If you are planning a summer trip to Paris this year, to explore the stunning architecture and fine cuisine, then you're in luck as the city will play host to a range of events this summer. Here is a list of some of the great things going on in the city of love in 2013.
Music Day Fête de la musique (Music Day) is a celebrated festival held at venues throughout the capital. The annual music event is hosted every year on 21 June and this year will be its 31st birthday. Throughout the day and night, fans can listen to a musical programme offering variety from both well known artists and up-and-comers. Streets, museums, gardens, bars and churches are just some of the venues that have played host to the festivities in previous years. A full programme will be made available a few days before the event from the tourist information offices as well as the festivals website.
On 21 June, the Paris skyline will be lit up by an extravagant light show at the Eiffel Tower. 20,000 lights will flash on and off during the first five minutes of every hour during nightfall until the summer schedule of 2am.
Before the start of Wimbledon in London, sporting fans can enjoy the annual tennis event, The French Open. From 26 May to 9 June, one of the four tennis Grand Slams will invite the world’s best players at one of France’s biggest sporting events. Book well advance to secure yourself the best tickets for the event, or if you forget, spare tickets can also be bought from the stadium two weeks prior to the start of the tournament.
From May to June of 2013, the Left Bank of Paris comes alive with jazz music at the Jazz Festival in St Germain. The festival will be held at a variety of exclusive venues all over Paris including theatres, canal boats and streets. Alongside plenty of free open air gigs, fans can also enjoy side exhibits like last year’s photography exhibition, ‘Jazz and Chocolate.’ New talents as well as big name jazz artists will be included at this well known jazz festival.
More jazz music can be enjoyed at the Paris Jazz Festival from June to July 2013. You can be a part of the two month long event, surrounded by some of the finest jazz music around, every weekend at the Parc Floral.
La Fête du Vélo is a celebration of Paris’ urban cycling culture. Thousands of cyclists are invited to meet up at several points within the outskirts of Paris and then ride into the city centre. Bikes can be hired from around the city if you want to take park in the event which is held from 1 June to 2 June.
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Laura Comben is a writer from Brighton. Her passions are writing, art, photography and reading up on the latest tech gadgets. She has been heavily persuaded by Zanda to take a trip to France this summer after writing this article.
