Summer in France is full of concerts, festivals, and all-around merrymaking. One of the highlights is Bordeaux Fête Le Fleuve, the biennial River Festival that will take place on June 18 and 19, 2011. (This popular festival alternates with the biennial Wine Festival.) The UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux has gotten lots of press love lately; a years-long restoration project (including the renovation of the riverfront quays) has catapulted this “second city” into one of the most popular destinations in France.
The Bordeaux River Festival coincides with Vinexpo, the international trade exhibition devoted to wine and spirits. During Bordeaux Fête Le Fleuve, there will be food and wine tastings galore, along with concerts, dance performances, and regattas. Exceptional tall ships—including the Belem, France’s last surviving three-masted cargo ship-- will drop anchor in the Port of the Moon. Also of note: The swimming race across the Garonne that’s scheduled for June 18, 2011.