Events in France during 2013 which are worth investigating if you are taking a French holiday this year or planning one in 2014. This is our resume of the main social season events in 2013 and a few other gems we have come across over the years.
In Monaco the Monte Carlo rally was on mid-January. Known properly as the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo it marked the beginning of the International Rally Challenge.
Hot on the heals of the Monte Carlo Rally at the end of January came the Historic version, the renowned winter road outing the Historic Monte Carlo Rally.
The international Rugby during February and March left Wales as champions.
With Spring comes the opening of one of the most interesting of the garden design festivals in France. The contemporary exhibit at Chaumont sur Loire held in the grounds and gardens of the chateau begins in April and runs through until October.
Arguably the most famous film festival in the world gets under way in Cannes on the 15th May and runs to the 26th. Its a great chance to spot the stars in the south of France and follow who wins the prestigous Palme d'or, Prix du Jury, best actor and actress.
For a night to remember and an opportunity to gain free access to some of the more obscure French treasures as well as mainstream establishments Museum night or "La nuit des Musees" is on Saturday 18th May.
In Paris on Sunday the 26th of May the first round of the men's and women's singles gets the French Open tennis under way at Roland Garros. The last day is scheduled for the 9th of June.
If you haven't been to Monte Carlo when the Grand Prix is on you should give it a try, the atmosphere is amazing even in the lead up to race day. This years dates are 23rd to 26th of May.
There are race courses and race courses. Chantilly near Paris has to be one of the most beautiful in the world. This year's race day is the 2nd of June.
You can watch one of the world great motor races, the 24 hour Le Mans in Sarte on 22nd and 23rd of June.
It may be low key by some standards but as far as Corsica goes the Calvi Jazz festival is one of the biggest event on the island during the summer. Set in and around the streets of Calvi and on the quayside of its charming port from 19th to 23rd June 2013.
The two places we recommend for La Fete de la Musique (music night) are Antibes and Aix en Provence where the atmosphere is just great. This terrific event takes place all over France on Friday 21st June. It is usually a superb long summer night to remember for all the family.
Despite the scandals the Tour de France is still the biggest show in town when it comes to annual sporting events. At the end of June on the 29th the 100th tour begins and ends 3,479 kilometres later on the 21st of July.
The beginning of July is full of cultural richness with Festival d'Aix starting on the 4th and running until the 27th. Opera lovers converge on Aix en Provence from far and wide for this event.
If you are in France on the 14th of July the sound of fireworks will alert you to the fact that it is Bastille day. Best spent in Paris.
In the French Riviera it is the Nice Jazz festival which takes place from the 8th to the 12th of July in the Place Massena and Theatre de Verdure which is the main event. Earth wind and fire are on the billing for 2013.
Hold on to your society hats for the Group 1 classics in Normandy at the world famous Deauville-La Touques racecourse. This years dates fall between 4th and 25th August.
High culture from the top drawer takes place in the form of opera at the Villa Ephrussi de Roschild, one of the most beautiful locations in the Cote d'Azur. Les Azuriales take place in mid August and are open for booking from the 15th of April.
September in the south of France sees the arrival of huge sailing boats from all over the world for the regattas at Cannes and St Tropez. The Regates Royal de Cannes runs from the 21st to the 28th and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez follows on the 29th September ending on October 7th.
The social season for France draws to a close with the Prix de l'Arc de Triumphe, the big horse racing event of the year at Longchamps in Paris on the 5th and 6th of October.