Listeners, Paris is absolutely buzzing this week and you are in for an unforgettable time if you’re in the city. With summer in full swing, Paris lights up with festivals, outdoor fun, and some of the most unique events of the year, so get ready to dive right in.
Let’s start with what’s happening today and as we head into the weekend. The Paris Summer Festival is underway and runs through July 30. This festival transforms Paris into a giant stage with dance, theater, circus performances, and concerts popping up at iconic locations all over the city. If you’ve ever wanted to watch world-class acts under the open sky, this is your chance.
As we get closer to the national holiday, excitement builds for Bastille Day on July 14. This is France’s biggest celebration and Paris pulls out all the stops. On the morning of the 14th, the legendary military parade rolls down the Champs-Élysées, complete with the Patrouille de France flyover. In the evening, the city turns magical with the big symphony concert on the Champ-de-Mars, leading up to the spectacular Eiffel Tower fireworks show. This year promises an unforgettable moment, with a brilliant new Brazil-inspired display featuring a thousand drones lighting up the night.
But the party doesn’t just happen on Bastille Day itself. Throughout July 13 and 14, you can join in the Bals des Pompiers, the famous Firemen’s Balls. Step inside fire stations across the city for live music, dancing, and plenty of energy. Not only are these parties a true Parisian tradition, but donations at the door go to a good cause.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the city? Paris Plages are back! The banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette have been transformed into sandy beaches, complete with water activities, relaxation areas, and outdoor concerts. This year, Parisians and visitors alike can even take a dip right in the Seine as part of the festivities.
For film lovers, outdoor cinema is in full swing with Dolcevita-sur-Seine at the Arènes de Lutèce from July 12 to 16. Watch Italian classics and more under the stars, surrounded by the ancient remains of the Roman arena.
Art and culture fans, Paris museums are bursting with new exhibitions. You can catch the poetic photography of Robert Doisneau at Musée Maillol or dive into the colorful world of Matisse at Musée d’Art Moderne. For something different, the immersive Pulse exhibition at Gaîté Lyrique will intrigue tech and art enthusiasts.
If you want to get out of the city for a night, the legendary Night Fountains shows continue every Saturday at the Palace of Versailles, with a special Bastille Day edition on the 14th. Stroll through illuminated gardens, see dazzling water displays, and end the evening with fireworks.
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