JANUARY
Circus of Tomorrow Fair
Before they go on to fame in Cirque du Soleil, the world’s most talented young circus performers and acrobats compete for glory at Paris’ Circus of Tomorrow Festival (Cirque de Demain). Performers come from all over the world to show off their skills in the spirit of friendly competition but make no mistake – this is first and foremost a proving ground, with many big name acts in the audience, scouting around for new talent. It’s held at the Pelouse de Reuilly, over a weekend in January, every year.
FEBRUARY
Antique Books Fair
This flea market – come – garage sale in the 5th arrondissement, near the Panthéon is where ordinary folk and vendors alike set up tables, and stalls to sell and trade used books. At the Brocante des Livres Anciens, held at the Halle Freyssinet, antique dealers will gather for a week and a half to barter, haggle, and trade in antique reads. In an age of e-books and web pages, the French fervently maintain their desire to hold, touch, and turn the pages of real, paperbound volumes, so come along, peruse the selection, and search out a few rare first editions. Venue: Halle Freyssinet. Métro: Chevaleret.
MARCH
St Patrick’s Day
It might seem strange to include an Irish holiday in this mix, but St Patrick’s Day in Paris is a big deal. With Irish pubs and bars spread across the city, you won’t have to go far to find a mix of ex-pats and Parisisans reveling in the Guinness fuelled cheer that surrounds March 17, every year. Street parades vary from year to year so it’s best to check with the reception at the St Christopher’s Inn hostel in Paris to see what special treats lie in store during your visit.
MAY
Nuit des Musées
For one night in spring, nearly every museum in Paris will open their doors for free between 19.00 and 01.00. The Nuit des Musées was started by the French Department of Culture in 2005 in an effort to expand exposure to, and appreciation of, art and culture. During this night some 1000 museums across France and Europe, including several hundred in Paris, will host debates, art lectures, exhibitions and competitions – all for free!
JUNE
Fête de la Musique
This is by far one of the best holidays of the year in Paris, so get excited, change your travel plans and get yourself to the French capital for a night of music, mayhem and debauchery – the likes of which you’ve never seen before! On the longest night of the year over 200,000 people will take to the streets of Paris to celebrate the summer solstice, life and music. There will be bands and groups performing on street corners and in the bars, as the whole city turns into one big party.
JULY
Paris Jazz Festival
This is by far one of the best holidays of the year in Paris, so get excited, change your travel plans and get yourself to the French capital for a night of music, mayhem and debauchery – the likes of which you’ve never seen before! On the longest night of the year over 200,000 people will take to the streets of Paris to celebrate the summer solstice, life and music. There will be bands and groups performing on street corners and in the bars, as the whole city turns into one big party.
AUGUST
A Month of Concerts
Bercy Village On every Tuesday and Thursday in August, the cobbled terraces of Bercy Village play host to a series of free concerts from 18.30, featuring emerging and well-known artists from all over the world. The sound and theme change each night to showcase different styles.
Pianissimo Jazz Festival Every Night in August at the Sunset Jazz Club, 60 rue des Lombards, some of the most talented jazz musicians in the world contribute their sound to this fantastic venue where you can enjoy a different group on stage every night.
Rock en Seine For one weekend in August at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud you’ll find one of the coolest open-air music festivals ever. For three days, on three separate stages, expect big acts to rock Paris amidst medieval statues and a hilly, woodland!
Cinéma en Plein Air Every night in August the beautiful Parc de la Villette in northeast Paris puts on a free open-air cinema. This is the perfect place to bring a blanket and some snacks, and watch free movies under the stars!
SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER
Paris Autumn Festival
The Paris Autumn Festival was founded in 1972 to combine two existing events, – les Semaines Musicales Internationales (weeks of international music) and the International Dance Festival, with exhibitions of art and theatre. The festival runs from September to December and events can be found on display at various parks and locations throughout Paris, such as the Pompidou Center, the Théâtre de Chaillot, and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées.
NOVEMBER
Paris Banlieues Tango
Throughout November Paris goes wild for Tango and all across the city and its suburbs (banlieues) people will gather to dance, laugh and learn all about the Latin rhythms of the most romantic dance on Earth! Over 250 artists from 20 countries will take to the stage and move the streets with their dance and music. Workshops and dance lessons will also be organised at locations across Paris, so dancers of all levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome to attend!
DECEMBER
Christmas Markets
December: The Christmas markets in France trace their origins to the northeastern region of Alsace, on the border with Germany. The Alsacians embraced the style of the German Christmas markets, dating back to the early 14th century. The idea caught on and they have since spread throughout France. There are numerous Christmas markets at locations throughout Paris, which means plenty of opportunities to drink mulled wine, sample traditional food items and do any last-minute shopping for stocking-stuffers. Some of the highlights are sure to be the Champs-Elysées (the largest market), Trocadero (complete with ice-skating rink), La Défense, place Saint-Sulpice, boulevard Saint Germain and Montparnasse.
