The 5th Edition of Le French Festival returns to Jersey

The island of Jersey will once again celebrate its rich French connections with the much-loved Le French Festival, taking place from 10 to 14 July 2025, with additional exhibitions and activities starting mid-June.

Ahead of the festival, the organising committee ran a poster competition in collaboration with local schools. Over 50 posters were submitted by young Jersey artists, and the winning design – proudly displayed throughout the festival – was created by Sukey. All entries are exhibited at both the Alliance Française de Jersey (5 Library Place) and Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche (71 Halkett Place) until 18 July 2025.

This year’s edition promises five days of vibrant cultural exchange, delicious French flavours, music, film, theatre, and sports – bringing Jersey and France even closer together. Artists will come over from France to perform during Le Festival: Théâtre de la Lune Bleue, Appelez-moi François, Houle ma Poule and Pentabones (Normandy) and Samuel Genin and Jahiner (Brittany).

Schedule of Events:

The Norman Market (9–14 July, Royal Square) | Always a crowd favourite, the market returns with stalls brimming with traditional French fare – sausages, cider, cheese, and more – recreating a bustling “place du marché” in
the heart of St Helier.

Tour des Ports de la Manche Regatta (10–11 July, Albert Pier) | Some 500 sailors will arrive in Jersey as part of this iconic nautical race, offering a
unique spectacle on our shores.

Outdoor Film Screenings (10 & 11 July, Royal Square) | Enjoy The Magic Flute (Mozart) in German with French subtitles on Thursday 10 July (from 9pm till midnight), Jersey’s Arts, Culture and Heritage department is a partner of “Opera on Screen”, in association with the Opera de Rennes. “Opera on Screen” is a French cultural initiative with the intention of making Opera free and accessible to all within Brittany and Loire regions. It is transmitted to over 50 cities and towns across France and has been broadcast in Jersey and Guernsey for many years. The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan (cert. 15 – viewers must be 15 and over) in French with English subtitles on Friday 11 July (from 9pm till 11pm) – perfect for a summer night out under the stars.

Wine Tastings with Noémie Favrat (11 & 12 July, Love Wine) | Discover a curated selection of French wines introduced by sommelier Noémie Favrat from London. Spaces are limited, booking required (£40 pp).

Family & Children’s Shows (12–13 July, Royal Square) | From magical tales from Samuel Genin and puppet theatre performances exploring Victor Hugo’s Jersey exile by Théâtre de la Lune Bleue– there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy.

Live Music and DJs (12, 13 & 14 July, Royal Square & town centre) | Experience an eclectic musical journey with acts like Appelez-moi François, DJ Stefunk, Jahiner’s bagad, and amateur Norman bands Pentabones and Houle ma Poule.

Petanque Competitions (13 July, Weighbridge & Les Quennevais) | Enjoy this classic French game in both inter-parish and beginner-friendly formats.

Consul’s Happy Hour (13 July, Royal Square) | Celebrate Bastille Day early with an official ceremony, live music, vin d’honneur, and a warm, festive atmosphere for all.

“The Franco-British Relationship: Spearhead of European Security” (14 July, Assembly Room – St Helier Town Hall) | In partnership with Normandy for Peace, leading experts assess how UK–France cooperation drives European security in today’s shifting global landscape.

The festival team is once again prepared to ensure a joyful, accessible and family-friendly celebration of French culture on the island.