Spring is a great time to consider a short break in Europe, with a variety of festivals and carnivals to discover. Ferry company DFDS, which runs three routes to France, has shared its guide to the best festivals to enjoy now. 

Dunkirk Carnival, Dunkirk 

Sunday 19 January – Sunday 27 April 

The Carnaval de Dunkerque is one of France's noisiest, busiest and weirdest. It lasts three months between mid-January and mid-April, with events reaching a fever pitch on the week of Mardi Gras. This 300-year-old party is the longest carnival in the world and features costumed parades, street performances by bands and orchestras, and, strangely, a ceremonial throwing of 450 kilos of wrapped smoked herring from the City Hall balcony. 

Chartres Light Festival, Centre-Val de Loire 

Saturday 5 April to January 2026 (2.75hrs from Dieppe) 

Chartres was the first French city to light up its landmarks with an annual light festival and it remains one of the country's best. Activities on the first night of the festival include a 10km walking trail through the streets of the town linking the illuminations. The trail is so popular it's even been turned into a competitive race with runners of all abilities joining walkers on the route. 

International Kite Festival, Berck-sur-Mer 

Saturday 12 April – Monday 21 April (1hr from Calais) 

One of the biggest kite festivals in the world, the International kite festival at Berck-sur-Mer on the northern French coast is an event not to be missed. Kites in the shape of giant marine creatures, superheroes and dragons will be paraded for visitors, while professional kite pilots compete to put on the best display. With kite-building workshops and fireworks displays also on the agenda, this French festival is a firm family favourite.  

 France and Belgium are easily accessible via DFDS' Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe routes. Short break fares for travel from Dover start from £79 for a daytrip in a car with up to four people, or from £119 for up to three-days away. For travel on the Newhaven to Dieppe service, prices start from £100 each way for a car and four people. 

For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com.