavour in countries like Armenia, Italy, Spain, the United States and Canada.

The centenary of the birth of Charles Aznavour is an opportunity to remember and celebrate one of the greatest French artists of all time.

Photographic Anniversary in France in 2024

Remembering Henri Cartier-Bresson

On August 3, 2024 the 20th anniversary of Henri Cartier-Bresson's death, one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century.

Cartier-Bresson was a master of photojournalism and reportage photography. Her images, taken all over the world, capture the essence of everyday life, the beauty of nature and the complexity of history.

Cartier-Bresson was born in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France, in 1908. He began photographing as a young man, and soon became one of the most talented photographers of his generation.

He has collaborated with several magazines and newspapers, and his images have been displayed worldwide.

Cartier-Bresson was a pioneer of street photography. His images, taken with incredible speed and sensitivity, capture the essence of the moment, the truth of life.

His works were inspired by generations of photographers.

The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson

In Paris, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson houses a permanent collection of works by the artist. The foundation is a must for lovers of photography and art.

The permanent collection includes over 400 works, including photographs, drawings and sculptures. The works are displayed in chronological order, allowing visitors to follow the evolution of the work of Cartier-Bresson.

The foundation also houses temporary exhibitions dedicated to Cartier-Bresson and other photographers.

The anniversary of Cartier-Bresson’s death is an opportunity to remember one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson is a must for photography and art lovers.

Cultural anniversaries in France in 2024

90 years after the death of Marie Curie

Marie Curie died on 4 July 1934, the first woman to win two Nobel Prizes. In Paris you can visit its museum and the Panthéon, where it is buried with her husband.

On 4 July 1934, Marie Curie died in Paris at the age of 66. The Polish scientist was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only one to win it twice, in two different disciplines: physics in 1903 and chemistry in 1911.

Marie Curie was a pioneer of radioactivity, and her research helped revolutionize medicine and physics. His studies led to the development of radiotherapy, which saved millions of people's lives.

The scientist is buried with her husband Pierre al Pantheon in Paris, the national mausoleum dedicated to the great characters of French history.

The anniversary of Marie Curie’s death is an opportunity to remember her legacy and to celebrate her achievements.

In France, several initiatives are planned to commemorate the scientist.

• On July 4, at the Panthéon in Paris, will hold an official ceremony in memory of Marie Curie.

• The Curie Museum, located in the former laboratory of the scientist in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, will be open to the public for free for the whole day.

• All over France, exhibitions, conferences and film screenings dedicated to Marie Curie will be organized.

The anniversary of Marie Curie’s death is a unique opportunity to know the story of this extraordinary woman and to understand her impact on science and society.