Jazz sous les Pommiers (top-3 French jazz festival), Rouen Medieval days for the Joan of Arc festivities, the giant Andaines flea market with 2,200 stallholders: 10 Normandy picks.
Normandy doesn't need much to set the tone for the Ascension long weekend. Three events alone place it among the most active regions: a top-3 French jazz festival, the Rouen Medieval days linked to the Joan of Arc festivities, and one of France's largest flea markets. The rest follows with remarkable diversity, from stained glass to outdoor painting, from camembert to short films. Our pick this week: Jazz sous les Pommiers in Coutances, closing its 44th edition on May 16.
Jazz sous les Pommiers in Coutances (Manche)
From May 8 to 16, Jazz sous les Pommiers closes its 44th edition in Coutances. Founded in 1982, this festival is now one of France's three largest jazz events by attendance. The 2026 programme stays true to the house spirit: openness to improvised music, welcoming young talents and major international figures in intimate venues across the historic centre. The final May 16 night promises a striking close.
Rouen Medieval days and Joan of Arc festivities (Seine-Maritime)
From May 14 to 16, the Rouen Medieval days plunge the Norman capital into a grand medieval atmosphere for the Joan of Arc festivities. For three days, streets, squares and historic monuments turn into a living Middle Ages set: knights in armour, troubadours, craftspeople, medieval markets, jousts, pyrotechnic shows and a giant costumed parade. One of the most spectacular historical events of the French spring.
Andaines Flea Market in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne (Orne)
On May 16 and 17, the Andaines Flea Market stretches over nearly 2.5 kilometres along the D386, between Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and Saint-Michel-des-Andaines. With over 2,200 stallholders, it's one of Normandy's largest flea markets and general fairs, drawing tens of thousands of bargain-hunters. Furniture, vinyl, vintage clothing, old toys, farm equipment, books: it all passes through, in a country-fair atmosphere.
Pierres en Lumières in Eure
From May 15 to 17, the Eure department and the Fondation du patrimoine light up dozens of heritage sites during Pierres en Lumières. Castles, churches, washhouses, mills, manors glow with lights, candles, lanterns and torches across three nights. Free events (concerts, readings, guided tours) accompany the visits. An ideal time to rediscover the Norman heritage under unusual lighting.
Art and Light Festival in Conches-en-Ouche (Eure)
From May 15 to 17, the Conches-en-Ouche Art and Light Festival celebrates the art of glass and light in this small Eure town world-famous for its stained-glass windows. The town houses the masterworks of François Décorchemont, the glassmaker who revolutionised pâte-de-verre stained glass in the 20th century, and the remarkable windows of the Sainte-Foy church. Demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and illuminations punctuate three intimate days.
Les ExtraVerties Festival — Norman Switzerland (Calvados/Orne)
From May 14 to 16, Les ExtraVerties gather outdoor and adventure lovers between Roche d'Oëtre and Pont-d'Ouilly. Around thirty outdoor activities (hiking, canoe-kayak, climbing, tree-climbing, zip line, paddle, archery), an eco-village with local producers and free concerts turn Norman Switzerland into a huge playground. Ideal for sporty families and those craving fresh air.
Camembert Festival in Bernay (Eure)
On Sunday May 17, Bernay celebrates Normandy camembert, an emblematic regional cheese, with its Camembert Festival. Tastings, cheese-making demonstrations, local producers' market, cookery workshops and tasting contests fill a friendly gourmet day. A simple, warm format to discover one of France's most identifying AOP cheeses.
Festival à Vif in Vire Normandie (Calvados)
From May 12 to 20, Festival à Vif is run by Le Préau, Normandy's National Drama Centre in Vire. This edition presents five shows around a common theme, exploring contemporary theatre, dance, documentary theatre and participatory forms. A meeting place between artists and audiences, this festival offers demanding yet accessible programming away from the main Parisian circuit.
Painters' Day in Putanges-le-Lac (Orne)
From May 14 to 17, the Painters' Day in Putanges-le-Lac brings together professional and amateur artists in the Norman Switzerland landscape. Open-air painting competition: participants paint from the motif, capturing built heritage, the banks of the Orne and surrounding hills. The canvases are then exhibited and judged by a jury. A rare, warm format for lovers of figurative art and the Norman landscape.
Festival Courtivore in Rouen (Seine-Maritime)
From May 13 to June 13, Festival Courtivore is the short-film festival in Rouen and Mont-Saint-Aignan. A participatory festival inviting audiences to discover and vote for the best short films during screenings at the Ariel and Omnia cinemas. An educational, friendly format open to beginners. Several screenings are scheduled this weekend, alongside the Medieval days — for those who want to alternate armour and screens.
Also worth a look in Normandy this weekend
More regional picks on our national agenda.
