France — Events
Notre Dame Night Show
Held every year from July to October, the Night Show at Notre Dame is a symphony of sound and images projected onto a 100-meter transparent tulle curtain hung in the nave. The shows are free and are a unique way to experience the world’s most famous cathedral, as they are the only time Notre Dame is open at night. The shows take place Tuesdays to Sundays in July and August at 9:30pm, Saturdays to Thursdays in September at 9pm, and Thursdays and Saturdays in October at 9pm.
Tour de France
What started off as a far-fetched, unimaginable idea dreamed up by two gentlemen in a Parisian brasserie in 1902, has a century later grown into the world’s greatest bicycle race, indeed considered by many to be the greatest annual sporting event on earth. The unique spectacle is ingrained in France’s heritage, traditionally ending in Paris, and draws hundreds of local and international cyclists in a battle for dominance over 2,175 grueling miles (3,500km) every year.
Paris Plage (Beach)
Two thousand tons of sand and some palm trees is all that is needed to annually transform the right bank of the Seine into a manmade beach worthy of the French capital. The Paris Plage (Paris Beach) is a highly popular, free ‘event’ instituted by the City Fathers in 2002 that attracts millions of visitors to its shores. Between July and August, land-locked city dwellers can enjoy sun, fun and themed activities, without the usual Parisian price tag.
Braderie de Lille
La Braderie is known as Europe’s biggest flea market, drawing several million people every year to the center of Lille, where anyone can park on the pavement and be a hawker for a weekend. The atmosphere is lent a carnival feel with street performers and musicians entertaining the crowds. It’s best to park outside the city center, as the market sprawls outward, leaving cars trapped on the streets.
Autumn Festival
Held every autumn, the arts festival is a showcase for contemporary art in all forms from around the world, including theater, film, music, dance, sculpture and literature, and is the largest festival of its kind in the world. Special attention is given to foreign culture as well experimental work and the development of new talents. For more information email info@festival-automne.com.
Nuit Blanche
For one night in Paris the idea is to stay awake and partake in the observance of night. Many public services, entertainment facilities and tourist attractions, cafes, bars and restaurants stay open throughout the night to keep people awake. The white night is a celebration of human culture and communication and encourages people to enjoy one another’s company, as it is often subjugated in favor of the daytime rat race.
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is France’s premier horse race and attracts thoroughbreds and racing enthusiasts from all over the world. Since its inaugural race in 1920, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has become established as the all-aged middle-distance championship of Europe, and today it offers total prize money of EUR1,600,000. Entrance to the race is EUR8; free for under 18s.
Le Salon du Chocolat
An annual festival in celebration of chocolate is a dream come true for chocoholics, and the large convention center beneath the Louvre hosts just that. There are tastings and chefs demonstrations at a huge variety of international chocolatiers stands; opportunities to sample and buy goodies such as truffles, chocolate-dipped fruit kebabs, hot chocolate and cakes; as well as chocolate fashion, sculpture and art. Exhibitions include the history of chocolate, books on chocolate and desserts, and an antique collection of ‘teapots’ used exclusively for hot chocolate.
World Circus Festival of Tomorrow
The annual Circus Festival provides an unequaled opportunity to see top international circus performers from famous schools together under one roof, including acts from the Beijing Circus, the Moscow Circus, the Knie Circus and local talent Ecole Fratellini. The aim is to bring together young acrobats, animal trainers and clowns and to reveal new and exciting trends in circus acts from traditional, modern and experimental circus performances.
Nice Carnival
The main winter event on the French Riviera and one of the major carnivals in the world, the Nice Carnival brings the city to life with a series of flower parades, float processions, fireworks and concerts every year.
