Every veteran Francophile knows that Paris never stands still and that there is not a single month in which something interesting does not happen there (including the summer months when a significant portion of its residents go to the famous Vaucluse).
Hence one of the popular questions in the Facebook group Paris tips for Francophiles She asks, “What interesting events are happening in month X?” and her relative joins in, “Is Paris closed during the Y holiday?”
To answer these two questions, I have decided to compile here the main events and holidays that take place in the City of Lights each month. I hope this information will help you plan your trip better and make the most of your stay in Paris.
But before we begin to review what is happening in the capital France Every month of the year, let me recommend three articles that deal with seasonal topics that you should really get to know:
- Weather in Paris – what to wear and what to do in each season? – An article that will provide you with information not only about the weather expected each month, but also what clothes you should take and other useful information related to dealing with the Parisian weather.
- Recommended exhibitions in Paris museums you don't want to miss – Here you will find all the most talked-about exhibitions, which will be happening right at the time you are traveling in Paris.
- classical music – If you like hearing concerts in churches, palaces, and concert halls, you are welcome to enter this article and see what concerts await you while you visit the City of Lights.
Now that you've packed a suitcase with the most suitable clothes and bought tickets to the most interesting exhibitions and a concert or two, you're welcome to skip ahead to the month you'll be in Paris and get information about additional events that will take place there.
Just a little note before we start.: As you will see, I often did not give exact dates for events because they change every year. In the case of such events, you are invited to simply click on the link I put at the end of the chapter dealing with the event, which will lead you to the official event website, where you can find the exact dates.
January in Paris
January sales
If you love shopping, there is no doubt that these sales, which usually start at the beginning of the month and last for several weeks, can be an excellent reason to come to Paris, even if it is rainy in the morning (by the way, a little rain shouldn't scare any Francophile because, as you will see inThis article, you can find quite a few things to do even when it's a little cold outside).
So if you've decided to take advantage of the winter sales at the various stores, you're welcome to read the article. Shopping in Paris: The Sales You Can't Miss And find out the exact dates of the sales and which stores are worth buying from.
Paris Fashion Week
If you live and breathe fashion, you simply must visit Paris during Fashion Week, which takes place there in January. In fact, there are 2 separate weeks, one for women's fashion and one for men's fashion. Since the dates change, it is recommended to check theThis site In order to stay updated.
Epiphany
This holiday, which takes place on January 6, commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men from the East to Bethlehem and their meeting with Jesus. During the holiday, it is customary to drink champagne and eat the Galette des Rois, various versions of which can be found in a variety of patisserie shops in Paris. If you would like to learn more about this dish, you are welcome to visit the article Galette des Rois – Kings' Cake.
February in Paris
Valentine's Day
As everyone knows, Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and if you're talking about romance, why not try visiting it on February 14th, aka St. Valentine's Day, known to us as Valentine's Day? If you decide to take my advice, here are some things you can do that day:
- Stay in a romantic hotel – Do you want the hotel to match the romantic atmosphere outside? You can find great options for hotels that are suitable for couples in love in the article Romantic hotels in Paris.
- To propose marriage – If you are in a great relationship and want to take it one step further, why not try proposing to your loved one during Valentine's Day? If you are wondering where exactly to do this, my friend Yoel Tamanlis suggests 17 great places And all you have to do is choose and bring a ring :-).
- Cruise on the Seine – One of the most romantic things you can do is cruise with your partner on the Seine in the evening, seeing the magnificent buildings illuminated with precious lights and Eiffel Tower So whether you decide to take the regular cruise or the one that includes a meal accompanied by music, you can find information about the best cruise options atThis article.
Chinese New Year
In Paris, there is a large Chinatown that occupies a significant part of the 13th arrondissement and another smaller Chinatown north of it.Center PompidouIn most cases, Chinese New Year falls in February (and rarely in late January) and during it, celebrations take place, each time dedicated to a different animal in the Chinese calendar (the Year of the Tiger, the Year of the Pig, etc.).
So if you happen to be in Paris at this time, you are welcome to stroll through these districts and enjoy the parades, decorations, and more.
Crepe Day
Every year on February 2nd, France celebrates Crepe Day, or in French, La Chandeleur (named after the candlelight mass that Christians celebrate to commemorate the bringing of the young Jesus to the temple).
So if you happen to be in Paris on this day, do yourself a favor and go to one of the crepes on Montparnasse Street, which have been serving crepes for about two hundred years, or alternatively to Breizh Café And celebrate with a quality crepe.
