WHAT'S ON IN PARIS
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Christmas Lights!
Start December, the Christmas lights along the
Champs-Elysées are lit, flower arrangements give way to
snow-covered Christmas trees and the city centre
becomes a winter wonderland. Not to be missed!
Also, check out the famous Christmas displays in the
main department stores on the Bld Haussmann.
Or go traditional and shop at the Christmas markets
dotted around the city during December.
The Nativity story is recreated on the steps of historic
Notre Dame Cathedral during December and January.
Winter sales:
Indulge in some retail therapy: early Jan - mid-Feb.
Start December, the Christmas lights along the
Champs-Elysées are lit, flower arrangements give way to
snow-covered Christmas trees and the city centre
becomes a winter wonderland. Not to be missed!
Also, check out the famous Christmas displays in the
main department stores on the Bld Haussmann.
Or go traditional and shop at the Christmas markets
dotted around the city during December.
The Nativity story is recreated on the steps of historic
Notre Dame Cathedral during December and January.
Winter sales:
Indulge in some retail therapy: early Jan - mid-Feb.
Ice Skating
Take the family to the ice rink on the esplanade in
front of the Hotel de Ville or to the rink in front of the
train station at Montparnasse, where you can skate
for free. From start December and lasting throughout
winter.
Take the family to the ice rink on the esplanade in
front of the Hotel de Ville or to the rink in front of the
train station at Montparnasse, where you can skate
for free. From start December and lasting throughout
winter.
WINTER
SPRING
La Nuit des musées:
Museums across France open all night, for free. Enjoy the special
night-time atmosphere at the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and a host of
other museums throughout Paris. Saturday night mid-May.
Museums across France open all night, for free. Enjoy the special
night-time atmosphere at the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and a host of
other museums throughout Paris. Saturday night mid-May.
Carnaval de Paris
This annual carnival includes a parade through the streets of Paris on the
first Sunday of February.
This annual carnival includes a parade through the streets of Paris on the
first Sunday of February.
Shakespeare in the park:
Every summer, the Tower Theatre Group from London visits Paris to
perform, in English, in the Jardin de Shakespeare in the Bois de Boulogne.
Click for more information and future visits.
La Fête de la Musique
Midsummer Night, June 21, the city stays awake all night long to the strains
of classical music, rock, jazz, hip hop, folk, salsa, techno - whatever your
taste, you'll find something to suit.
Check Le Parisien newspaper or the web for venues - or just wander
around and let your ears decide!
Art exhibitions / readings:
Check out events at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, in the Irish College.
Every summer, the Tower Theatre Group from London visits Paris to
perform, in English, in the Jardin de Shakespeare in the Bois de Boulogne.
Click for more information and future visits.
La Fête de la Musique
Midsummer Night, June 21, the city stays awake all night long to the strains
of classical music, rock, jazz, hip hop, folk, salsa, techno - whatever your
taste, you'll find something to suit.
Check Le Parisien newspaper or the web for venues - or just wander
around and let your ears decide!
Art exhibitions / readings:
Check out events at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, in the Irish College.
SUMMER
Bastille Day
July 14 is the national holiday in France, celebrating the fall of the Bastille
prison during the French Revolution in 1789. The fun begins the night
before with the popular Bals des Pompiers on July 13 and again on July
14. This is when fire stations across the country are turned into dance-halls
for the night and cute firemen become flirtatious barmen! Bastille Day itself
is quiet - if you're interested in all things military, go and watch the parade
along the Champs-Elysées. Don't miss the amazing fireworks that night at
the Eiffel Tower - there's a great view from the steps at Sacré Coeur, just
two minutes walk from the apartment!
July 14 is the national holiday in France, celebrating the fall of the Bastille
prison during the French Revolution in 1789. The fun begins the night
before with the popular Bals des Pompiers on July 13 and again on July
14. This is when fire stations across the country are turned into dance-halls
for the night and cute firemen become flirtatious barmen! Bastille Day itself
is quiet - if you're interested in all things military, go and watch the parade
along the Champs-Elysées. Don't miss the amazing fireworks that night at
the Eiffel Tower - there's a great view from the steps at Sacré Coeur, just
two minutes walk from the apartment!
All that Jazz!
Music fans should visit the Paris Jazz Festival, held in the Parc Floral de
Paris every weekend between June 7 and July 27. Free Concerts once
you’ve paid the €5 entry fee to the park.
If you like jazz but want to stay closer to home, there's also a local jazz
festival in Montmartre, Les Arènes du Jazz, at the end of July.
Music fans should visit the Paris Jazz Festival, held in the Parc Floral de
Paris every weekend between June 7 and July 27. Free Concerts once
you’ve paid the €5 entry fee to the park.
If you like jazz but want to stay closer to home, there's also a local jazz
festival in Montmartre, Les Arènes du Jazz, at the end of July.
Tour de France
Cycling enthusiasts will love the drama surrounding the final day of the Tour de
France, which always takes place in Paris, with the exciting finish on the
Champs-Elysées.
