France Festival

The annual France Festival attracts about 100,000 visitors for three days to the rhine embarkment promenade of Duesseldorf. La Grande Fete Francaise always takes place close to the 14th of July - the French National Holiday - next to the river. Thus, the city of Duesseldorf, which is often called "Petit Paris", shows its close ties to its French neighbors. After all, Napoleon was already enthusiastic about our beautiful city.

The feast on the promenade - and thus the largest area - is free, but there is a paid area in the courtyard of the town hall. There is, among other things, a stage where bands play French music. Hundreds of stands with typical French food and drinks lure on the promenade. Either you can have cheese, sausage and baguette to go or sit on one of the many benches and enjoy fancy French dishes. There are French booksellers, tourism tips, and boules players, who push a calm ball unimpressed by dozens of spectators.

Even car fans will be satisfied: There is a classic car rally where old French Citroens or Peugeots can be admired on the castle square.

In good weather, it gets really busy - some say it is too full. We advise against going for a walk on bicycles, with strollers or dogs on the promenade, as it is sometimes very crowded. Downstairs that is easily possible, but there are no stalls.