The Fête des lumières or Festival of lights, happens every December 8th in Lyon, to express gratitude to the Virgin Mary. Every house place candles outside every window, creating a spectacular effect on the streets. The festival lasts 4 days, and the 2 main points are the Basilica of Fourvière, light up with different colors, and the Place des Terreaux which hosts a light show, different every year.
While everyone is familiar with New Orleans' famous Mardi Gras parades and wild celebrations, there are more than a few Mardi Gras celebrations over the world. In fact, the New Orleans festivities have strong roots in French celebrations before the arrival of Lent.
Called "Carnaval" in France, there are Mardi Gras events here that predate New Orleans' festivities by centuries.
Mardi Gras in France with roots dating back to the Middle Ages is the Limoux Carnaval. Lasting several weeks each year, the carnaval celebration is best known for its unique masks. This is also the home to France's true original sparkling wine, which predates Champagne.
Every year, the Rassemblement de Montgolfières (gathering of hot air balloons) brings balloonists from all over the world to partake in a three-day ballooning celebration in Le Puy-en-Velay (in central France in Auvergne) during the Armistice holiday.
Le Puy en Velay, is a perfect venue with ideal conditions for ballooning and is world renowned for its picturesque volcanic rocks. The 40 or so balloonists gather for this non-competitive event but everyone is invited as spectators. You can watch the colorful puffy balloons while sipping local wines and sampling the yummy cheeses that makes France France.
Nick: French Maid
Name: Lucille (well ok, it's JUST Lucy :( )
Born in: the wrong country!
Age:19
Hobbies: Theatre, movies, girls night, french.
