New York Habitat Blog

Every year, France celebrates the summer solstice with a nation-wide block party that goes until the wee hours and features free music, delicious food and drinks on practically every corner. It’s called the Fête de la Musique - and New York Habitat wants to help you have a front-row seat to the action.

South France Bed and Breakfast in Toulon (PR-730) photo

Fête de la Musique features music of every possible variety.  From huge music venues to cafés to parks, squares and street corners, you’ll find live performances of jazz, rock, reggae, classical, swing, folk - you name it, someone’s playing it.  And DJs get into the spirit of the festival as well, lining up to spin the night away using their best samples and most cutting-edge techniques. There are organized events, spontaneous jam sessions and even music school recitals filling out the bill.

But, the Fête de la Musique is not only limited to the larger cities - or even the mid-size towns. If the place has a name and a postal code, anyone can come and play music, for free, on the 21st of June.  Tiny hamlets are transformed into open-air music halls; normally busy streets in Paris, Lyon and Nice are closed to allow the bands to set up and enjoy the crowds.

Want to join the fun? If you’re into a younger, funkier vibe, check out this Hosted 2 Bedroom in Montpellier (PR-86).  And we’re not only talking about the music! From its Moroccan-themes bathroom to its treasures and souvenirs from five continents to its inviting pool, this place will make you feel like a rock star.

Or, stay at this Hosted 3 Bedroom in Toulon (PR-730) and get a feel for some laid-back Mediterranean sounds in this lovely, sleepy town. This one is perfect for families, with a fun bedroom set up just for kids and breathtaking sea views for Mom and Dad. Use Toulon as a base as you explore the whole French Riviera - you’re almost dead center between the thriving cities of Marseilles and Nice!

South of France: Bed and Breakfast in Cavaillon - Avignon (PR-158) pict

To capture the original community feel of the Fête de la Musique, check into this Hosted 3 Bedroom in Cavaillon (PR-158), just south of Avignon, and take advantage of the French country life before heading out to see traditional folk bands in either Cavaillon or Avignon. Although with its gorgeous pool, garden dining areas and park surroundings, you might never want to leave the house!

The French and foreigners alike have made the Fête de la Musique a wonderful summertime tradition, particularly in the beach culture of the South of France. There are many open-air concerts, festivals and all manner of outdoor fun for the whole family, all summer long.  Do you have any summertime traditions with your family?  Let us know in the comments!

1. South of France Hidden Gem: 3 Bedroom in Les Baux Provence
2. Pont du Gard: Roman Aqueducts in the South of France
3. A Different Kind of Beach in the South of France
4. See an unexpected side of the South of France in the Camargue
5. Gainsbourg retrospective at Paris’ Musée de la Musique

This entry was posted on Friday, March 13th, 2009 at 3:44 pm in South of France Events. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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