Things to see and do this month in Arles, Paris, Metz, Castelnaudary and more 

1. Picture perfect in Arles

If you appreciate photography and fabulous Provençal architecture in equal measure, then the Arles photography festival is for you.

Founded in 1970, it has become the definitive summer photography festival in France, with exhibitions held in prestigious heritage sites across the historic Bouches-du-Rhône town – and this year, for the first time, the hospital grounds will also host an outdoor exhibition.

As organisers say: “Rencontres d’Arles has been a major influence in disseminating the best of world photography and playing the role of a springboard for photographic and contemporary creative talents.”

Runs until October 4.

2. 400 years of natural history

Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2026, the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris has evolved from a royal medicinal garden founded in 1626 by Louis XIII’s physician into one of the world’s great natural history institutions, with 68 million specimens spread across sites including the Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution and the Musée de l’Homme.

Until the end of the year, you can enjoy a special programme of events and a wealth of online content that highlights natural history, its essential role in understanding the world around us, and how it helps us better grasp today’s challenges.

Starting on September 23, the exhibition “Artists at the Museum”, at the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, will be one of the year’s highlights. It will showcase four centuries of collaboration between artists and naturalists at the museum.

Also in September, Heritage Days will offer an opportunity to rediscover the history of the Jardin des Plantes, its sculptures, and the museum’s scientific laboratories.

3. Plum fair

Fruit fanciers are spoilt for choice when it comes to produce-focused fairs and festivals in France. In Metz (Moselle, Grand Est), it is the humble Mirabelle plum that will be honoured in August at the Fêtes de la Mirabelle. Festivities include the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen (Friday, August 21), the Flavours and Arts Market, and a boat parade – as well as food stalls, concerts, and entertainment.

4. Cassoulet festival

Another food festival, this time for lovers of cassoulet, takes place in the (claimed) home of the hearty meat and bean stew, Castelnaudary in the Aude department.

This is one of Occitanie’s most eagerly anticipated gatherings (up to 80,000 attend), with an eclectic programme of events and tastings for people of all ages.

As well as a walking race, called “La Ronde du Cassoulet”, there is a gourmet market, a parade by members of the Great Brotherhood of Cassoulet of Castelnaudary, a flower parade, music concerts and, of course, many restaurants serving their version of the duck and sausage dish. August 19-23. 

5. Howe drawings

Here is a wonderful event for fans of JRR Tolkien. The fantastical world of John Howe, the Canadian illustrator who helped shape the visual style of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, is explored in a multi-site artistic journey in Guérande, Herbignac and Batz-sur-Mer on the Guérande Peninsula (Loire-Atlantique).

Nearly 150 works take you on a unique journey through legends, fantasy worlds, and medieval imagination.

Runs until November 1.