In 2009, the 20-stage race finishes in Paris on July 26.
Cycling enthusiasts will love the drama surrounding the final day of the Tour de
France, which always takes place in Paris, with the exciting finish on the
Champs-Elysées.
In 2009, the 20-stage race finishes in Paris on July 26.
Free Movies!
Outdoor Cinema: Cinema en Plein Air at the Parc de la Villette, 211 ave Jean
Jaurès, Paris 19è, metro Porte de Pantin.
Screenings at sundown every day except Mondays, July 17 - August 26.
Blanket & deck chair for rent €6.50.
Or check out the Cinema au Claire de Lune festival, first 3 weeks of August.
The programme features movies filmed in Paris, some shown were they were
shot. See www.forumdesimages.net.
Outdoor Cinema: Cinema en Plein Air at the Parc de la Villette, 211 ave Jean
Jaurès, Paris 19è, metro Porte de Pantin.
Screenings at sundown every day except Mondays, July 17 - August 26.
Blanket & deck chair for rent €6.50.
Or check out the Cinema au Claire de Lune festival, first 3 weeks of August.
The programme features movies filmed in Paris, some shown were they were
shot. See www.forumdesimages.net.
Paris Plage
If sunny summer days make you wish you could head to the beach for the
afternoon, Paris is just the place to do it!
For the past few years, a section of the quays along the Seine river has
been turned into a beach from July 20 to August 20. Okay, you can't swim
in the river (well, you really wouldn't want to...) but you can lie on
summer-only sand under transplanted palm trees and indulge in a variety
of beach activities, including free concerts in the evening. Not to be missed!
If sunny summer days make you wish you could head to the beach for the
afternoon, Paris is just the place to do it!
For the past few years, a section of the quays along the Seine river has
been turned into a beach from July 20 to August 20. Okay, you can't swim
in the river (well, you really wouldn't want to...) but you can lie on
summer-only sand under transplanted palm trees and indulge in a variety
of beach activities, including free concerts in the evening. Not to be missed!
Journées du Patrimoine
Every September, on the weekend closest to the 15th, thousands of buildings
of interest that are usually closed to the public open their doors to visitors. You
can take a look around the Elysée Palace, home to the French president, or the
prime minister's home at Matignon. Or just take advantage of free entry to
dozens of museums across Paris.
Every September, on the weekend closest to the 15th, thousands of buildings
of interest that are usually closed to the public open their doors to visitors. You
can take a look around the Elysée Palace, home to the French president, or the
prime minister's home at Matignon. Or just take advantage of free entry to
dozens of museums across Paris.
AUTUMN
Fashion Collections
Paris fashion week is a great time for checking out the latest trends and indulge
in some star-spotting. Spring-summer ready-to-wear collections go on show
September 30 - October 9, mostly at the Carrousel du Louvre, under the
museum. Even if you can't get a ticket to a show, you're bound to catch a
glimpse of the stars around town.
Paris fashion week is a great time for checking out the latest trends and indulge
in some star-spotting. Spring-summer ready-to-wear collections go on show
September 30 - October 9, mostly at the Carrousel du Louvre, under the
museum. Even if you can't get a ticket to a show, you're bound to catch a
glimpse of the stars around town.
Grape-picking in Montmartre!
The tiny Clos Montmartre vineyard is the only city-centre vineyard in Paris!
If you’re here during late September - early October, check out the
dates for the vendanges – grape-picking – and go along! It’s a one-day
event and all are welcome.
Then there’s the Montmartre Wine Festival on the Place du Tertre in
early October, where the local wine, Le Clos Montmartre, flows freely!
(All the profits from sales go to local charities.)
The tiny Clos Montmartre vineyard is the only city-centre vineyard in Paris!
If you’re here during late September - early October, check out the
dates for the vendanges – grape-picking – and go along! It’s a one-day
event and all are welcome.
Then there’s the Montmartre Wine Festival on the Place du Tertre in
early October, where the local wine, Le Clos Montmartre, flows freely!
(All the profits from sales go to local charities.)
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
No, not the monument - the Arc de Triomphe is France's premier horse
race and attracts thoroughbreds and racing enthusiasts from all over the
world. Held on the first weekend in October.
No, not the monument - the Arc de Triomphe is France's premier horse
race and attracts thoroughbreds and racing enthusiasts from all over the
world. Held on the first weekend in October.
White Night / Nuit Blanche
The first Saturday in October sees the City of Lights living up to its legend as
an all-night party town. Events are held across the city throughout the night.
The first Saturday in October sees the City of Lights living up to its legend as
an all-night party town. Events are held across the city throughout the night.
Salon du Chocolat
Chocoholics will love this event! The salon is a celebration of chocolate with
demonstrations by top chefs, special treats for children and a fashion show of
clothes made out of chocolate! mid-October.
Chocoholics will love this event! The salon is a celebration of chocolate with
demonstrations by top chefs, special treats for children and a fashion show of
clothes made out of chocolate! mid-October.
