Summer in Paris is one of the best times to take advantage of all the festivals the City of Light has to offer. Take a look at some of the upcoming events in Paris this summer – whether it’s relaxing on a beach along the Seine or rocking out to some of the world’s best music, Parisian summer festivals have something for everyone.
July
Carnaval Tropical de Paris
July 5-6, 2014
La Place de la Nation
www.carnavaltropicaldeparis.fr
Experience the colorful and exciting Carnaval Tropical de Paris, a parade and festival that starts at the Place de la Nation and weaves through the streets of the 11th arrondissement. Vibrant costumes and rhythmic music create a fun atmosphere for a summer weekend.
Bastille Day Parade & Fireworks
14 July 2014
Anywhere in Paris with a view!
Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris with the annual parade and fireworks show! This event commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and the subsequent French Revolution with some of the most impressive festivities of the year. Both the exciting parade and fireworks show are extravagant sights, and if you’re staying in one of our Paris Perfect apartments with an Eiffel Tower view, you’ll have a great seat for a spectacular show!
Paris Plages
Mid-July
Along the Seine River
website
Around the 20th of July each year, Paris is transformed into a beach town – along the Seine, that is. The Paris Plages Project turns some of the roads along the Seine River into giant sandboxes for about a month each summer. Rent an umbrella and lounge chairs to soak up the sun and experience other fun summer activities. This is one time you can say you’re at the beach – and in the heart of Paris!
Tour de France Ends in Paris
27 July 2014
Champs Elysées
www.letour.com
Join Paris in celebrating the world’s best cyclers during the last leg of their 2,000-mile journey. The Tour de France finishes at the Champs Elysées, and any of the cafés on the route are prime spots to watch the race come to a close. If you’re in Paris on July 27, find a spot and keep your eyes on the finish line!
AUGUST
Cinéma au Clair de Lune – Moonlight Cinema
31 July – 11 August 2014
Various locations TBD
www.forumdesimages.fr
Enjoy a romantic summer night in Paris watching films outdoors. The Forum des Images transforms a different location each night into a screening area and plays films from all genres imaginable. All the films are free to attend and as a tradition, one film will be screened in a classically Parisian location – past years have included the Place des Fêtes and Montmartre.
Feast of the Assumption
14 – 15 August 2014
La Cathedrale de Notre Dame
www.notredamedeparis.fr
The Féte d’Assomption celebrates the Catholic Feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and Paris knows how to celebrate memorably. The first evening begins with a procession along the Seine River and islands of Paris. Then, a special Mass at the Cathedral de Notre Dame is followed by another grand procession, this time on the Ile de la Cité.
Rock en Seine
22 – 24th August 2014
Ile de la Cité and surrounding area
www.rockenseine.com
Rock en Seine features some of the world’s biggest bands and artists coming together to celebrate the end of summer in Paris. Artists playing this year include Lana Del Rey, the Arctic Monkeys and Janelle Monáe. Have one last summer hurrah at this star-studded festival in the heart of Paris!
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Catherine Cojocaru is a journalism and political science student at the University of Missouri.
(Image Credits: Trey Ratcliff, dersa63, Yann Caradec, Patrick M, Smilla4, Gideon, Marko Kudjerski, Nicolas Calzas)
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