Nuit Blanches Paris
held its first Nuit Blanche in 2002 and the all-night contemporary art
event now attracts more than 1,500,000 people each year. Its goal is to
give a fresh perspective on Paris with installations and exhibitions in
several different neighbourhoods, and to make contemporary art more
accessible to all. Fête du Cinéma Film
buffs should be sure to verify the exact dates of this annual event,
held each June. For just three days, cinemagoers pay full price for the
first film that they see, but can then see as many other films as they
choose, for a few Euros each. Paris Jazz Festival Paris is home to jazz all year round ,
but every summer there is a major jazz festival in the city. Acts from
all over the world come to play in the Parc Floral de Paris in the Bois de Vincennes, but there are many lesser venues involved as well. Grandes Eaux Nocturnes A
true midsummer night’s dream with superb illuminations in the gardens
of Versailles, plus a spectacular firework display over the Grand Canal. Tour de France Don’t
miss this summer highlight if you really want to understand the French
passion for cycling. Towards the end of July each year, the world’s
greatest and most gruelling cycle race approaches Paris. On the final
laps the riders pass the Louvre, race along the banks of the Seine, go
down the rue de Rivoli and, of course, the Champs-Elysées. Thousands of
fans pack the streets to cheer the riders home and see who will win the
Yellow Jersey.
Tour de France
Festival d’Automne à Paris This
major festival promotes arts across the board in Paris, commissioning
new works and encouraging all walks of life to see and enjoy
performances of dance, music and drama. Fêtes des Vendanges Paris used to be one of the country’s major wine producers, but these days only the vineyards at Montmartre
remain. These produce just under 600 litres (5 barrels) of wine each
autumn, but great fun is had at the Fêtes des Vendanges when the wine is
auctioned off for charity.
Fête de la Musique To
celebrate the summer equinox, professional and amateur musicians take
to the streets of Paris. Major shows are held in Place de la République
and other concert venues, but the most fun is to be had wandering
through residential neighbourhoods and dropping into locals’ bars. Paris Plages Launched in 2002 by the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, this hugely popular summer event transforms a stretch of the Seine quais
into a mini Cannes, with tons of soft sand, sunbeds, parasols and palm
trees. There are also events and attractions for children. It lasts for
four weeks from the end of July. Mois de la Photo Paris
reveres the art of photography and every alternate November (in
even-numbered years) it hosts the “Month of the Photo”. Galleries,
museums, shops, cultural centres and many other venues all give space to
exhibitions, workshops and lectures on all aspects of the art. For
anyone interested in photography, it is the most exciting time to visit
Paris.
Top 10 Sports Events
Tour de France This great cycle race reaches its climax in Paris. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe This world-renowned horse race attracts the city’s crème de la crème. Longchamp racecourse Oct: 1st Sun
French Tennis Open Paris’s legendary clay-court tournament. Stade Roland Garros end May–1st week Jun
International Show-Jumping Show-jumping fans and competitors descend on Paris. Six Nations Rugby The French team plays against England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy in this Feb–Mar tournament. Paris Marathon Runners start at the Champs-Elysées and end at avenue Foch. Football Cup Final The biggest club event in French football. Prix de Diane-Hermès Parisian high society flocks to this up-market horse race International Pétanque Tournament Players from all over the world compete in this bowls-like game. Ice-Skating Grand Prix The Trophée Eric Bompard is the Parisian leg of the International Grand Prix.
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