While there is admittedly something oh-so-romantic about Paris under lashing rain or in the quiet of winter, one of the best times to find yourself in the French capital is in the summer, when an abundance of outdoor activities are on offer and generally clement temperatures send Parisians outdoor in droves. These highly coveted festivals are a great way to discover the city, while enjoying music, movies and more.
Festival du Cinema en Plein air (Open-Air Cinema)
Cinephiles will adore this outdoor film festival, which takes place in the convivial Parc de la Villette on the eastern edge of Paris. The 2013 festival is on through August 25 and features 27 films, with a short film showing before each feature. Make sure to get there early, as the park fills up fast – all the more reason to bring a picnic and hang out before the film.
See program schedule for times and locations
Métro: Porte de Pantin
Price: Free, or €7 to rent a lawn chair, or €20 for 5 chairs
L’été des p’tits futés
If you’re travelling with children, this theater festival is sure to please your little ones. Storytelling, world music, dance, mime and puppetry are just some of the different types of art offered at this annual festival. Each show hopes to teach tolerance, perseverance, courage, self-confidence and respect for the environment, and while the shows are likely to be in French, the sounds and images are sure to break through any language barrier.
See program schedule for times and locations
Price: €5-8
Date: Until August 30
La Plage
More and more, Paris is recreating the beach scene at venues across the city for those who can’t leave on vacation this summer. The LaPlage festival has done the same, filling a normal bar space at Glazart with 50 tons of sand, and offering dj sets and free concerts all summer. With music ranging from indie rock to hip hop to electro pop, everyone in your group will be sure to find something they can sway a hip to. Through September 15th, 2013.
See program schedule for times and locations.
Location: 7-15 avenue de la Porte de la Villette, 75019
Métro: Porte de la Villette
Price: free
Festival Classique au Vert
For lovers of classical music, this outdoor festival in the Parc Floral is simply divine. Beethoven, Schubert and Mendelssohn are just some of the composers featured here, held in the exquisite Japanese garden within the park on weekend afternoons.
Address: Parc Floral, in front of Château de Vincennes
Métro: Château de Vincennes or RER A Vincennes
Price: €5,50 / €2,75 ages 7-25 / free for under 7
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday until September 15th at 4pm
Festival Silhouette
Film buffs will adore this short film festival, rounding out the end of the summer season. Nine films take part in the festival, with a happy hour concert planned before each showing. Bring a blanket and a picnic, choose your spot on the grass and enjoy cinema magic.
Address: Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge (5 avenue Debidour, 75019)
Métro: Pré Saint-Gervais
Price: Free
Date: August 31 to September 8, 7pm onwards
Still wondering how to spend your summer sojourn in Paris? Hop on board a Seine River Cruise and enjoy the sights from the water.
