The Fête de la Saint-Jean, or St. John's Festival, is a cherished tradition across France, marking the summer solstice and celebrating the birth of St. John the Baptist.
Characterized by vibrant bonfires, lively music, and communal gatherings, these fires have historically symbolized bringing light in to ward off evil spirits. Traditions surrounding the bonfires are as varied and beloved as the villages that keep them alive.
As part of the rural lore, young couples would leap over the embers—a gesture believed to bring fertility or, predict the success of the harvest by how high a farmer can jump. Over time, the celebration has evolved into a joyous occasion that brings communities together to welcome the warmth and energy of summer.
Although officially recognized on June 24, the Fête de la Saint-Jean is often celebrated on various days close to the solstice, especially in the countryside. Second only to Bastille Day, it is one of the most widely celebrated summer festivals in France.
Where to Celebrate in 2025
Easily check your town's local event calendar or visitor center to find out dates for this lively celebration, and please make sure to confirm the ones below. (Things can change at the last minute.)
1. Mandelieu-La Napoule (Cote D'Azur)
📍 Robinson Beach, 06212, Mandelieu
📅 Friday, June 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
The town of Mandelieu welcomes both residents and visitors to celebrate the start of summer in a festive and friendly atmosphere. The fires of Saint John will be lit on Robinson Beach, blessed by Father Nikodem, and followed by an evening of music and dancing under the stars.
This local event includes an apéritif, an abundant helping of paella, cheese, dessert, and drinks—all included with your ticket and generously sponsored by the city.
Tickets: Adults from €25, Children (under 10) €15.
2. Sainte-Maxime (Cote D'Azur)
📍 City Center, 83120, Sainte-Maxime
📅 Tuesday, June 24, 2025
On June 24, Sainte-Maxime lights up to celebrate the light and summer with the festival. At nightfall, the children open the ball with the procession of the lanterns that crosses the city towards the area of Magnotim, where drums set the pace for traditional dances and music.
Then, the show moves to the downtown beach with the lighting of the fire of Saint-Jean. Dancing, fireworks and an outdoor concert follow. This festive and warm event brings residents and visitors together every year.
Saint-Maxime is located a few kilometers northeast of St. Tropez on the Cote D'Azur.
3. Sarlat-la-Canéda (Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
📍 Terrain de petanque, 24620 Sarlat-la-Canéda
📅 Saturday, June 29, 2024 (Note: Date for 2025 not confirmed yet)
Sarlat, renowned for its medieval architecture, hosts a lively celebration of the Fête de la Saint-Jean with a grand bonfire on Place Pasteur. The event features music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the summer solstice.
The event in Sarlat is often combined with their well-loved summer music festival.
While the exact date for 2025 has not been confirmed, the tradition is expected to continue. (Sarlat pictured in title photo.)
4. Marquay (Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
📍 Terrain de petanque, 24620 Marquay
📅 Friday, June 27, 2025
Just seven miles north of Sarlat, the charming village of Marquay awaits—designated a Ville et Villages Fleuris for its beautiful flower-filled gardens. This 2025 event is listed on the Sarlat office of tourism website. For the most up-to-date details, please check the town’s official website or call +33 5 53 29 67 39 to confirm.
5. Saint-Geniès (Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
📍 Place de la Mairie, 24240 Saint-Geniès
📅 Friday, June 27, 2025
Saint-Geniès, a "les plus beaux villages" du Perigord Nord, celebrates the Fête de la Saint-Jean with a traditional bonfire on Place de la Mairie. Music, dancing, and community gatherings embody the spirit of the summer solstice and offers an authentic experience of rural French festivity. Saint-Geniès is a short ten-mile drive north of Sarlat.
6. Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales)
📍 Summit of Canigo, "the great mountain," 66000 Perpignan
📅 Monday evening, June 23, 2025
This ancient festival, held in Perpignan in the far south of France, is a celebration of Catalan identity on both sides of the border. High above the city, on the “Great Mountain” of Canigó, locals gather to honor one of their oldest and most symbolic traditions.
- The week before the event during the Trobada (gathering), volunteers collect grapevine branches to build the ceremonial bonfire at the summit.
- The celebration culminates in a moving procession of Perpignan runners, who carry the sacred flame up the mountain, lighting bonfires along the way.
- One of the most cherished moments is the bread-sharing ceremony with the Canigou shepherds, a deeply symbolic gesture of unity, tradition, and community spirit.
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Travel Planning with Trouver
Whichever town you choose, the Fete de Saint Jean is a wonderful opportunity to experience one of the country’s oldest traditions, with each town adding its own unique character and festive spirit.
As a Fora Travel certified travel advisor and IATA registration, I’d be delighted to help you plan your own unforgettable journey. Let me share some of our favorite places and what we've discovered on our travels through France while sourcing original pieces for import to the United States.
Feel free to reach out anytime at shasha@TrouverAntiques—let’s start planning something beautiful together.
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