Events in Paris

Paris offers a rich programme of events throughout the year: there are hundreds of musical events, film festivals, cultural festivals and public celebrations that will make your stay in the French capital even more interesting.

Don’t miss the Christmas markets, Nuit Blanche, Rock en Seine, Bastille Day, Banlieues Blues and Paris Plage in summer.

January

• Fashion Week: this is the most important week of the year and the city comes alive with models and ready-to-wear designers. The most important events take place at the Parc des Expositions.
• Don’t miss the picturesque Chinese New Year: Paris’ Chinatown lights up with a candle festival and papier-mâché dragon parades.

March

• Banlieues Blues: the suburbs of Paris come alive to the rhythm of jazz, blues and R&B for a festival full of big names and concerts not to be missed.

April

• Foire du Trone: if you are travelling with children and teenagers, don’t miss this huge funfair hosted in the Pelouse de Reuilly.
• Festival du Livre: book lovers can head to the Paris Book Fair to discover the latest publications.
• Paris International Marathon: avid sportsmen and women could take part in France’s most famous marathon that starts on the Champs-Elysees and finishes on Av. Foch.
  www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com
• Foire de Paris: fair entirely dedicated to good living in the sense of furniture, gastronomy, cultures from the world, well-being and hobbies.

May

• The Night of the Museums: around mid-May, the most important museums in Paris stay open late into the night between Saturday and Sunday. An occasion not to be missed.
• La Course des Garçons de Café: if you happen to be in Paris during this event, it might be a nice idea to attend this original race dating back to the last century.
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• Portes Ouvertes des Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville: another special event is the opening of more than 200 ateliers in the Belleville district for four days. You can discover designers, artists, painters and sculptors.
• Tennis Open: Who doesn’t know Roland Garros? If you are a fan, you can watch one of the matches of the prestigious French tournament.

June

• Festival de Saint Denis: if you are a classical music lover, you cannot miss this prestigious event held in the famous cathedral.
• Everyone else can enjoy the Fête de la Musique, which takes place on 21 June throughout the city, covering a wide range of musical genres.
• Still on the music theme, June also hosts the Paris Jazz Festival with several free concerts.
• An invasion of colour, music and joy invades Paris with the Gay Pride with its colourful parade and floats.

July

• Bastille Day: huge celebrations throughout the city on 14 July.
• Paris Plage: during the warmer months, the banks of the Seine are transformed into urban beaches popular with Parisians and tourists alike.
• Tour de France: cycling enthusiasts will not miss the opportunity to combine a visit to the city with the arrival of the legendary cycling race, which after 3500 km sprints across the Champs-Elysees.

August

• Rock en Seine: rock festival of international stature, a musical event of great appeal.
• Cinema au Claire de Lune: to fully experience all the romance of Paris in summer, don’t miss one of the many free outdoor cinema screenings.

September

• The Parc de la Villette resounds under the notes of Jazz à la Villette for a fortnight of concerts and events.
• To celebrate the arrival of the autumn season, don’t miss the Festival d’Automne: a celebration of all the arts with events in every corner of the city.
• If you’re in Paris in September, check the calendar for the European Cultural Heritage Days: palaces and residences normally off-limits to the public are opened for the occasion.

October

• A weekend to look out for is the first of October when the Nuit Blanche takes place: museums and leisure facilities open all night.
• Not to be missed is the harvest of the last vineyard in Paris, in Montmartre: five days of festivities follow.

November

• The only colourful note in this grey and not very cheerful month is Africolor, an African music festival in the suburbs of Paris.

December

• The month of December is made magical by festive decorated shop windows, beautiful illuminations and skating rinks . Don’t miss the Christmas markets in La Defense.
• The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysees are the focus of New Year’s Eve celebrations.