Timing your visit to coincide with one of the many exciting events in France can make any trip more memorable. Below is a selection of some of the best events France has to offer.

Bastille Day - July 14 Throughout France

The Bastille was a prison in Paris, known formally as Bastille Saint-Antoine, known today because of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which lead to the end of the country's monarchist rule and the establishment of a new French Republic. The event was commemorated one year later by the Fête de la Fédération and was declared a national holiday. Nowadays it's still a day of celebration for the French and each commune throughout France holds its own dancing and fireworks.

Cannes Film Festival - 12 to 23 May 2010 Cannes, Provence

The Cannes Film Festival is the world's most prestigious film festival and is held in May each year in Cannes, in the south of France. The most prestigious award given out at Cannes is the Palme d'Or ("Golden Palm") for the best film.

Nice Jazz Festival - July (dates to be confirmed) Nice, Provence

This world famous event attracts almost 50,000 visitors each year. Musicians play on stages in the beautiful setting of Nice's Cimiez Arenas and Gardens - a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre. Jazz music is the focus but the festival also offers many musical genres with past performers including such legends as BB King and Jimmy Cliff as well more recent acts such as Jamiroquai, Joss Stone and Katie Melua. Created in 1948, 'Nice Jazz' has grown in stature each year to become one of the greatest jazz festivals in the world.

Tour de France - 3 to 25 July 2010 Alps, Provence, Languedoc, Les Landes, Dordogne

As well as being the most famous cycling race in the world, the Tour de France is part of the national French culture. Taking place over three weeks, the race is composed of stages across the country and watching the cyclists pass through one of the many beautiful villages or towns of France is an unrivalled experience.

Le Mans - 12 to 13 June 2010 Loire

The Le Mans 24 Hours experience actually lasts a whole week starting with Le Mans scrutineering on Monday and Tuesday, followed by Le Mans practice on Wednesday and Thursday and on Friday the Le Mans drivers' parade through the centre of Le Mans. Then comes the weekend and the magic of the Le Mans 24 hrs race that continues all through the night.