Megan Hill
Our Guide to Paris Festivals 2017
Do something different this holiday and join in one of these Paris festivals
Paris has an events calendar to make any traveller giddy, with weekend music festivals and culinary celebrations galore. This 2017 is no different with a line up of returning and brand new events, check out some of the most exciting Paris festivals below.
Image via Taste of Paris facebook Taste of Paris
As one of the gourmet capitals of the world, it only makes sense that Paris has a food festival to celebrate its cuisine. For four days, the Grand Palais will be transformed into a culinary wonderland with the city's best restaurateurs, chefs and food producers. With 19 chefs and over 70 of the dishes that have defined their careers available in one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, it's an unmissable event. Dates: 18 - 21 May
Image ©Nicko Guilhal via Download Festival facebook Download Festival
Step back into the early 2000s at Download Festival, where rock and alternative rock bands like Linkin Park, Blink 182, System of a Down, Gojira and Green Day will be shredding up Parisian stages this 2017. Originating in the UK, it has since made its way over to Paris for a weekend abroad. Dates: 9 - 11 June
Image via Paris Jazz Festival facebook Paris Jazz Festival
Hosted in the breathtaking Parc Floral de Vincinnes, this atmospheric jazz festival brings leading musicians to the French capital for eight consecutive weekends. With non-stop performances, workshops and family activities throughout the day, the festival has branched out into soul, funk, Latin and dance music as well in recent years. Dates: June - July, dates to be announced
Image via Le Tour De France facebook Le Tour de France
This internationally renowned cycle race may start in Dusseldorf and wind its way throughout France, but it does finish at the Champs Elysee in Paris! Whether you're competing or want to cheer on the finalists at Paris' national monument, the city will come to life with parties and celebrations to commemorate the end of the tournament. Dates: 1-23 July; 23 July in Paris
Bastille Day
As one of France's biggest national holidays, Bastille Day is always a highlight of the year with markets, fireworks and street parties characterising the holiday. Head to Champs-Elysée to see the military parade past in all their glory before finding a comfy spot overlooking the Eiffel Tower to see the fireworks light up the sky. Dates: 14 July
Image via Lollapalooza Paris facebook Lollapalooza
You don't have to make your way to Chicago this year, Lollapalooza is expanding out to Paris for the very first time. This vibrant music festival brings together musicians from all genres, from alternative rock to electronic dance music, and will see the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, London Grammar and alt-J set the soundtrack to the capital this 2017. Dates: 22 - 23 July
Image ©Kimberley Ross via Pitchfork Music Festival Pitchfork Music Festival
As one of the best music magazines in the world, it only makes sense that Pitchfork would host one of the coolest music festivals around. With a meticulously curated list of musicians, 2016 saw the likes of M.I.A., Chet Faker, Explosions in the Sky and Bat For Lashes taking to its diverse stage and while 2017's line-up has yet to be announced, it's sure to promise more of the same. Dates: To be announced
Image via Salon du Chocolat facebook