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Authentic historic building with elevator. Fully furnished, luxurious kitchen and a stone's throw from the metro.
We have carefully filtered and selected dozens of additional recommended apartments in all the equal districts of Paris.
We have collected for you the most recommended hotels in Paris – from intimate boutiques to absolute luxury.
Mardi Gras
If you thought Mardi Gras celebrations were something that only happened in New Orleans, you were wrong. These celebrations have a long history and originated in France, from where they came to Louisiana, which was a colony. French.
Mardi Gras celebrations, which include a colorful costume parade, take place in the 20th arrondissement, and since their dates are constantly changing, it is highly recommended to check in.The official website of the celebrations And see if the parade happens to be happening right around the time you visit the City of Lights.
March in Paris
Paris Half Marathon
Personally, I will never understand people who love to run, but if you belong to this masochistic group, you will be happy to know that during March there is a half marathon in Paris that you can participate in or watch. You can get information about the dates and the route atOfficial website of the race.
Macaron Day
If you love macarons, you'll be happy to hear that March 20th is Macaron Day, and in honor of it, you'll find various collections of macarons, crafted by the great patissiers of Paris. You can read more about the event in Gal Steiner's article. Macaron Day.
Oyster and Seafood Festival in Montmartre
If you love seafood, you'll be happy to know that on March 19 and 20, a seafood festival is taking place at Place Abbesses in Montmartre, with an emphasis on oysters. During the festival, you can sample, for free or for a fee, St. Jacques côté, oysters, shrimp, and other fresh and cooked seafood from around the world. Brittany.
And by the way, if you've already made it to Montmartre, why not do the This itinerary Before or after you taste the seafood?
April in Paris
Spring is coming to Paris
April is the month of spring. The spring weather is starting to warm up a bit and the trees and flowers are starting to bloom. So if you are coming to Paris during this time, it is a great opportunity to go and visit the more famous and less famous parks in Paris.
If you are looking for inspiration and are wondering which park(s) to visit, you are invited to read the article. 15 parks, gardens and forests in Paris that you must see.
The Paris Marathon
If there was a half marathon in Paris in March, then in April there is a full marathon race with the participation of some of the best runners in the world. The race is started inArc de Triomphe, passing through theChamps Elysees and continues for about 40 kilometers throughout the City of Lights.
You can get information about the marathon and when it takes place. On his official website.
Easter
Easter is the holiest holiday in the Christian calendar and marks the resurrection of Jesus. Not surprisingly, the most popular question on various online forums is whether everything is closed during Easter. Happily, the answer is: no.
During Easter, almost all attractions and museums will operate as usual (unless it falls on a day when they are closed anyway), as will public transportation and most restaurants. However, it is possible that some of the family-run shops and perhaps even the small restaurants will take a break and close during this period. Disappointing? Maybe. Terrible and awful? Not at all.
My tip: If you come to Paris during Easter, it is highly recommended to visit one or more of Churches in Paris And listen to concerts there in honor of Easter (I put a link to the article about the concerts in Paris at the beginning of the article).
Throne Fair
This is the oldest fair in Paris and dates back to 857, when King Lothaire, Charlemagne's grandson, created the first Paris fair.
Since then, the City of Lights has hosted many fairs (such as the famous Saint-Germain Fair) and the fair itself has undergone many transformations. Today, you will find about 300 game, amusement, and food stalls, making a visit a must if you are coming with children.
The fair takes place in the Bois de Vincennes (look for Pelouse de Reuilly) from April 1 to May 29 and information about it can be obtained atHis official website.
Operation of the musical fountains at Versailles
In April, the musical fountains of Versailles begin to operate, and if you haven't had the chance to visit there and listen to them, this can be a great opportunity to get out of the city for a bit and get some fresh air.
You can find information about this charming palace in the article Palace of Versailles – Tips and useful information from someone who worked there.
May in Paris
1 May
Please note that this is an official holiday, which means that most shops and museums will be closed (public transport continues to operate as usual).
However, if you happen to be in Paris on this day, there is no need to be sad, take advantage of it for walking tours around the city's streets (or its parks). If you are looking for ideas for such tours, you can find them atThe itinerary page on my website.
Victory Day over Nazi Germany (May 8)
Just like May 1st, most shops and attractions will be closed here too. Another day to stroll the streets of Paris (as if that were such a bad option 🙂 ).
