Annual Festivals And Events In Paris France

Are you planning a trip to Paris France? If you have yet to decide on a date of travel and have flexibility, you should first familiarize yourself with some of Paris's annual festivals. These festivals come in a number of different formats and a wide range of themes, but they always make for a day or night full of fun! Even if you have already booked your travel plans, there may be a scheduled event that awaits you.

On New Years, you will find a lot happening in Paris. Fireworks and sparklers are available for sale, legally, in France, so you are sure to get an eyeful. Not only that, but an extravagant celebration takes place at the Eiffel Tower. The fireworks will leave you breathless. For one of the best views of the fireworks and for an evening full of fun, travel to the famous avenue of Champs Elysees. Also, on New Years Day, you will find the annual Paris Parade Festival.

On the 21st of every June, you will find the Fete de la Musique. It is a popular music street festival. You will see hundreds of musicians playing a wide range of music in the streets, on the sidewalks, and in local eateries. If that didn't sound enticing enough, most events are free of charge.

In the United States, July 4th is Independence Day. Similar in nature, you will find Bastille Day in Paris. Bastille Day, held on July 14th each year and it symbolizes the French storming the prison of Bastille in 1789. This is considered the start of the French Revolution. Since Bastille Day is similar in nature to Independence Day, you will find festive celebrations that include fireworks and other patriotic events.

Also in the month of July, you will find the Tour de France. The route for this world-renowned bike race does vary, but the final stage is always at the Champs Elysees. It has been the final stage since 1975. Residents and tourists line the street and you can too.

In summer, either in July or August, you will find the Paris Plage, also know as Paris Beach. Since 2002, three spots in Paris have been transformed into beaches for residents and tourists to enjoy. The most popular location is that along the right side of the Seine River. Sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy at this annual event.

The 3rd weekend of every September, you will find the Festival d'Automne. This festival in unique in that it allows residents and visitors to explore buildings that are typically off-limits to the public. One of those buildings is where the president resides, at Palais de l'Elysee.

In October, you will find the Nuit Blanche, which is also known as White Night. This event is scheduled annually in October. It gives residents and tourists the opportunity to see the museums of Paris like they have never before, at night. Many museums install lights and use other special effects to make your visit even more unique and intriguing. Museums taking part in Nuit Blanche waive admission fees for the evening.

In December, Paris comes alive for the holidays. It is hard to pinpoint one specific annual event, as there are so many. One noteworthy annual event is that of ice skating. Multiple outdoor ice-skating rinks are setup around the city of Paris in the month of December. Most have free admission, but will charge you a small skate rental fee. Paris is also known for its holiday lights. Displays can be found at the Cathedrale of Notre-Dame de Paris, Rue Mouffetard, and at Champs-Elysees, just to name a few.

The above mentioned annual Paris France festivals are just a few of the many that take place each year. These festivals and scheduled events are known for their size and popularity. You can find smaller festivals, including celebrations of music and art, throughout the year just by taking a stroll through the City of Paris.