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9 European Festivals you probably haven’t heard of…

It’s no secret that Europeans love an excuse to party, so we’ve compiled a list of European festivals you probably haven’t heard of but definitely need to add your bucket list!

It’s no secret that Europeans love an excuse to party, so we’ve compiled a list of European festivals you probably haven’t heard of but definitely need to add your bucket list!

1. Carcassonne Festival

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Running for over 10 years, the Carcassonne festival is one of the biggest festivals in the south of France.

Every summer the festival brings dance, theatre, circus, music and art to the heart of the stunning medieval city, Carcassonne – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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In July 2016, more than 120 shows and performances will be offered, one hundred of which are free! Previous performers include the Cranberries, Sting, Johnny Halliday and Elton John.

About Carcassonne

Carcassonne’s medieval city is an unmissable landmark in the southern region of France. The impressive walled city and its many cobbled streets will offer you beautiful landscapes and a magical history.

Do not miss the Museum of Torture; an emotional journey tracing history all the way back to the French Revolution.

 

2. North Sea Beer Festival

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If you love beer and you love the beach, then this is the European festival for you.

With over 150 specialty Belgian beers on tap from over 20 Belgian brewers to sample, the North Sea Beer Festival in Oostende is sure to satisfy even the thirstiest traveller.

Held annually over the last weekend in August the North Sea Beer Festival attracts visitors from all over Europe with their cool summer vibes, great beer and excellent music.

The food on showcase will surely impress the biggest foodie with catering ranging from the simple food van to highly regarded Oostende chef’s specialties.

About Oostende

Oostende is the perfect combination of Belgian big city living and chilled beach-side life.

With a history built on the fishing trade, you’re sure to find excellent seafood in the beach-side restaurants or markets. You can also visit and even stay in several monuments here, including an old stronghold built by Napoleon in the 18th Century.

 

3. Kings Day

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Kings Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands held in honour of the Dutch King.

It is celebrated throughout the country and takes place annually on the King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, the 27th April. On this day, the Dutch dress in Orange and celebrate all over the country with concerts, festivals and parades.

The canals in Amsterdam and Utrecht are two of the best places to enjoy the festivities; if you’re lucky enough to be on a boat during this festive time, you’re in for a treat.

The waterways are in ultimate gridlock on Kings Day with every watercraft imaginable crammed tightly into the waterways, it is a sight and sound to behold with many DJ’s playing from boat decks.

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About Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam offers a vibrant nightlife, incredible art and fine dining.

Do a walking tour of the city and taste all of the Dutch delights, visit Anne Frank’s House, try a fresh Heineken at the Heineken Museum or opt for a pedal boat or a bike and see the city from a different perspective.

 

4. Camargue Votive festivals

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These festivals are not for the faint hearted, however if you’re a fan of the thrill Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls provides, then a votive festival in the Camargue will be right up your alley.

Held in the south of France, a votive festival marks the end of the summer season and combines ancient Camargue traditions including Bull racing (‘courses camarguaises’), Abrivados, music, shows, dancing, competitions and other attractions that lure spectators to different Camargue towns each year.

With such a rich culture and tradition, the Camargue’s Gardians, black bulls and white horses are the centre of many Votive festivities.

About the Camargue

The Camargue is often referred to as the ‘Wild West’ of France, even though it is located in the south east.

Some Camargue highlights include the St Gilles Abbey, the walled city of Aigues-Mortez and old harbour of Le Grau du Roi. Aigues-Mortez is also boasts stunning pink salt fields, one of the only places in the world you can spot beautiful and rare pink flamingos in the wild.

 

5. Les Zaccros d’ma rue

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Every year the streets of Burgundy’s Nevers fill with some of the most unique, amazing, and outlandish performances one can imagine.

Les Zaccros D’ma Rue is a seven day festival made up of street performances, circus acts, parades, concerts and visual art. Its program is popular, diverse and incredibly festive. In 2015, Les Zaccros D’ma Rue attracted over 320 artists and over 70,000 visitors.

About Nevers

The beautiful French town of Nevers is located on the Canal lateral a la Loire in Burgundy and is home to the stunning Ducal Palace.

A multitude of beautiful homes from the 14th to the 17th century line the winding Nevers streets and there are a number of great restaurants including La Cour St-Etienne and Jean-Michel Crouron’s restaurant 21 Rue St. Etienne.

 

6. Cactus Festival

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The Cactus Festival in Bruges isn’t the spikey plant fest you might expect – it’s actually a three-day music festival named after the Belgian music venue that organises it.

The festival takes place on the second weekend of July each year and attracts musicians from all over the world, and some renowned international artists have played there previously, big names include the Kooks, Kate Nash, the Proclaimers, the Flaming Lips, the B52’s and Bryan Ferry.

About Bruges

Picture-perfect Bruges is a fairy-tale medieval town, with cobbled lanes, historic churches and bustling market squares. Not to mention the incredible beers, world-famous chocolates and Michelin stared restaurants on offer. The Belgian city of Bruges is best explored by bike, boat or horse-drawn carriage.

 

7. La Gacilly Photo Festival

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Budding photographers and art enthusiasts unite.

There is no better time to visit Southern Brittany town of La Gacilly than between the months of June and September for the increasingly popular photo festival which takes place there every year.

This unique outdoor event is the largest photo festival in all of France, and celebrates amazing imagery captured of humans and the environment. With artwork from world-renowned photographers as well as local artists, this festival is awe-inspiring.

About La Gacilly

Located in the North West of France, Brittany’s La Gacilly has managed to find the perfect balance between a modern city and nature. Its charms are without limit and the artisanal activities are dynamic and on our list as a ‘must-see’.

 

8. Henley Royal Regatta

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Occurring annually over the first weekend of July, The Henley Royal Regatta is the most well-known regatta in the in the world, attracting thousands of English and international visitors and competitors alike to the Thames side town of Henley-upon-Thames.

The regatta makes for a great day out and has many interesting traditions that have developed since its inception in 1839.

About Henley-upon-Thames

Henley is a beautiful town to visit, not only for their famous regatta, but also to peruse the boutique shops and grab a bite to eat – whether that is in a traditional Thames side pub or in one of the many quaint cafes and restaurants.

 

9. Festa del Redentore

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Every summer in Italy, on the 3rd Sunday of July, one of the most important Venetian events takes place: the Redeemer Festival, or the “Carnival of Venetians”.

This popular festival honours the eradication of the plague in 1577 and is celebrated with a big fireworks show, illuminated boats that are decorated with balloons and lanterns of all colours in the San Marco Basin and the Giudecca Canal and other fun events throughout Venice.

About Venice

The unmissable Italian city Venice is home to a number of famous landmarks including St Mark’s Basilica, the Ducal Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

In Venice, you’ll be swept away with all its historical monuments and museums, and a romantic ride gondola through the canals of the historic centre is a must. The islands of Murano, Burano and Chioggia are great options for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist city.

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Le Boat offers the widest selection of self-drive boating holidays in the UK and Europe. No experience is necessary to operate their boats, and you don’t need a license either.

A Le Boat holiday allows you to visit all of these incredible festivals and captain your own way through the European canals, rivers. To help you decide which festival is best for you, take Le Boat’s fun quiz right here.

Have you been to any of these European festivals?

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