France is full of opportunities for low-cost or even free entertainment; particularly in the summer each region will enjoy its own festivals, concerts and fairs, and it’s best to check with local tourist information offices for details of events. Link through to our Events – south of France or Events – Brittany pages for more information.

Here are a few ideas for free fun!

• In 1982, the nationwide ‘Fête de la Musique’ was launched by the French Ministry for Culture, and it is a spectacular event. On June 21^st every year, musicians and orchestras play everywhere throughout France; on streets, in public buildings, in parks and castles, all for free. (I first happened on this wonderful celebration by chance, in Aix-en-Provence, and the atmosphere was unbelievable!)

• Free music concerts at the Auditorium du Conservatoire National de Région, Nice. Under the name Les Lundis Kosmas, students of the Regional Academy of Music open their rehearsals every Monday at 6pm. From October to April, term time only - call to check  the schedule - 04 97 13 50 00 – or check on-line at http://www.crr-nice.org/indexbis.php?rubrique=agenda&page=kosma

• There are some superb firework displays (feux d’artifices) to be seen in all areas of France throughout the summer, any major celebration usually culminates in fireworks. Particularly memorable is the International Fireworks Festival at Cannes ("Festival d`Art Pyrotechnique") held annually on July 14^th.

• Flea markets (Foires aux Puces) are a big favourite all over France, and they are great fun for browsing, people watching or even picking up a few bargains! If you’re arriving at Brest on the second Saturday of the month, it’s worth a detour to the area around the covered market of Les Halles Saint-Louis  for the Brest flea market, but you will probably see posters everywhere advertising local  flea markets. 

• There is an excellent and fascinating ‘brocante’ market (selling all sorts of second hand items and antiques) at Aix-en-Provence on the Place Verdun on Saturday mornings, with smaller versions on a Tuesday and Thursday,  and a ‘book brocante’ on the Place Mairie on the first Sunday of every month. 

• You can search for some great deals nearly every day in the markets in Nice. On the Place Rabilliante by the port  there is a ‘brocante’ every day from Tuesday to Saturday, and on the first Sunday of the month at the Quai de la Douane. There are various specialist brocantes (e.g books, records, cards) on the Place Palais de Justice on a Saturday. On Mondays try the Cours Saleya for your bargain buys!

• Centre d’Art VAAS, Vence. 14 Traverse des Moulins. Free entry. Open Tues – Sat 9h30 – 12h, 14h30 – 18h. A garden of sculptures leads to what was, between 1955 and 1970, Jean Dubuffet’s studio. Now an art gallery and meeting and performance place for artists, poets and theatre. Good view of the blue-tiled rooftop of the Chapelle du Rosaire.

• Musée de Beaux Arts, Nice.  33 Avenue des Baumettes. 04 92 15 28 28. Entry to the gallery is free on the first and third Sunday of the month. Open daily 10h – 18h. Remarkable and varied collections from 15^th – 20^th century. Crestet Centre d’Art, Chemin de la Verrière, Crestet, 3.5km down the Malaucène road D938 south of  Vaison-La-Romaine, Vaucluse. Free entry - access at all times. Modern sculptures hidden amongst oak and pine woods – there is a map in the layby above the centre to show where they all are.

• Jardin Botanique, Nice. 78 Avenue de la Corniche  Fleurie. 04 92 29 41 80. 3.5 hectares, 3500 species of plants. . Free entry - open daily Oct – March 9h – 17h, Apr – Sept 9h – 19h.Free guided tours daily at 14h30

• Jardin de l’Evêché, Rue de Roi Gradlon, Quimper, Finistère. 02 98 95 21 60. Open 9h – 17h/18h. Bishop’s Palace garden, next to the Bishop’s Palace which houses the Musée Départmental Breton – although there is a charge for the museum, the gardens are free to the public.