Key dates in September to know about in France

September 1

Spain’s Renfe will begin operating daily high-speed services between Lyon and Barcelona, with daily Marseille-Madrid services following in October.

Read more: Daily France to Spain trains to launch from September 1

The American film festival in Deauville is running from September 1 to 10.

And, finally, France’s controversial pension reform bill officially comes into force from this date. Gradual increases in the retirement age will come into play, until by 2030 the retirement age reaches 64.

September 2

The Braderie de Lille, one of Europe’s largest flea markets, will run for two days on September 2 and 3.

September 4

French pupils will return to school on this date across all of the French school zones.

Read more: When do school holidays fall in my part of France next year?

September 8

The Rugby World Cup kicks off with a match between France and New Zealand at the Stade de France.

Nine cities across France will host games for the tournament, which ends on October 28.

Read more: Language learner spotlight on florid French of rugby's Ronan O’Gara

September 15

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) and traffic wardens at airports are set to go on strike for one day over a payment dispute relating to increased inflation.

Flights both to and from France’s major airports will be affected, as well as international flights traversing French airspace. Journeys on the days and prior and after could also be affected.

Fans travelling to Rugby World Cup matches such as Ireland vs Tonga and Wales vs Portugal on September 16 could see their journeys affected.

Read more: French air traffic controllers call for a one-day strike in September

The weekend of September 15 to 17 also sees the 40th anniversary of the European Heritage Days, with a number of museums and cultural sites offering free entry, mainly on the weekend.

Find out what is available near you here.

September 20

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will conduct their first official visit to France since Charles became monarch.

They will spend time in both Paris and Bordeaux, between September 20 and 22.

Read more: Dates of King Charles III’s September visit to France confirmed

The Fête des Jardins will also take place between September 20 and 24 in Paris, including tours and workshops with those who work in Paris’ green spaces.

September 21

Players will compete in Europe’s oldest golf tournament, the Open de France, which will be held in the Yvelines department between September 21 and 24.

September 22

Taxe foncière bills for those who pay in monthly instalments will arrive in their personal online space on the French tax website (impots.gouv.fr) on this date.

Those who pay in a one-off payment have already received their bill on September 30. For those who receive physical letters, they will be sent out by September 26 ( for one-off payments) or September 18 and October 6 (for monthly payments).

The deadline to pay the bill via a one-off payment is October 16.

Read more: Why French property tax bills, sent soon, will show big increases

September 23

Pope Francis will visit Marseille on September 23 and 24, in his first visit to the country since 2014.

September 24

MPs and local councillors will vote in the Senate elections. Half of the chamber's seats will be renewed.

September 27

The Dinard British Film Festival will be held in the Breton town between September 27 and October 1.

Related articles:

What is new and what changes in France in September?