Key September 2024 dates for residents in France to note
As the rentrée looms, find out what other events are taking place in France this month
A film festival, a massive flea market, a lunar eclipse and a celebration of libraries are some of things to look forward to
Christophe F / Mimpki / aeonWAVE / EQRoy / Shutterstock
September 2: La rentrée
School begins again on September 2.
September 6 - 15: Festival of American Cinema
This festival takes place in Deauville, Normandy, and celebrates the best of American cinema from the past year. Screenings in local cinemas will take place with actors and directors present.
The festival has been running since 1975.
In total, there will be 100 films, 170 screenings, and 70 film crews participating in the event and stars such as Natalie Portman and Francis Ford Coppola are expected to attend.
Read more: Michael Douglas, Natalie Portman: stars back in France for Deauville Film Festival
September 8: Paralympics closing ceremony
The Paralympic games draw to a close on September 8. 4,400 athletes from all over the world took part in the games, with a “record” number of countries broadcasting them.
The ceremony will take place in the Stade de France before handing the baton over to Los Angeles for the next games. It will be Thomas Jolly’s fourth and final ceremony at the Paris games.
September 8: Paris Jazz Festival Ends
The summer-long Paris Jazz Festival comes to an end on September 8. There is an entry fee to the Parc Floral but once inside all concerts and activities are free.
Activities include workshops where you can build instruments, sound discovery for children and introductions to percussion instruments. Over 25 concerts were organised.
Read more: Dates of France’s top must-see music festivals in 2024
September 14 - 15: Braderie de Lille
The biggest flea market in Europe, the Braderie de Lille, will take place on September 14 and 15, from 8:00 to 18:00. It usually attracts around two million visitors. Around 10,000 sellers will be present with over 100 kilometres of display, selling anything from clothes to trinkets to board games - all second hand.
September 17 - 22: Icarus Cup
The Icarus Cup, a free flight festival, takes place just next to the Chartreuse Mountains in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet. It features aerial acrobatics, hang gliders, paragliders, and hot air balloons as well as a fancy dress competition during which pilots fly in costume.
September 18: Lunar eclipse
The Earth, sun and moon will align in the early morning of September 18, causing a lunar eclipse.
It is expected to be visible from anywhere in France without any equipment needed, although areas with low light pollution will have the best view. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are not dangerous for the naked eye.
Read more: How and when to best see the lunar eclipse from France
September 20 - 22: European Heritage Days
The theme of this year’s heritage days is: ‘Heritage of routes, networks and connections.’ Patrimoine des itinéraires, des réseaux et des connexions
Launched in 1985, various monuments and sites open their doors during these days, allowing European citizens to enjoy free visits and learn about shared cultural heritage.
September 28 - 29: Biblis en folie
For the first time, this year there will be national days dedicated to libraries and multimedia libraries. Around 15,500 libraries will organise festive and free events to encourage people to discover and experience their nearest establishment.
Month of September: Supermarket Foire aux Vins
Supermarkets and hypermarkets across the country host events for the Foire aux Vins festival in September, offering a wide selection of low-priced wines.
The Foire aux Vins started in the 1970s, when the E. Leclerc chain of supermarket groups started a September wine promotion. It spread first among the northwest and then the rest of France.
Here are the dates for some French supermarkets:
- Petit Casino, Spar, Vival and Casino Shop: September 3 to September 15
- Lidl: September 4 until stock runs out
- Intermarché: September 10 to September 29
- Auchan supermarchés: September 10 to September 29
- Monoprix: September 13 to September 29
- Franprix: September 16 to September 29
- Biocoop: September 19 to October 14
- Aldi: September 24 until stock runs out
