Top 5 events in Paris
You could wander the capital from morning to night, and never see all the headliners. What’s more, most of the events in Paris are short-lived and new. So you’ll need to find out all you can in advance, and above all, make your choices!
Once you’re there, you’ll have the chance to take part in some of the larger events or, on the contrary, to infiltrate the more intimate ones.
Throughout the year, events in Paris will keep you in step with the frenetic pace of life in the Île-de-France region. Soak up the very essence of French tradition, starting with fabulous culinary creations at food festivals! Or you can dance the night away on a barge on the Seine, or dream away at the most amazing art exhibitions.
As you’ll have gathered, Paris is no place for stringing pearls! There’s no doubt that you’ll have a packed programme. But if you’re well organised, you shouldn’t miss out on any of the capital’s hidden gems and privileges!
Our selection of recurring events
As we said, although some Parisian events are repeated from one year to the next, most of them are new. The advantage of this is that you’ll find new experiences every time you visit the capital. However, to make the most of them, it’s a good idea to do some preliminary research on the programme during the dates of your stay.
1 – European Heritage Days
Date or period: Every first weekend in September.
Access: Free
Description: Admittedly, this event is not endemic to the French capital, but what better place than the city of a thousand museums and historic sites to discover or rediscover the wonders of France’s heritage free of charge? What’s more, many places that are usually closed to the public open their doors for the occasion, such as the Palais de l’Élysée and the Assemblée Nationale. It’s an ideal event for all those who are curious about and love heritage!
2. The Fête de la musique
Date or period: Every 21 June.
Access: Free
Description: On the evening of 21 June, the whole of Paris celebrates! Numerous concerts, many of them free, dot the streets, squares, parks and gardens of the City of Light. Music stars or small groups, rock, funk, soul, rap, jazz, classical… there’s something for absolutely every taste! What’s more, you’re more likely to bump into music celebrities in Paris than in other French cities, where the Fête de la Musique also takes place.
3. Nuit Blanche
Date or period: Every year in June.
Access: Free
Description: Every year in June, artistic creations of all kinds take over the streets of Greater Paris. Since its first edition in 2002, Nuit Blanche has been one of the capital’s most popular cultural events. Wander the streets in search of the visual works, ephemeral stages and comedies or videos projected everywhere, giving Paris a new face.
4. Chinese New Year
Date or period: Every year for 2 weeks, between January and February.
Access: Free
Description: Every year, the heart of winter heralds the arrival of the most important event in the Chinese community. All over the world, this change of lunar year, symbolised by an animal, is a major celebration. For the occasion, Paris is decked out in traditional Chinese colours. Particularly in the 13th arrondissement, where the festivities take on a whole new dimension! The usual traffic gives way to a giant parade, numerous events, dances and concerts. Every year, Chinese New Year in Paris brings together several thousand people in a festive and popular atmosphere.
5. The Paris Summer Festival
Date or period: Every year in July.
Access: Charge €.
Description: It’s the summer cultural rendez-vous par excellence! Paris l’été criss-crosses the capital and the Île-de-France region, bringing the shows straight to you. Outdoor events invite you to take part in this cultural highlight. With plays, concerts and dance shows, there are more than 70 events – free or paying – taking place during this hot summer month.
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