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The end of the year is approaching and you may already be thinking about the Christmas holidays. But with the month of November to pass first, why not treat yourself to a little getaway in Europe? Especially since there are certain events that are really worth seeing. If you like horses and equestrian sports for example, you must not miss the Feira Nacional do Cavalo in Golegã, Portugal. Are you more into good food? Head to Dijon, in the east of France, for its spectacular gastronomic fair. London, and more generally all of England, offers unbelievable fun on Guy Fawkes Night. Never heard of it? We will tell you more in this article. So, without further ado, here is where to go on a trip to Europe in November.
Update: In 2022, some of these meetings have either been cancelled or modified due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In Golegã for the National Horse Fair | Portugal
Where? Golegã, a little north of Lisbon (map)
When? For the next dates, go to the official website
A fair to celebrate the “most noble conquest of Man”. In Golegã, the horse is king all year round, but for ten days in November, this is shown to the whole world. For a long time, it was a fair for regional products, but since 1972 the horse has been at the centre of the celebrations. You will be able to attend dressage, equestrian demonstrations, in the purest examples of Portuguese tradition, and do your shopping in the many shops which set up stalls there. Above all, the event is an opportunity to highlight a mythical and local horse: the Lusitanian. For more information, we advise you to take a look at the Escapades de Malou blog .
In Dijon for the Dijon Gastronomic Fair | France
Where? Dijon, in eastern France (map)
When? For the exact dates, check the official website
For ten days in November annually, Dijon becomes the French capital of gastronomy (and therefore of the world) during this international fair. Join the crowd at the Chefs’ Stage to watch cooking demonstrations by local and international chefs, or simply wander the fairground aisles to buy all the local produce you fancy.
In London for Guy Fawkes Night | UK
Where? London, capital of the United Kingdom
When? November 5 each year
Guy Fawkes Night is the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot of November 5th 1605, celebrated annually across the UK. On this day, English Catholics led by Robert Catesby and accompanied by Guy Fawkes and eleven other conspirators tried to blow up the British Parliament. The plot failed, and the conspirators were arrested and executed. The festivities are more joyful: the children of the city prepare cakes and effigies of Guy Fawkes are created. These are burned in the evening while toddlers ask passers-by for sweets.
In Dundee for the Dundee Jazz Festival | UK
Where? Dundee, north of Edinburgh (map)
When? For next dates, check the official website.
At Destination(s) Europe, we like jazz and one of the destinations not to be missed is Dundee, Scotland. The Dundee Jazz Festival takes place every November and sees local and international jazz artists performing at venues in the city centre as well as more intimate concerts in Broughty Ferry. It can also be a good pretext to go further north into the Highlands.
There you have it, our little list of destinations in Europe for a trip in November. But it is obviously not exhaustive – don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us in the comments!