Feast of the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
This holiday occurs 40 days after Easter and therefore does not have an exact date, although it can be said that it almost always occurs in May. This day is also considered a holiday and therefore a large part of businesses may be closed during it (public transportation continues as usual, of course).
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival
If you are a jazz fan, then first of all, we recommend that you read the article Jazz.G in Paris – Recommendations and a little historyAfter you finish reading the article, you are welcome to book a flight ticket for May because the annual Paris Jazz Festival takes place this month.
The festival takes place along Boulevard Saint-Germain in various jazz clubs but also in museums and even the Sorbonne, which is not far away. So if you fancy a jazz concert or two as part of the festival, you can find information about them and the festival dates, which change every year, atOfficial festival website.
Night of Museums
This event takes place every third Saturday of May and during this time, many of Paris' museums open their doors for free overnight. On the one hand, it's nice not to have to pay for a museum ticket, but on the other hand, be prepared for huge lines and think carefully about whether this waste of precious time was worth the price of the entrance ticket.
June in Paris
Summer sales
If you missed the January sales or didn't feel like coming to Paris when it was cold and wet, you're welcome to enjoy a second round of deals. You can get information about them atThis article.
Chopin Festival in the Bois de Boulogne
If you love the wonderful music of Frederic Chopin, the famous Polish composer, who lived a significant part of his life in Paris, you will be happy to hear about this festival.
This is a festival that begins in late June and continues into July, during which the composer's most important works will be played in the Orangery of Bagatelle Park, located deep in the Boulogne Forest.
You can find information about these concerts atOfficial website of the festival.
July in Paris
Bastille Day
This is France's most important secular holiday and takes place every year on July 14. During this time, you can watch the traditional parade and fireworks in the evening. There are also quite a few celebrations that take place on the same day all over Paris.
You can read more about this day in the article Bastille Day in Paris – Tips and Recommendations for Celebrating July 14th.
FNAC Music Festival
This free festival takes place in the plaza ofHotel de Ville Between July 1 and 3, the best French singers perform. Although it is a free festival, tickets must be booked in advance (each person can only book two tickets) on the website. FNAC ticket sales.
Paris plague
When summer begins, the city of Paris transforms the banks of the Seine into a kind of beach thanks to piles of sand, which it brings from the coasts of France.
We have sand and sea in Israel all year round, but if you insist, you are welcome to sit on a lounge chair on the banks of the Seine and try to catch some sun, before continuing your tour of the City of Lights.
Paris Summer Fashion Week
This summer's Fashion Week takes place in Paris from July 3-7, during which the world's major fashion houses present their collections. city of Lights The summer collection. Please note that it is very possible that hotel prices will increase sharply during that period, so if you are not in this industry or fashion does not really interest you, it would be a good idea to postpone your trip a little or bring it forward.
Tuileries Garden Funfair (Fête Foraine)
This amusement park suddenly popped up inTuileries Gardens In early July and lasting until the end of August. You will find many amusement rides there and of course a Ferris wheel from which you can look out over all of Paris.
So if you come to Paris with your child in the summer, don't miss this amusement park (NB. This is a great opportunity to get some industrial peace from your child through a barter deal: we will go to the amusement park and in return you will allow us to visit theThe Louvre Museum Or bOrsay Museum Which are not far from there :-).
End of the Tour de France
The Tour de France comes to an end on July 24th, a huge celebration for sports fans around the world. If you want to get a good spot to watch the cyclists pedal their last bit of strength towards the Arc de Triomphe, you'll have to get up very early in the morning.
If you forgo the dubious pleasure of being squeezed in with a crowd along the Champs-Elysées, you can stroll the streets where the race is not taking place and visit museums and attractions that will be relatively empty of people. You can catch up on what happened at the Tour de France later using the article Tour de France – Everything you wanted to know about the French cycling race.
Music festivals in the Paris Garden of Flowers
During the month of July, the flower garden will beVincennes Forest A series of music festivals, including a classical music festival, jazz music, and even children's music. The concerts are held mainly on weekends and admission is free or very nominal.
You can find information about all these concerts atThe festival website.
August in Paris
This month, summer events that began in July (the Paris beach and the Tuileries Gardens amusement park) continue, and I've already written about them. Beyond that, there are a few other noteworthy events:
Assumption Day
This holiday takes place on August 15th every year. During the holiday, it is customary to hold religious processions (the most famous one is held every year fromNotre Dame Church(However, since this one burned down, other churches have taken responsibility for the holiday events.)
pay attention: If the holiday falls on a Monday-Friday, the aforementioned day becomes a holiday, which means that quite a few shops and attractions may be closed.
