Festivals, music, movies and plays: your complete guide to summer fun in the capital!

Bastille Day in Paris !

The highlight of the summer is Bastille Day on 14 July. The programme for the national holiday, which falls on a Thursday in 2016, is packed with events. In the morning the military parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées takes place, heading down the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’ all the way to Place de la Concorde. Cast your eyes skyward for the military flypast, always a thrilling spectacle. In the evening, it’s party time with the firemen’s balls held in a number of fire stations all over Paris Region. Some of the balls are held on the previous night, the 13th, so do check before going. The celebrations wind down with a bang between 11pm and 11.30pm, with a spectacular fireworks display set off from the Eiffel Tower - a brilliant way to end the day!

Exhibitions

July sees the opening of an exhibition paying tribute to Christian Dior, the fashion designer who first set Paris alight in 1947, made his mark on the times and brought a dazzling, iconic, eternally French touch to the luxury sector. Experience the legend and step into the world of a virtuoso artist who could turn his hand to anything, close friend of the Surrealists, inspired gallerist, brilliant illustrator and designer. At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs from 5 July to 7 January 2018.

Festivities

The Nuit des étoiles, the big family fun event of the summer season is back for the 17th year running, from 28 to 30 July. This free event promises three nights packed with activities such as stargazing, introduction to astronomy and workshops. Various venues in Paris and the surrounding region are involved in the operation, including the Tour Montparnasse, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget. Grab your telescope and reach for the stars!

If you like fine vintage cars, don’t miss La Traversée de Paris Estivale, the biggest classic car gathering, which takes place in the heart of the capital on 30 July.

Sports

Join the crowds to watch the finish of the Tour de France! The cyclists will arrive in Paris on 23 July after a gruelling three-week ride over 3,516 km. The 21st and final stage of the race culminates in a sprint along the Champs-Elysées. Don’t miss this popular sporting event.
Wrestling enthusiasts are in for a treat in 2017 as Paris hosts the World Wrestling Championships at the Accorhotels Arena from 21 to 27 August.