Theoretically, the weather in the UK is at its best in July and August, which is why many people not tied by school holidays choose to go away at the end of the summer, in September and even October. There are big advantages to going away at this time – you don’t need me to tell you, but I will anyway: villas and apartments are cheaper after the peak summer season; the weather is more pleasant – you can actually go for walks and not be uncomfortably hot; the sea is at its warmest; and there are fewer people around, particularly little people.

If you decide to take an end of summer break, well here is a taster of some of the cultural events on offer in popular villa holiday spots:

FRANCE

29 Sept-5 Oct 

BIARRITZ FESTIVAL 

This year’s Biarritz Festival is dedicated to Latin America. There’s a week of exhibitions, concerts and workshops as well as the film competition, in which respected directors hope for festival prizes.

Every month (but more pleasant when not during the heat of the summer)

OLD BOOK MARKET

Aix-en-Provence

On the first Sunday of each month, you can browse through old and rare books at the Place de l’Hotel de Ville. Birthplace of Emile Zola, the town has great charm and a strong literary tradition.

October

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 

Montpellier

Guitar playing in all its guises at venues all over town. The festival features guitarists from around the world including Australia, Venezuela and the USA.

SPAIN

10 Sep-11 Oct 

SEVILLE FLAMENCO FESTIVAL 

Seville

 What better place to see flamenco than in its birthplace city? Seville’s 15th biennial flamenco festival features world famous artists – dancers, singers and guitarists  – performing all over the city, mainly in theatres, but some in the open-air.

October

CAVA WEEK

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia

Catalunya’s main Cava-producing town celebrates by crowning its Cava Queen; a huge bicycle race; an art exhibition; lots of music and the annual Barcelona train ride: every Oct 12th, 1000 people from Barcelona board the Cava train, are met by carnival characters and treated to a tour of cellars, lunch and entertainment.

ITALY

Oct 2008 

FOOD FESTIVAL 

Abbadia San Salvatore

Local cooks compete to create the best Tuscan meals in the main square of this medieval town. If you’re lucky you get to sample some of the dishes, all based on local ingredients. The two day festival also features dancing and live music, arts and crafts exhibitions and antique stalls.

2nd week, Oct

CHESTNUT FESTIVAL  

San Giovanni Ilarione

The scent of chestnuts roasting permeates the air  at this festival. The chestnuts are de-shelled in the main square where there is live music and parades.

CROATIA

Nov

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 

Pula

Croatia International Music Festival features contemporary Croatian music from soloists, ensembles and guest musicians in various venues.

BARBADOS

3-11 Oct 

TASTE OF BARBADOS

Sample Barbadian dishes at venues all around the island during the Taste of Barbados Food Festival. There will be talks, tours of rum factories and sugar plantations and farmers’ markets amidst a party atmosphere.

USA

11-12 Nov 

ORLANDO BEER FESTIVAL 

Orlando’s Universal CityWalk turns into one massive celebration of beer for one weekend in November. During the 8th Orlando beer festival,  more than 150 beers will be featured. Plenty of food, live music and entertainment, too.

13-15 Nov

NATIVE AMERICAN CELEBRATION

Silver Springs

This annual festival celebrates Native American Culture with dance performances, food and live entertainment, including various educational  events put on by the White Buffalo Society.