Local Annual Events in Normandy

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First published: September 2025

Normandy isn't just about peaceful countryside and historic landmarks — it's also alive with colour, music, food, and culture. Whether you're planning your holiday rental in Normandy during spring, summer or autumn, these annual events add something special to your stay.

January

New Year Fireworks & Local Celebrations

Across Normandy, towns like Coutances, Granville and Bayeux ring in the new year with local festivities, fireworks, and family gatherings. A quiet but cosy way to experience the start of the year in the French countryside.

New Year’s Day Sea Swims (Bains du Nouvel An)

Kick off the year with a bracing New Year’s Day swim in the Channel! These local traditions take place in seaside towns like Granville or Dieppe, where brave locals run into the icy waves. Spectators welcome too — hot drinks usually provided!

February

Granville Carnival

The Granville Carnival is one of France's most unique events and the only carnival in the country listed by UNESCO. Expect elaborate floats, parades, costumes, confetti battles, and late-night music. It’s one of the most exciting cultural events in Normandy, taking place just 40 minutes from the gîte in February each year.

March

Spring Wine Fairs (Foire aux Vins)

March in Normandy means amazing wine deals! Supermarkets like Leclerc and Carrefour host national wine fairs with tasting events, discounts, and sometimes regional samples. It's a great time to stock up while discovering French wines from different regions.

April

Route du Fromage – Cheese Trail Weekend

Celebrate Normandy's most famous export — cheese! This weekend event features open farm tours, cheese tastings, and traditional markets in various villages across the Manche and Calvados regions.

Festival de Pâques (Easter Weekend)

Many towns host Easter egg hunts, fairs and food markets — perfect if you're visiting Normandy with children during the spring school holidays.

Festival de Pâques – Deauville

This Easter classical music festival takes place in the glamorous seaside town of Deauville. It attracts talented young musicians, rising stars, and established names in a stunning setting. A refined cultural outing for spring visitors.

Fête du Printemps – Coutances

Held in April, this local fair celebrates spring with plants, flowers, local produce and artisan stalls. Great for green-fingered travellers or anyone looking to experience Normandy countryside life in bloom.

May

Jazz sous les Pommiers – Coutances

This world-class jazz festival is held in our very own town of Coutances. For over 40 years, it’s brought legendary international artists, local performers, street music, and a lively atmosphere to the region — all local to the gîte. A highlight for music lovers visiting Normandy in spring.

Les Pinsonores

This alternative music festival in Port-Bail-sur-Mer offers a unique mix of live acts, workshops and eco-values. With its beachside vibe and relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for young couples or groups on a spring group holiday in Normandy.

Festival Les Extraverties

Set across Suisse Normande (La Roche d’Oëtre and Pont-d’Ouilly), this multi-day outdoor celebration features circus acts, kayaking, hiking, and music — perfect for active families looking for nature escapes in Normandy.

Lessay Spring Fair (Foire Sainte-Opportune)

This charming traditional fair draws 10,000+ visitors in a single day. Expect artisan stalls, farm animals, street food, and live music — a family favourite just 25 minutes from our gîte and perfect for a fun-filled spring day out in rural Normandy.

Fécamp Grand’Escale (Fécamp)

An annual maritime gathering in Fécamp featuring classic and traditional boats, regattas, maritime displays, and a seafaring atmosphere. A great event for sea & boat enthusiasts. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

June

Papillons de Nuit Festival

Held in Saint-Laurent-de-Cuves, this renowned music festival brings big-name artists to the heart of rural Normandy. Just 40 minutes from our gîte, it’s one of the most anticipated cultural events in Normandy for all ages.

Dox-Art Festival

This underground electro music festival takes place in Hambye, just a short drive from Holidays-Normandy. Expect alternative music, local artists, and a unique countryside setting — great for visitors seeking offbeat Normandy events.

Festival Cabourg mon Amour

Set against a seaside backdrop in Cabourg, this intimate beachside music festival features indie pop, DJs and a relaxed vibe — ideal if you’re combining a Normandy beach holiday with cultural flair.

Green River Valley Festival

Vains, just 50 minutes from the gîte, hosts this vibrant music and arts festival featuring local acts, food trucks and eco-focused installations. Perfect for couples or groups looking for eco-conscious Normandy experiences.

Les Bignons Music Festival

Taking place in Saint-Martin-de-Landelles, this vibrant local event blends live music with village fête vibes — a great choice for families or travellers wanting to experience authentic local life in Normandy.

Festival Les Art’Zimutés

Held at the port in Cherbourg, this festival merges concerts, street theatre, and visual arts in one of Normandy’s liveliest summer celebrations — a great excuse for a coastal day trip.

Festival Archéo Jazz

Set in the atmospheric ruins of Château de Blainville-Crevon, this jazz and blues festival is a hit with music lovers of all generations. It’s also a great reason to explore the eastern edge of Normandy.

Festival Rock In Evreux

For fans of classic and modern rock, this weekend festival in Évreux (just over 1 hour 30 away) draws large crowds and big names — one for the bucket list if you're in Normandy in June.

