What’s on in Paris

French Open photo

French Open

20 May — 9 June 2024

Roland-Garros Stadium

Along with Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open, the French Open is one of the four events that together are known as tennis' 'Grand Slams'. The tournament has become the…

French Open

20 May — 9 June 2024

Roland-Garros Stadium

Along with Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open, the French Open is one of the four events that together are known as tennis' 'Grand Slams'. The tournament has become the most highly prized clay court title in the world and one of the biggest sporting events in France. Besides the best tennis players in the world, the stadium is also the place to be seen for the fashion conscious. The big matches are packed with celebrities and the vibe in Paris is thrilling. Even those who are not big tennis fans shouldn't miss the chance to attend a match and soak up the atmosphere if in Paris during the tournament.

Website www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR

Le Salon du Chocolat photo

Le Salon du Chocolat

30 October — 3 November 2024

Metropolitan Pavillion & Altman Building

A dream for chocoholics, the large convention centre beneath the Louvre hosts an annual festival in celebration of chocolate. There are tastings and chef demonstrations at a huge v

Le Salon du Chocolat

30 October — 3 November 2024

Metropolitan Pavillion & Altman Building

A dream for chocoholics, the large convention centre beneath the Louvre hosts an annual festival in celebration of chocolate. There are tastings and chef demonstrations at a huge variety of international chocolatier stands, with special offerings galore.

There are opportunities to sample and buy products such as truffles, chocolate-dipped fruit kebabs, hot chocolate, and cakes. Its annual hit fashion show features chocolate-inspired creations, alongside chocolate sculptures and art.

Past exhibitions have included the history of chocolate, books on chocolate and desserts, and an antique collection of teapots used exclusively for hot chocolate. Chocoland for children entertains with chocolate makeup and other delicious activities, meaning it's a great day out for the whole family.

Website www.salon-du-chocolat.fr

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe photo

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

5 — 6 October 2024

Longchamp Racecourse

The Arc de Triomphe, often referred to as just the 'Arc', is France's premier horse race and attracts thoroughbreds and racing enthusiasts from all over the world. Since its inaugu…

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

5 — 6 October 2024

Longchamp Racecourse

The Arc de Triomphe, often referred to as just the 'Arc', 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 the main event alone offers prize money of more than €4 million. The race was first run in 1920 and many of the winners have gone on to be champions of the sport. The Arc is more than just a horse race though, it is a society event and a great day out for visitors and locals alike. Even those who are not racing fanatics will enjoy the palpable excitement in the atmosphere and the fun of picking a horse to bet on. Food and drink flows freely at the race and some people take the opportunity to dress up.

Website www.france-galop.com

Autumn Festival photo

Autumn Festival

Annually from mid September until the second half of December

Held every autumn and continuing for months, this arts festival is a showcase for contemporary art in all forms from around the world. It includes theatre, film, music, dance, scul…

Autumn Festival

Annually from mid September until the second half of December

Held every autumn and continuing for months, this arts festival is a showcase for contemporary art in all forms from around the world. It includes theatre, film, music, dance, sculpture and literature. Considered to be the largest festival of its kind in the world, it's becoming a mainstay in the Parisian cultural calendar. Foreign culture gets special attention, as well as experimental work and the development of new talents. Those who are in Paris between September and December will find it worthwhile to check out the festival programme. The incredible variety of talent and genre ensures that there is something to cater to all tastes.

Website www.festival-automne.com

Tour de France photo

Tour de France

29 June — 21 July 2024

Start changes every year; finish is always in Paris on the Champs-Élysées.

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, …

Tour de France

29 June — 21 July 2024

Start changes every year; finish is always in Paris on the Champs-Élysées.

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 the very best riders in the world in a battle for dominance over 2,175 gruelling miles (3,500km) every year. The race is split into 21 daily stages and completes a loop around the country, including treacherous mountain roads in the Pyrenees and the Alps. The famous yellow jersey is worn by the overall General Classification leader who maintains the lowest overall time. Every year the first stage of the race starts somewhere different, either in France or in another country. The race is a joy for spectators and there are many popular parts of the race to watch. Spectators gather in numerous villages and cities to cheer on the cyclists and the race is enthusiastically supported.

Website www.letour.fr

Nuit Blanche photo

Nuit Blanche

First weekend of October annually

For one night a year 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 …

Nuit Blanche

First weekend of October annually

For one night a year 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 help keep people awake. The White Night is a celebration of human culture and communication and encourages people to enjoy one another's company. The point is to appreciate all the things one doesn't find time to do during the daytime rat race, like have long conversations, enjoy drawn out dinners, and play games. It is a wonderful tradition, widely celebrated, and a really special night to find oneself in Paris. Visitors can stroll the famous streets, eat out and even visit certain attractions and it is a good night to socialise and perhaps meet some locals. The Nuit Blanche is primarily an arts festival so the galleries and museums often remain open and let people in free of charge; the city becomes a sort of delightful all-night art exhibition.

Paris Plages (Beaches) photo

Paris Plages (Beaches)

Mid-July to mid-August annually

The right bank of the river Siene

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 P…

Paris Plages (Beaches)

Mid-July to mid-August annually

The right bank of the river Siene

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 Plages (Paris Beaches) 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. A recent addition is a large swimming pool - good news for those seeking some relief from the summer sun, especially as the dirty water of the Seine itself is not a welcome thought. Other activities on offer include beach volleyball, kayaking, aerobic classes in the pool and free concerts. There are deck chairs strewn about for public use, ice-cream vendors ply the crowds and one can even borrow a book to read while lounging, free of charge. The Paris beach is usually concentrated around three main areas on the river bank: the Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare, and Bassin de la Villette.