Jazz Festival in La Villette
This is one of the best jazz festivals in the world, which begins in late August and continues into September, during which some of the world's best musicians perform in Parc de la Villette.
You can find information about the festival and buy tickets via theThis site.
Rock on the Seine
This is a very famous rock festival that takes place in the large and beautiful park of the chic Parisian suburb of Saint Cloud. You can read more about the festival atWritten by Nili Hankin.
You can get more information and buy tickets atThe festival website.
September in Paris
Heritage Days (Journées européennes du patrimoine)
These are holidays for every Francophile who loves history and art, during which dozens of palaces and monuments throughout Paris are opened to the general public (most of them are not normally open to the public). I wrote a detailed article on the subject calledHeritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) or the “inside houses” of Paris And you are invited to find all the most up-to-date information there about what will be open and when.
The Marais Crossings
If you love it as much as I do, Marais District, then it is highly recommended that you stay in Paris on the first weekend of September. During these days, 47(!) different and unique cultural events will be held in the Marais inside some of the district’s most iconic buildings, such as Carnival Museum.
All events are free and information about them can be found atOfficial website of the festival.
Paris Fall Fashion Week
A must-see event for those in the fashion industry or those who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in womenswear. Everyone else should think twice about visiting Paris during this time (September 26-October 4) as hotel prices are likely to skyrocket.
Music festivals in the Paris Garden of Flowers
After a month's break, the festival returns to Paris, during which it will take place in the Flower Garden inVincennes Forest A series of music performances, including a classical music festival, jazz music, and even children's music. The concerts are held mainly on weekends and admission is free or for a very nominal price.
You can find information about all these concerts atThe festival website.
October in Paris
Salon d'Automne
One of the most important exhibitions in the art world, the Salon d'Automne was created in 1903 as a kind of rebellion by modern artists, including Matisse, against the artistic establishment of their day. Since then, works by artists of the current era have been exhibited every autumn.
This year, the exhibition will be presented on the Champs-Elysées Boulevard, where you can see works by nearly 900 artists from France and around the world.
Information about the Autumn Salon can be found atThe salon's official website.
Jazz on the Seine
This is one of Paris' most important jazz festivals, during which the City of Lights hosts a long line of top-notch jazz musicians and singers.
The festival dates change throughout the year (although it always takes place in October) so it is highly recommended to enter.Official website of the festival To stay updated on which shows will be happening this year and even buy tickets in advance.
In the Montmartre wine harvest
Few people know that Paris also has its own wine, and the most famous of them is the wine produced on the hills of Montmartre (not far from the museum). Montmartre and Cabaret Au Lapin Agile). True, it's a crappy wine, but don't let that stop you from joining in the vintage celebrations.
The celebrations include, according to tradition, a festive procession, performances and good food. For information on the exact date and what to expect, please visit the official website of Harvest celebrations.
The Chocolate Salon
A celebration for sweet tooths (and of course for anyone who bakes and makes chocolate on a daily basis)!
In the salon, more than 500 different pastry chefs display their handmade chocolates and mini patisseries, and some even demonstrate their secrets in small workshops on site.
You can find information about the exact dates and buy tickets atThe official website of the Chocolate Salon.
November in Paris
All Saints' Day (La Toussaint)
A Christian holiday that occurs on November 1st, during which many French people visit the graves of their loved ones. Please note that some businesses may be closed on this day.
Armistice Day
This day is intended to commemorate the victims of World War I and is observed every year on November 11. During this time, some shops and businesses may be closed.
Opening of the Paris Christmas Markets
Most large Christmas markets (such as the one inLa Défense or in the Tuileries Gardens) open in mid-November and are joined by smaller markets throughout December. Most markets last until Christmas, but some close only at the beginning of the New Year.
To find out which Christmas markets will be open this year and when, please visit the article on Paris Christmas Markets.
December in Paris
Christmas and New Year's Eve
Christmas (December 25) and New Year's Eve celebrations (December 31 – January 1) are undoubtedly the two most important events taking place in Paris this month.
Because there is so much to do during this time, I created this article for you. Christmas and New Year's Eve in Paris – Everything You Need to Know And there you can find all the information you need to celebrate in Paris properly.
Excellent article, thank you.
Thank you very much 🙂