Colors of La Rochelle - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Many consider La Rochelle as a typical provincial town. Indeed, it has a very calm and measured rhythm of life, nothing breaks the atmosphere of harmony reigning here on a normal day. At the same time, La Rochelle is often called the "City of Festivals". Some of the most famous and popular festivals in France are held here throughout the year.

In July, the city holds the traditional music festival Francofolies, whose name can be translated as “French madness”. French-speaking musical bands play music within the framework of this festival, performers of various styles are invited to the event.

The festival program usually lasts 6 days, more than thirty years ago the music festival was held for the first time. All these years, La Rochelle is a permanent venue for the festival. Open-air stages are set up for musicians on the city streets and squares. Every concert attracts thousands of spectators, as many world-famous performers take part in the festival today. Young musicians also perform on the same stage with eminent stars. In recent years, more than 80,000 spectators visit the festival regularly. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

La Rochelle is a permanent venue for the annual Escales Documentaires of la Rochelle. At the same festive venue, this documentary film festival brings together major international figures and those who are just trying their hand at filmmaking. During the festival, guests of the city can visit interesting premieres, as well as enjoy plenty of interesting thematic programs. Special attention is always paid to films devoted to significant historical events. In recent years, one of the relevant themes for the festival is environmental issues, which are also covered in many modern documentaries. The festival is accompanied by many interesting contests, participation in which is considered very prestigious.

La Rochelle hosts one of the most modern and vibrant festivals of contemporary music - Les Francofolies de La Rochelle. This event always attracts a huge number of young people; famous rock bands, popular music performers, as well as world-famous DJs join the festival. Several special concert venues are prepared the city specifically for this grandiose 5-day festival.

They are designed in such a way that the atmosphere at the venue matches the style of musical performers as close as possible. Big open-air stages are set up for rock bands and electronic music DJs, while classical music performers give concerts within the walls of the city’s main Grand Theater. In recent years, the music festival has significantly expanded its program, now it is attended by artists of various directions.

Special demonstration venues are prepared for them in the harbor where modern artists, sculptors, and photographers present their masterpieces. It is noteworthy that the music festival also has a pronounced environmental focus, many environmental projects are carried out within its framework. Tourists are attracted here not only by concerts but also by the opportunity to visit colorful markets, as well as participate in interesting gastronomic programs.

La Rochelle is a permanent venue for the major international exhibition Grand Pavois, which is the largest marine show in Europe. The venue is the city's harbor where the world's best yachts and boats, cruisers and other vessels are presented to the public. The most famous manufacturers in the world take part in the festival, the cost of the ships presented at the exhibition reaches several million US dollars. Next to the luxury yachts, one can see some elite models of fishing boats, which are considered the best of the best. A large part of the festival events is free of charge so it is also a popular attraction for ordinary tourists.

The exhibition was organized in 1973 for the first time and now a large-scale festival is accompanied by all kinds of sporting events and other entertainment activities directly related to the marine theme. Surprisingly, such a rich festive calendar doesn't prevent La Rochelle from remaining a very harmonious and calm town that hasn't lost its historical charm. Locals are proud of their unique culture and always ready to introduce foreign guests into its peculiarities.