Estivales: The Best Summer Weekend Event in the South of France

Montpellier, France
Montpellier, France. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

Montpellier is a city in Southern France located just 10 km from the Mediterranean sea, and as far as we’re concerned it’s underrated as a tourist destination. The most popular spots in France are Paris and the Riviera, and while they are both undeniably beautiful, Montpellier has more of a small-town charm you won’t find in other places. Come summer, the whole town gathers every Friday night for food, crafts, and concerts. 

The event is known as Estivales and it’s so successful that it’s been held in Montpellier for over 20 years. Locals and tourists alike gather on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle where they’ll find dozens of food and wine vendors as well as local artisans who’ve come to sell their goods. Concerts and live music are also key highlights of the festivities. 

This year, Estivales has been moved to a new location known as Domaine d’O, a park and open-air theater not far from the original spot. Admission is free, and for five Euros visitors will receive two glasses of wine and an engraved glass to keep. If there’s anything we love more than a summer festival, it’s affordable wine. 

Estivales runs every Friday in July and August from 6:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.