Festivals, open-air cinemas and other French summer activities

Hello readers,

This summer in France has felt… a lot. Record heatwaves, drought, raging wildfires - it’s no surprise that “eco-anxiety” is creeping into everyday conversation.

Ironically, a recent social media post from the French government meant to raise awareness about eco-anxiety ended up doing the opposite. It sparked a wave of criticism, with many pointing the finger back at the government itself for not doing enough on climate action.

The backlash comes at a time of growing frustration: a YouGov poll recently found that 74 percent of respondents are unhappy with the Macron government’s environmental track record since 2017.

Plenty of commenters argued that instead of telling people how to cope, the focus should be on tackling the root of the problem. Some even joked that a government resignation might do more to ease eco-anxiety than any advice post.

Read politics expert John Lichfield's column this week if you want to dig deeper into how climate and politics are colliding: 

OPINION: As French wildfires still burn, the 'blame the Greens' deflection has begun

But when everything starts to feel a bit apocalyptic, sometimes the best thing to do is to resort to a bit of distraction. So this week, I’ve put together a little roundup of simple summer joys to take your mind off things.

First up: something I’ve always wanted to do - watch a movie under the stars. Across France, from June to September, open-air cinemas pop up everywhere. It feels straight out of those old American films with drive-in theatres, except here, it’s often in a château courtyard, a park, or by the beach.

So grab some popcorn and get comfortable. Whether it’s a classic Hollywood film, a French favourite, or a new release, there’s something magical about watching a movie outside on a warm evening.

How to find open-air cinemas in France this summer

Another sure sign of summer? Festivals. Every year, my family and I head to La Gacilly, a small town in Brittany that transforms into a huge open-air photography exhibition. The themes often revolve around climate and our changing world, but there’s something quite nice about wandering through art in the fresh air.

The town itself is worth the visit too, with artisan shops and a lovely campsite by the river near the start of the exhibition. And the best part? It’s completely free. This year’s edition is extra special, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the invention of photography.

37 unmissable festivals and events in France this summer

Speaking of Brittany, it's my favourite place to spend summer days. I’m lucky enough that my parents live there, so I get to enjoy both their company and everything the region has to offer.

For years, it’s been a go-to escape from the heat, with many choosing the northwest over the scorching south. And while no region has been completely spared this summer, things are finally cooling down a bit. It’s almost, dare I say, a little chilly, and the sea is back to its usual refreshing 17C.

As I will be enjoying a few days in Brittany, I look forward to eating mussels, the famous galettes and crêpes and taking part in a summer 'fest noz' (night festival) with Breton traditional dancing, and of course enjoying the beach and swimming every day.

From Breizh to kenavo: 10 Breton words you'll see across Brittany

While Brittany is better known for cider and beer, climate change is quietly reshaping things. Warmer temperatures are making grape growing more viable in regions that once weren’t suited to it. Across northern France, including Brittany, growers are experimenting with varieties like chardonnay and chenin, adapting to local challenges like humidity and disease.

More broadly, scientists predict that rising temperatures could redraw the global wine map.

In fact with the recent wildfires, many are worried that the taste of wine in the regions affected may even taste like smoke...

Factcheck: Will this year's French wines really taste smokey?