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Holidays, finally! Well, okay, not for everyone, but still, July is a special month for employees to taking leave, especially since their children are already on vacation. This month, clearly, is synonymous with celebration and idleness in Europe. July 14 is a national holiday in France and is the occasion for a whole host of festivities, from the military parade on the Champs-Elysées in Paris to popular balls in all the towns and villages of the country. Further south, in Navarre, the San Fermin celebrations in Pamplona welcome young and old alike for nine days of celebrations in the streets of the city, dressed in white and red. Art is not absent from this sunny month: a trip to Avignon, for its famous theatre festival, or to Montreux in Switzerland, for jazz devotees, is sure to be a hit.
Update: In 2022, some of these meetings are either canceled or modified due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And the month before? If you’re planning to go in June instead, we have some destinations for you too.
In Tomar for the Plateau Festival | Portugal
Where? Tomar, north of Lisbon (map)
When? At the end of July, every four years (2019 / 2023 / 2027)
The Festa dos Tabuleiros (or Festival of the Trays) takes place in July every four years in Tomar, Portugal. This festival is an ancient and important tradition in the city. The tabuleiro is made up of 30 stacked pieces of bread placed in rows and decorated with flowers. At the top of the tabuleiro is a crown which normally contains either a white dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, or the esfera armilar (armillary sphere), a symbol of Portugal’s historical maritime expansion. Above the sphere, the cross of the Order of Christ is displayed. The festivities are varied, but the procession of the Tabuleiros, which brings together the parishes of the city, is at the heart of it.
In Pamplona for the San Fermin festivities | Spain
Where? Pamplona, capital of Navarre in northern Spain (map)
When? See the official town hall website
The San Fermin festival in Pamplona is an unmissable event in Europe in July. For nine days and nine nights, the city is adorned with red and white and alcohol flows in abundance. This is an opportunity to discover many local traditions, to try out Basque (especially in particular bars), or to attend the traditional release of bulls in the streets of the city each morning around eight o’clock. Obviously, it is difficult to stay throughout the holidays with such a whirlwind of activities on offer, but a few days will certainly allow you to decompress.
In Avignon for the Avignon Festival | France
Where? Avignon, north of Marseille, in southeastern France (map)
When? See the official website
This is the great rout of world theatre. Founded by Jean Vilar in 1947, it has become the most popular meeting place for lovers of this artform. The cradle of the Festival d’Avignon is located in the main courtyard of the Palais des Papes but the festival also takes place in more than 30 venues in the city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and its region. These include gymnasiums, cloisters, gardens, quarries, and churches.
In Paris for July 14 | France
Where? Paris, capital of France
When? It’s written in the title – every July 14!
In France, July 13 and 14 are the occasion for many balls organized in even the smallest municipalities of the territory. It is the perfect time to meet. In Paris, the festivities are obviously very important, culminating in the famous military parade which is held on the Champs-Elysées on the National Day, which thousands of inhabitants and tourists come to see.
Paris in complete safety. If you are planning to visit the French capital, here are a few tips to avoid getting ripped off.
In Galway for the International Art Festival | Ireland
Where? Galway, western Ireland (map)
When? For the exact dates, go to the official festival website
The Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF), founded in 1978, is a cultural organization that arranges an annual arts festival in Galway, Ireland, at the end of each July. This festival maintains its status as a non-profit organization and ensures that at least 25% of its program is free to the public – a great initiative! What is there to find there? Theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street performances, dance, comedy, and lectures. The 2018 festival set attendance records by surpassing a quarter of a million people for the first time.
In Montreux for the International Jazz Festival
Where? Montreux, east of Lake Geneva, western Switzerland ( map )
When? Consult the official website
It is to the fabulous setting of the shores of Lake Geneva that this internationally-recognized jazz festival welcomes its visitors every summer. Jazz and blues are the kings there, but other styles of music are not forgotten. And what about the famous artists who have performed there? Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, and even Stevie Wonder. Montreux is thus the second largest festival devoted to jazz after that of Montreal, which is to say it is a good excuse to travel to Switzerland in July!
In Siena for the Palio | Italy
Where? Siena, Tuscany, northern Italy (map)
When? July 2 for the “Palio di Provenzano” and August 16 for the “Palio dell’Assunta”
The Palio of Siena is the most famous of the Italian palii, the famous horse races. It is held twice a year during the summer and sees the riders and their horses compete, representing the seventeen contrades, or medieval districts, of the city, each with its own colors. The race is preceded by a big parade, appreciated by locals and tourists alike. A third palio is sometimes held, between May and September, if the Sienese community requests it. Below is a short documentary to tell you everything you need to know about this great event in northern Italy.
There you have it, our little list of destinations in Europe for a trip to in July is over. But it is obviously not exhaustive, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us in the comments!
