Throughout France the Fete de St Jean is celebrated with (amongst other things) a bonfire. Ostensibly to mark the summer solstice or longest day (around 23/24 June) this has historically taken the form of a series of hilltop beacons which spread their message across the landscape, but in modern times it is a more localised affair, with individual towns or villages celebrating the date with a big bonfire and other events. At Bazas (33 Gironde, Aquitaine) they combine it with a celebration of the local bulls (taureau) - and St Jean is the town's patron saint (24 June 2006). See www.ville-bazas.fr.
Different traditions cannot even really agree on the date, so it can be anytime between 21 and 25 June.
In Roussillon the fires are started on 23 June - and they claim it as Catalan tradition (including the linked hilltop burning beacons); in Brest the bonfire is accompanied by a flaming torchlit parade!
Our first and best memory of the Fete de St Jean was at St Martin d'Armagnac (32 Gers, Midi-Pyrenees) when we stayed at the Auberge du Bergerayre (see www.frenchduck.co.uk). On our second night we were greeted with an apology that the normal menu was not available, but we could join in the barbecue which was being held for locals. No apology required, as the food was delicious - a huge bonfire was lit by the local pompiers (fire brigade) and was followed by music from a young girl who sang just like Edith Piaf!
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