Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh France in the Spring

This blog from "This French Life" is killing me. As many of you know I ran my first half-marathon this past November and loved it, and I am looking into running a few this spring...but there was a half-marathon in Paris THIS WEEKEND, and I am in pretty good shape right now. Oh well, hopefully I will be in better shape next year. Of course there are a number of other exciting things happening this Spring in France. Here is a quick selection of events coming up in the next few weeks:

Banlieues Bleues, Saint-Denis (Ile-de-France), March 14 to April 18
The Banlieues Bleues, one of the biggest jazz festivals in the Paris area, is an eclectic, lively festival, featuring all kinds of jazz, from traditional to contemporary, European to American blues and soul.

Amiens Jazz Festival, Picardie, March 2 to 23
The Amiens Jazz Festival has been running for more than 25 years and highlights contemporary jazz featuring both established and rising musicians. The festival website provides a wealth of information on the artists performing as well as venue and ticket details.

Paris half marathon, March 2
Set to start from the l'Esplanade du Château de Vincennes, the marathon will take in many of the popular sites and famous buildings of the capital. It will feature elite athletes from around the world, as well as amateur runners keen to face the challenge.

The Vikings in Normandy, Rouen maritime museum, until April 15
A look at the attack by the Vikings in 820 on the bay of the Seine, which includes many artefacts and tells the story of the influence the Norse man had on the area. This exhibition opened late last year but ends in the middle of April.

Les Vinées tonnerroises, Tonnerre, Burgundy, March 22 and 23
At Easter the Vinées Tonnerroises celebrates wine and winegrowers, mainly from Burgundy, who will be exhibiting a range of regional specialities.

Tasting takes place in the Hôtel Dieu in Tonnerre were inductions of new members from the Confrérie des Foudres Tonnerrois will be carried out. Visitors can enjoy various entertainments in town including rides in horse-drawn carriages.

Foire de Lyon, Eurexpo, March 21 to 31
The popular consumer trade show in Lyon opens its doors to visitors offering up more than 1,200 exhibitors displaying a vast array of items for the home, with many special deals on offer. There is an entrance fee of €10 per person, with under 11s enjoying free entrance, while a family tickets costs €25.

Spring poetry festival, Paris and across France, March 3 to 16
Although based out of Paris this celebration of poetry takes place across France, and even further a field. The official website features details of more than 5,000 events including readings, debates and workshops.