Olympics, carnival, Tour de France: Cultural events in France in 2023
We look at how to get Olympics tickets, the mascot controversy and other events to look forward to
Phrygian bonnet is the Paris Olympic mascot; Nice carnival February 10-26; Tour de France will ride through the Dordogne
Image credit: Midary / Michelle Silke / Pierre Jean Durieu
Olympics and Paralympics
Recruitment of volunteers to help with the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will open online in March. People speaking both English and French are particularly sought.
Until January 31, people can sign up to a ticketing draw for the event, which will be held from July 26 to August 11 2024.
On February 15, those who are successful can buy ticket packs giving access to three events.
Breakdancing, surfing and skateboarding are among the more unusual sports.
A free opening ceremony will be organised on 160 boats on the Seine through the city centre.
Anthropomorphic Phrygian bonnets called les Phryges are the official mascots, but are causing amusement among commenters who said they look like anatomy models of a clitoris and sound like ‘fridge’.
Read more: Paris Olympics 2024: How can I become a volunteer?
Celtic festival
The festival Interceltique de Lorient will have Ireland as guest of honour from August 4-13.
Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup will take place in France from September 8 to October 28 in nine venues.
World Ski Championships
The Alpine World Ski Championships are in Courchevel-Méribel from February 6-19.
Tall ships gathering
Rouen will again host the Armada de Rouen (last held in 2019), from June 8-18. The biggest gathering of large sailing ships in the world will include a visit from the British ship The Tenacious.
Nice carnival
Nice carnival will be from February 10-26, with a theme of ‘treasures of world heritage’. The city will be marking the 150th anniversary of the event and the city’s listing by Unesco as world heritage.
Tour de France
The 110th Tour de France will begin in Bilbao in the Spanish Basque Country on July 1.
Riders will head through the Dordogne in the south-west (visiting the area for the first time since 2017) then via the centre and east of France before the traditional Paris finish.
Read more: Tour de France will end in Nice in 2024
Emily in Paris
A third season of Netflix smash series Emily in Paris is set for release in 2023.
Read also: Australian in Paris walks every street to see variety of his district
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