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Our Guide to Paris 2017 – The Best Events You Won’t Want To Miss

Whatever time of year you visit, our guide to Paris 2017 is essential reading!

Rich in history and culture, Paris is full of memorable experiences. Whether you’re a music lover, a sports enthusiast, fascinated by culture or simply heading there for a relaxing weekend, you’re sure to find something special to do. Our guide to Paris 2017 kicks off your exploration of France’s capital city.

A wonderful winter

If you’re seeing in the New Year in Paris, make the spectacular multi-national New Year’s Day parade part of your trip. Where: Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées When: 1 January Undoubtedly one of Europe’s fashion capitals, Paris’ winter sales are an ideal opportunity to pick up a bargain. They’re also perfectly timed to coincide with Paris Fashion Week (18-26 January). While Fashion Week events are invitation-only, you may catch a glimpse of a famous designer or two at the Carousel du Louvre. Where: Throughout Paris When: 11 January-14 February Are you interested in dance? The Festival de danse showcases contemporary and artistic dance choreography. Where: Different sites across the city When: 12 January-9 February The Carnaval de Paris has been celebrated for centuries. The annual parade through the city’s central streets culminates in the Promenade du Boeuf Gras (parade of the fat cow). Where: Place Gambetta Paris XX When: 26 February

Springtime sprinters and spectacular shows

Paris is great for marathon runners. Leading up to the Schneider Electric Marathon in April, March sees Fitbit half-marathon participants run 21.1km around the city. Grab a spot by one of the city’s landmarks and cheer them on! Where: Bois de Vincennes When: 5 March An increasingly-popular event, the Vertical Challenge sees runners race up the Eiffel Tower’s 1665 steps! Where: Eiffel Tower When: 16 March, evening In a special exhibition entitled Olga Picasso, the Musée Picasso explores the influence of Picasso’s first wife on his work. Where: Musée Picasso When: 21 March-3 September Easter brings fun for all the family with Easter Egg hunts at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Where: Champ-de-Mars, Eiffel Tower When: 27 March April is photography month in Paris, with 84 different exhibitions across the city forming the Mois de la Photo du Grand Paris. Where: Throughout Paris When: April Classic car enthusiasts flock annually to the Grand Palais to visit the Tour Auto Optic 2000 exhibition to see the cars ahead of their four-day journey to Biarritz, encompassing various competitions and circuit races along the route. Where: Grand Palais When: 24 April A highlight of the horse-racing season, the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris attracts visitors from across the nation. Where: L’hippodrome d’Auteuil When: 20-21 May

Celebrate summer in style

Not to be missed by music fans, the Festival de la musique marks the start of summer in Paris. Popular venues are the Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre and the Petit Palais. Where: Various locations across the city When: 21 June The Fête du cinema is a highpoint in the world of French cinema. The event is staged over one weekend across France and showcases a range of cinematic masterpieces. Where: Across the city When: End of June Venture out to the Palace of Versailles for a truly magical spectacle as the gardens come to life in a stunning display of water, music and light. Where: Palace of Versailles When: Saturdays in summer France’s national holiday brings a host of festivals, exhibitions and cultural events across the city. Bastille Day is marked in true style with a weekend full of celebrations. Where: Across the city When: 14 July Find a space on the Champs-Élysées and support competitors as they reach the end of France’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France. Where: Champs-Élysées When: 23 July Film lovers come together every summer to watch films under the stars at the Open Air Cinema Festival. Where: The park, La Villette When: 12 July-20 August Transforming the banks of the Seine into beaches, Paris Plages brings the seaside to the heart of the city. Where: Voie Georges Pompidou, Hôtel de Ville and La Villette When: mid-July to mid-August

Autumnal attractions

Marking European Heritage Day, Paris opens its monuments to the public for free. Don’t miss out! Where: Different sites across Paris When: 16-17 September Celebrated throughout France, the Fête de la gastronomie is a veritable feast of gastronomic delights. Expect your taste buds to be thoroughly tickled. Where: Across Paris When: 22-24 September Nuit Blanche, a night of music, art and theatrical displays, brings the city to life as autumn sets in. Where: Across Paris When: 7 October Do you love chocolate? The Salon du chocolat’s annual chocolate festival returns to Paris. Where: Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre When: 28 October-November France is famous for its wine and our guide to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a wine festival. You can taste Beaujolais Nouveau at venues around the city. Where: Bars around Paris When: 16 November

Winter warmers

Christmas comes early to Paris with festive light displays, the Big Wheel on the Place de la Concorde and Christmas markets. Where: Various locations When: From mid-November Feeling festive? Visit the world’s largest ice rink and put your skating skills to the test. Where: Grand Palais du Glace When: mid-December to early January The Paris New Year’s Eve fireworks displays are a fantastic way to ring in the New Year. Where: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées When: 31 December Paris is brimming with exciting events and festivities.We hope that our guide to Paris will help you choose. What will you see?
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