🪖 D‑Day & Military Commemorations

D-Day parade in Sainte-Mère-Église

Sainte-Mère-Église, famous for its historic role on 6 June 1944, organises a large parade every year with military vehicles, marching bands, ceremonies and entertainment. Perfect for a family outing, just 1½ hours from our cottage.

D‑Day Festival Normandy

Held annually around June 6, this festival spans the entire D‑Day landing coast — Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches, the five beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword) — with parades, re‑enactments, parachute drops, historical exhibitions and musical tributes. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

D‑Day Memorial Parade & Ceremonies (Sainte‑Mère‑Église)

Each year, this official parade and ceremony commemorate the anniversary of D‑Day with veteran reunions, memorial services, and musical salutes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Commemorative ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery

On 6 June, a solemn ceremony takes place in Colleville-sur-Mer, above Omaha Beach. Official speeches, wreath laying and tribute to the Allied soldiers – a deeply moving moment of reflection for all visitors.

July

Festival Beauregard

Set in the grounds of Château de Beauregard in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, this iconic music festival features international stars across rock, pop, and electro. A must for music lovers visiting Normandy in summer.

Badger Festival

One of the most quirky Normandy festivals, this Macey-based event offers a weekend of music, camping, and local food — less than an hour from the gîte and perfect for a spontaneous summer night out.

Ethereal Decibel Festival

This multi-day electro festival near Saint-Symphorien-des-Monts offers immersive light shows, underground beats, and a relaxed crowd. A lesser-known gem for party-goers and creatives visiting Normandy.

Festival Grandes Marées

Taking place in Julouville near the coast, this family-friendly festival mixes music, dance, and theatre with a coastal view — great for combining family holidays in Normandy with cultural experiences.

Chauffer dans la Noirceur

This long-running alternative music festival in Montmartin-sur-Mer is one of the closest major summer events to our gîte — known for great energy, beach camping, and eco-friendly vibes.

Les Pluies de Juillet

Based in Le Tanu, this eco-festival celebrates sustainability with music, debate, local produce and workshops. A great fit for those looking for a nature escape in Normandy.

Festival Les Écumes

This coastal electronic music festival in Cabourg offers seaside beats and stylish sunsets — part of the growing summer calendar for those seeking something unique on the Normandy coast.

Festival Art Sonic

Located in Briouze, this high-energy festival features over 30 artists across multiple genres — one of the most accessible multi-stage events in Lower Normandy.

Revival Music Festival

This festival in Hauteville-sur-Mer offers a family-friendly day of music just minutes from the gîte. It’s one of the best local Normandy events near Coutances in mid-July.

À Fond la Cale Festival (Granville)

This free and quirky 3‑day festival in Granville showcases street art, performances, light installations, theatre, and unexpected cultural surprises. A colourful summer event for all ages. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

July / August

Normandie Horse Show (Saint‑Lô)

An annual equestrian event held in Saint‑Lô, it includes multiple disciplines like show jumping, horse-ball, driving, and exhibitions. Great for horse lovers visiting Normandy. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

August

Les Traversées Tatihou

One of the most magical music festivals in Normandy, held on the tidal island of Tatihou. Arrive on foot at low tide, then enjoy traditional and world music in a UNESCO World Heritage setting. A unique experience for music lovers and families alike.

September

La Foire de Lessay

Normandy’s most iconic traditional fair and one of the oldest in France, founded by monks in the 11th century. With over 1,500 exhibitors and 400,000 visitors each year, it’s a brilliant way to see Normandy’s rural and artisan culture in action — and it’s just 20 minutes from our gîte!

The Cara-Meuh Festival

Equal parts music festival and caramel celebration, this unique event in Vains near Mont-Saint-Michel supports local producers and eco values. A favourite for families and foodies.

Electric Frenzy

This energetic electro and urban arts festival in Saint-Jean-de-la-Haize is a growing favourite on the local scene. If you're looking for something different during your group holiday in Normandy, this vibrant September event is a fun way to mix music and modern culture.

September / October

Le Goût du Large (Port‑en‑Bessin)

Festival celebrating the sea’s bounty with scallops, seafood, music and cultural programming in Port‑en‑Bessin. A gastronomic highlight for Normandy visitors. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

October

Foire Saint-Luc

Held in Gavray just 10 minutes from the gîte, this fair combines livestock displays, regional food, and carnival fun. Great for an authentic local Normandy experience during your autumn family holiday.

Prix Bayeux Calvados‑Normandie

This prestigious annual prize honours war correspondents and includes exhibitions, forums, debates, and media events in Bayeux. It attracts journalists and visitors from around the world. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

November

Les Rendez-Vous Soniques

This contemporary music festival in Saint-Lô brings together a diverse mix of artists from indie to electro. Held over several days in venues across the city, it’s a cultural highlight for autumn visitors to Normandy.

Les Boréales (Caen)

Festival of Nordic literature, culture, and arts held in Caen each November. Expect concerts, theatre, readings, exhibitions focused on Nordic and Scandinavian themes. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

December

Christmas Markets Across Normandy

From Coutances and Granville to Caen and Bayeux, Normandy’s Christmas markets light up the region in December. Expect artisan gifts, local cider, festive food, and cosy evenings under twinkling lights — a perfect way to experience the magic of a winter holiday in Normandy.

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