Sources: Paris Convention and Visitors Office, Paris Mayor's Office
The below calendar applies to July 2011.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale):
Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French revolution and the country's long, chaotic road to becoming a republic. Similar in spirit to American Independence Day or Canada Day, La Fête de la Bastille is not to be missed and offers a chance to see top-notch fireworks or organize a picnic in one of the city's beautiful parks and gardens. The traditional military parade on the Champs-Elysées before nightfall gives a glimpse of how French people pay tribute to their nation. On the eve of Bastille Day, an enormous dance party ("Le Bal du 14 juillet") takes over the Place de la Bastille, starting the celebration on a festive note.
- Paris Plages (Paris Beach)
From July 21st to August 21st, a full-fledged beach with sand, games, cafes, and even boating will take over the banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette in North Paris. Paris Plage has enjoyed enormous success since its launch in 2003 and attracted millions of visitors last year. On hot nights, sipping a drink at one of the open-air bars installed on the beach or enjoying free live concerts are now summer staples in Paris.
- Open-Air Cinema Festival at the Parc de la Villette
Dates: July 19th through August 21st, 2011
Every year, Parisians and visitors spread out blankets at the ultramodern Parc de la Villette, where some 36 movies are shown on a giant outdoor screen. Starting to see why July is a great month for movie aficionados? In 2011, entry is free.
General information about the Parc de la Villette
Visit the official website
- Paris Cinema Film Festival 2011:
From July 2nd to 13th, the Paris Cinema Film Festival brings the work of talented filmmakers from around the world to screens in the city of lights-- and the screenings are only 5 Euros a ticket. This year's main theme is Mexican cinema. French actress Charlotte Rampling and special guests Jane Fonda and David Cronenberg (among others) preside over this year's events.
Arts and Exhibits
- Manet, Inventor of Modernity
The Musee d'Orsay will open a major retrospective on Edouard Manet in April, with a focus on the historical context of the artist's work and his intense public and political life. While Orsay's permanent collection already features an important selection of Manet's best works, this exhibit promises to provide even stronger insight into Manet's myriad influences and artistic experiments, and to highlight his intense dialogue with fellow artists, writers and poets.
When: Through July 3rd, 2011.
Location: Musee d'Orsay
Metro/RER: Solferino (Metro line 12) or RER Musee Orsay
- Stanley Kubrick
The genius (and arguably, madness) of the mind responsible for cinematic classics Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange is being celebrated at the Cinematheque Francaise: a vast retrospective and exhibit comprising films (including unfinished works), scripts, letters, photos from sets, costumes and accessories. A dream for cinephiles.
When: Through July 31, 2011
Location: Cinematheque Francaise
51 rue de Bercy, 12th arrondissement
Metro:Bercy
Tel: +33(0)171 19 33 33
- Paris-Delhi-Bombay
The National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pompidou is offering an intriguing look at contemporary Indian culture and arts through works of both Indian and French artists. This "hybrid" exhibit shows the strong and surprising creative ties between France and India.
When: Through September 19th, 2011.
Where: National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pompidou
- From Lutecia to Paris
An important exhibit curated on the site of the archaeological crypt at Notre Dame Cathedral reveals how Paris evolved from its Greco-Roman guise (it was formerly called "Lutecia") to become a medieval capital of a Christianized Europe. Those interested in Paris history should reserve time for an exhibit that promises to be illuminating.
When: Through February 26th, 2012.
Where: Notre Dame Cathedral, Archaeological Crypt
