It’s officially summer! If you’re avoiding the hustling-bustling crowds of July and August and planning your adventures in June, don’t worry one second that you’re missing out!  One of our favourite destinations to visit in the early summer month of June is France. With numerous music festivals and buzzing sporting events this is a fantastic month to go and explore.
Sports
Let’s kick off the summer with a spot of tennis! The historic event of the French Open Roland Garros is one of Paris’ most esteemed sport events of the summer. The stadium is renowned for its ‘red clay’ courts hosting some of the biggest names in tennis history, including Borg and Nadal. Make sure you don’t miss your shot to see the live action that ends on the 11th June. Remember to go to Smash Corner where you can practice your championship winning serve! Did you know Roland Garros was in fact a First World War hero and a pioneer in aviation?
Leading us nicely into the Paris Air Show, otherwise known for being the world’s oldest air show at 98 years old. From 19th-25th June ensure you fasten your seatbelts for historical aircraft flying displays or go discover what the transport of tomorrow will resemble!
For something a little more chic, the racecourse of Chantilly opens on the 18th June for the prestigious Prix de Diane Longines. Since 1843 this event has been the epitome of style, attracting over 30,000 visitors each year! Don’t miss out on the main event; grab yourself a picnic and watch the ultimate race in which 3 year old fillies (female horses) races against each other to win the grand prize!
Prefer to be on a quiet golf course?, The Open de France begins at the end of the month (29th June -2nd July) for a European Tour golf tournament. From 1906 this annual event has gathered the world’s greatest golfers for 3 days to compete for the title and £7 million on Le Golf National’s Albatros Course in Paris. Fancy a go yourself? Go to the driving range to have a whack or show everyone you skills on the putting green!
Music
It’s the perfect month to dance in the streets. World Music Day takes place on June 21st and it seems like the best time to get in touch with your musical side. Celebrations on this day can be found in Paris at the Fête de la musique. This open air festival is the perfect place to celebrate the longest day of the year, with its grand display of  music from both acclaimed musicians and brilliant amateurs, you’ll be dancing the night away!
Those of you who are fans of classical music, you will adore the Saint Denis Festival from May 30th – June 30th, that will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. From soloists to conductors performing in grand musical concerts or charming recitals, this prestigious events hosts performances from National Orchestra of Radio France and Philharmonic Orchestra of Radio France. Expect musical compositions from Mozart to Schubert as well as some new creations. Don’t worry though if you can’t get a good view the concert is broadcast to the entire city on a huge screen.
Film
Lights! Camera! Action! The Festival Du Film De Carbourg has been the ultimate destination to rub shoulders with the stars since 1983. From the 14th– 18th June this festival features sparkling premieres, honourable tributes and dynamic debates contributing to French and European cinema to over 12,000 people! One of the grandest elements of Festival Du Film are the awards themselves – two striking golden swans intertwined with each other.
Cinema lovers should likewise attend the Fete di Cinema in Paris between the 25th – 28th June. For just a few euros you escape reality on summer evenings and go to the movies for a reduced fee!
Flora
However, nothing really beats the beauty of nature on hot summer days. The picturesque fortress Chaumont-sur Loire every year hosts it’s stunning International Garden Festival. The estate becomes the true essence of summer as the enchanting perfumes from the flowers fill the air. This event runs until 5th November, however recommend going in June to see the gardens in their true brilliance! Walk through the gardens and be dazzled with landscape creations of contemporary design, you can even go on a guided tour to feed your thirst for knowledge. Another treat for nature lovers, is on summer evenings the gardens becomes lit up with multi-coloured lights.
 Festivities
Continuing on the theme of colour, whose feeling the need for a bit of flamboyance and vibrancy?
Paris’ Gay Pride Festival is one of the city’s most fabulous events of the year, attracting nearly half a million people annually! If you are in Northern France at the end of June (24th), make sure to head to the streets of Paris to be met with an extravaganza of costumes and glamour of this events 40th anniversary. The perfect way to finish the first month of summer.
Photo credit:Â Passion Leica
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