Exhibitions and Festivals Not to Miss in Europe in 2024

Many international events, festivals, and major exhibitions will take place across Europe in 2024. Looking for inspiration for your next vacation? Discover our selection and our tips for traveling with peace of mind. 
 

Top 3 European Exhibitions in 2024 
 

 Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter, and The Blue Rider (London) 
 This is a story of friendships told through art. In the early 20th century, a circle of friends and collaborators gathered to form, in their own words, "a union of diverse countries to serve a single goal" - transforming modern art. Known as "The Blue Rider," they rallied around Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele Münter to experiment with color, sound, and light, creating bold and vibrant works. Explore their revolutionary work with a visit to Tate Modern. 

Where and when: Tate Modern (London, UK) from April 25 to October 20, 2024.
Cost: £22.
More info: www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/expressionists 
 
Art Basel (Basel) 
 Art Basel is a true art institution. Painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, performance… All forms of art are represented here. For its 2024 edition in Basel, the international art fair will bring together over 250 handpicked galleries exhibiting works by more than 4,000 artists from around the world. Attend this essential art event and discover the trends shaping the global art scene. 

Where and when: Basel (Switzerland) from June 13 to 16, 2024.
Cost: €60 to €230.
More info: www.artbasel.com/basel/buy-tickets 
 
Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism (Paris) 
 One of the most anticipated Parisian exhibitions of the year. Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley, and Cézanne… To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism, the Musée d’Orsay invites visitors to take a contemporary look at 130 masterpieces first exhibited in the spring of 1874. Modern life scenes, light-toned landscapes, lively strokes, sketches made in the open air… Rediscover the innovative nature of the first Impressionist paintings. 

Where and when: Musée d’Orsay (Paris, France) from March 26 to July 14, 2024.
Cost: From €12.
More info: musee-orsay.fr/fr/agenda/expositions/paris-1874-inventer-limpressionnisme 
 

Our Pick of the Top Festivals in Europe 
 

Francofolies at La Rochelle 2024 (La Rochelle) 
 Created in 1985, the Francofolies de La Rochelle festival stands out as the festival for the French-speaking music scene. With a strong editorial line and a unique identity, the festival returns for an exceptional 40th edition with a prestigious lineup! From July 10 to 14, renowned artists like Sting, Ninho, Sofiane Pamart, Zaho de Sagazan, and Charlotte Cardin, among others, will set the stage on fire. 

Where and when: La Rochelle (France) from July 10 to 14, 2024.
Cost: €25 to €60.
More info: www.francofolies.fr 
 
Les Ardentes (Liège) 
 A must-go-to musical event in Belgium, Les Ardentes festival blends established headliners with new discoveries in urban music over four days. Wondering what the biggest rap festival in Europe is? Look no further. For its 17th edition, the Liège festival once again focuses on hip-hop and especially rap, with a quality lineup including: 13 Block, 21 Savage, Booba, DJ Snake, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Ninho, Gazo, and Tiakola. 

Where and when: Liège (Belgium) on July 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2024.
Cost: €110 to €337.
More info: lesardentes.be/tickets 
 
Sziget 2024 (Budapest) 
 Wondering what the most famous festival in Europe is?  Several stand out, including the renowned Sziget ! On Óbuda Island in the heart of the Hungarian capital, the Sziget festival brings together the biggest names in music across various genres on 60 stages over seven consecutive days. Beyond the concerts, people can enjoy various artistic programs, shows, conferences, and proximity to Budapest's city center for a quick sightseeing tour. 

Where and when: Budapest (Hungary) from August 7 to 12, 2024.
Cost: €85 to €279.
More info: szigetfestival.com/fr/ 
 

Three Events Not to Miss in 2024 
 

The Olympic Games (Paris) 
 100 years after the 1924 Olympic Games, Paris once again hosts the world’s most prestigious sporting event, promising a bold show ! To recap: the 2024 Summer Olympics will take place in Paris (France) from July 26 to August 11, 2024, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024. 

Where and when: Paris (France) from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Cost: From €24.
More info: tickets.paris2024.org 
 
Athens Marathon the Authentic (Athens) 
 Looking for a major sporting event in Europe? The Athens Marathon is a legendary marathon, a true rite of passage for all great runners. Indeed, it is on this very route that the discipline originated in antiquity. It is also in this city that the first Olympic marathon was held, won by a Greek during the first international Olympic Games. 

Where and when: Athens on November 9 and 10, 2024.
Cost: €75 to €135.
More info: athensauthenticmarathon.gr/site/en/home-2/ 
 
Mondial de l’Auto 2024 (Paris) 
 Are you a car enthusiast ? Don’t miss the Mondial de l’Auto : the grand celebration for all car lovers. On the program for this 90th edition: the celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, talent, and commitment from the biggest manufacturers to the smallest artisans in the sector. 

Where and when: Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles (Paris) from October 14 to 20, 2024.
Cost: From €16.
More info: mondial.paris 
 

What are the requirements for traveling in Europe? 
 

Your trip is taking you to one of the 26 Schengen Area countries ? First, you need to determine if you need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Unsure? Find out which countries require a Schengen visa. 

Do you need a Schengen visa ? The process is simple: visit the website of the consulate of the Schengen Area country where you wish to travel to obtain the necessary information and start your Schengen visa application. Once you have obtained your visa, keep the documents that make up your file as they may be requested by border police upon entry into the Schengen Area. Make sure to prepare all supporting documents related to the purpose of your stay in the Schengen Area, such as an insurance certificate covering medical and hospital expenses up to €30,000 minimum. 

Don’t need a visa? You can travel within the Schengen Area with a passport issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of your departure. 

Traveling to the UK for the Tate Modern exhibition? You will need a valid passport (valid for the entire duration of your stay) and, depending on your country of origin, a visa. 
 

What insurance do you need for traveling in Europe? 
 

Choose peace of mind when applying for your Schengen visa or crossing borders with Europ Assistance’s Schengen travel visa insurance. Recognized and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide, it provides coverage for medical expenses up to €60,000 in case of illness or accident in any Schengen Area member state, as well as other guarantees to discover here.