Art lovers heading to Paris this summer have until August 2 to enjoy the exhibition Courbet, Pissarro, Cézanne at the Musée Jacquemart-André.
“The exhibition explores the alternatives that Pissarro and Cézanne found to the classical training challenged by Courbet, and how this newfound freedom had a lasting impact on their work,” says the museum, which is located at 158 Boulevard Haussmann in the 8th arrondissement and houses the finest private collection of artworks in Paris.
What makes this exhibition space so special is that the works are exhibited in the sunlit salons of a gilded 19th-Century mansion – perfect for exploring the landscapes, still lifes and thematic pieces exploring the transition from Realism (Courbet) to the foundations of Impressionism (Pissarro) and Post-Impressionism (Cézanne).
2. Carcassonne calling
Carcassonne's exceptional festival settingJulien Roche, Ville de Carcassonne
Rock and pop fans living in the south-west should make a beeline for the historic town of Carcassonne, which every year manages to draw major artists to its popular festival, set against the stunning architecture of the medieval cité.
Among the British and American performers this summer are Franz Ferdinand, Tom Odell, Chris Isaak and Kool & the Gang – sure to bring the party spirit. However, the hottest ticket is probably the reformed punk rock legends, Sex Pistols.
Big name French acts include Christophe Maé and Gaëtan Roussel, the former lead vocalist for the band Louise Attaque. Runs from late June and throughout July, see website for list of acts and dates.
3. Jazz on the Riviera
Jazz à Juan's 2026 line-upJazz à Juan
It is hard to imagine a more idyllic or elegant backdrop for a jazz festival than Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera.
Held under the pines of the Pinède Gould, the Jazz à Juan festival was first held in 1960 (when it was called Festival Européen de Jazz) and continues to draw both big international names and upcoming talents from the jazz scene.
The programme also veers into other more mainstream musical genres – among this year’s performers are Tom Jones, Seal, Samara Joy, Morcheeba, and Marcus Miller.
Music lovers will enjoy spotting the handprints of jazz stars who have performed at the festival over the years – head along the nearby footpath.
The local heritage of glove-making is celebrated in style this month in Millau, Aveyron with the annual St Anne’s Day festivities, which honour the patron saint of glove makers and tanners.
The July 19 celebrations – organised by the Association for the Preservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Millau Region and local authorities – include a procession in costumes, a Mass and blessing, plus traditional cuisine bringing together leather artisans, shepherds, and villagers.
5. Cathedral of Light
Rouen boasts France’s tallest cathedral, with a central spire reaching 151 metres. Throughout the summer at nightfall, the building comes alive with a breathtaking light show projected onto its façade. This year Japanese artist Mika Ninagawa’s new homage to Impressionism turns it into a vibrant canvas of flowers.
