Paris Events
Our calendar of events is by no means an exhaustive list of all that is going on in Paris. In
addition to the annual events of significant international interest listed below, every neighborhood
in Paris has numerous annual events of historic or local cultural interest, and there are many one-time
events happening all of the time too numerous to attempt listing. We have not included a lot of
specific time and date information, as these details are subject to change. We hope that our
descriptions provide enough information for your concierge or Paris Tourist Office to recognize the
event and provide you with precise times and directions. Paris is a town of continuous festivity, with
events that celebrate everything from particular moments in history to life itself, happening at whatever
time of the year you choose to visit. A glance at our events calendar will reveal that Parisians
celebrate just about everything under the sun, especially anything relating to food, wine, art, or
music, anything which delights the senses and enriches the experience of life.
Always call the phone numbers
provided, as special circumstances may affect schedules, for the most up to date information.
|
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR
| MAY | JUN | | JUL
| AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV
| DEC |
January
Salon du Mariage
In early January, the Carrousel de Louvre hosts an exposition for future brides, complete with
fashion shows and consultants provided by the local merchants.
Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Salon du Meuble
In mid-January, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an international exposition of the best
furniture makers and dealers from over 40 countries, most of which is open only to the international trade,
but some times also have been reserved for the general public.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Colette Winter Sale
The famous upscale 3-story department store on the rue Saint Honore holds its annual sale, where you can
pick up the finest in men’s and women’s fashion, cosmetics, sportswear, technology, art, music and home
décor at substantially reduced prices, in mid-January. Au Bon Marche, Printemps and many other famous
shops also hold their annual sales events during January.
Call (33) 55 35 33 90 for more information.
Bocuse d’Or
In late January, the town of Lyon hosts an annual competition between chefs, begun about 20 years ago
as the Salon des Metiers de Bouche, to showcase the town of Lyon as the world’s culinary capital, and
subsequently developed by chef Paul Bocuse into an international event, now held in conjunction with
Eurexpo at Lyon’s Exhibition Center and partly sponsored by chef Bocuse’s restaurant L’Auberge du Pont
de Collonges in Lyon.
Call (33) 04 72 42 90 90 for more information.
Top
Comme a Vienne
The Viennese New Year’s Day concert, broadcast from the Musikverein strongly enough for Parisians to hear,
is parodied by Opera Comique each New Year’s Day at the Salle Favart in Paris.
Call (33) 825 00 00 58 for more information.
Fete des Rois
In early January, the patissieres of Paris bake special galette des rois pastries, some of which contain
a china figurine, as part of the traditional Epiphany celebrations.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Chinese New Year
Towards the end of January, the Chinese community celebrates the new year with parades, food, live
entertainment and other festivities throughout the Quartier Chinois, from Place d’Italie to the Porte de
Choisy in the 13th arrondissement.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Who’s Next
In late January, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exposition of cutting edge European
men’s and women’s clothing in one of largest fashion trade conventions in the world.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Top
Maison et Objet
The latest in home décor is exhibited each year in late January at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition
Hall.
Call (33) 48 63 33 70 for more information.
French Holiday Fair
In late January and early February, the Salon des Vacances is a one-stop way of learning about regional
events and travel options throughout France, held at the Porte de Versailles Convention Center.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
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February
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Forum des Images in Paris hosts an annual screening of new films produced by and about the gay
community.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Andros Trophy Finals
In early February, the Stade de France hosts some of the world’s biggest names in car racing for this
annual competition of skill and daring on an iced track.
Call (33) 55 93 00 00 for more information.
Bibliophile Fair
One of the biggest conventions for rare book dealers and collectors in Europe is held at the Carrousel
du Louvre in mid-February.
Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Great Wines Fair
Held at the same time as the Bibliophile Fair in the Carrousel du Louvre, this is a rare opportunity to
see the finest grand vins of France, representing over 100 chateaux, collected in one place.
Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Top
Tournoi de Judo
In mid-February, the Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts an annual tournament for practioners of judo, with
programs and workshops for everyone from beginners to masters.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Retromobile
In mid-February, as part of the Paris Expo, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an annual
exposition of classic, vintage and contemporary racing cars, boats, motorbikes, accessories and even toys.
Call (33) 45 95 10 10 for more information.
International Circus Festival of Tomorrow
See top circus performers from all over the world in one place, in mid-February at the Cirque d’Hiver,
when they hold exhibitions and workshops for newer performers.
Call (33) 47 00 12 25 for more information.
Festival of St. Valentine
On Valentine’s Day, the city of Paris re-assigns its many illuminated, digitized message boards to
display sentiments of love, and allows individuals from all over the world to post their messages on them
as well via www.paris.fr.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Top
Open Gaz de France
The Stade Pierre de Cubertin hosts the best female tennis players in the world at this annual competition
for a prize of over a half-million dollars.
Call (33) 4431 4431 for more information.
Café Show
Towards the end of February, the Carrousel du Louvre hosts an exposition of the world’s finest coffee
producers, which includes free tastings of over 300 blends, and other informative programs.
Call (33) 45 03 21 26 for more information.
International Agriculture Show
Le Salon d’Agriculture is held each year at the Porte de Versalles Convention Center, from late February
to early March, where you can see exhibits on hunting and fishing, and sample some of the finest examples of
regional French cooking.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
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March
Festival of the Imagination
The music and art of the world’s cultures is celebrated throughout the month of March at the Maison des
Cultures du Monde, as representative top artists and musicians come to lecture and exhibit their crafts.
Call (33) 45 44 72 30 for more information.
Paris Fashion Week
In early March, the Carrousel de Louvre hosts the final leg of a world-wide tour of fashion designers and
models, as they exhibit their latest creations.
Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
International Women’s Film Festival
In mid-March, the Maison des Artes, Cinema La Lucarne and Cinemas du Palais in Creteil, Ile-de-France host
screenings of recent films produced by women, some of whom will be present to meet the participants and
established directors and producers also attending.
Call (33) 4313 1919 for more information.
Stock Car Racing
In mid-March, the Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts stock car drivers from a number of European countries in
this annual competition for the European championship.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Top
Poets’ Springtime
Readings, competitions, performances and many other events occur in the streets, museums and a variety of
other venues all over town, as Paris celebrates the art of poetry, starting on the second Monday in March.
Call (33) 53 800 800 for more information.
Nemo Festival
Young filmmakers are featured and celebrated by the Ile-de-France Film and Theatre Association, in a number
of screenings and other programs offered at the Forum des Images and other venues, in mid-March.
Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Festival des Artes Martiaux
The Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts martial arts masters and enthusiasts from all over the world at this
major exposition which examines and illustrates the differences between every school of martial arts
currently in practice.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Paris Film Festival
In late March and into early April, the Cinema Gaumont Marignan serves as the center for screenings of recent
locally produced works, as well as the works of promising young directors from all over Europe.
Call (33) 45 72 96 40 for more information.
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April
Banlieues Bleues
The Paris Blues Festival is held during the first week in April on the streets of Seine St. Denis, a
northeast suburb of Paris, which attracts new as well as famous blues musicians from all over the world.
Call (33) 49 22 10 10 for more information.
Paris Marathon
During the month of April, this foot race commences with a food festival featuring spaghetti bolognaise,
then proceeds around the monuments flanking the Champs Elysees and extends out to the town of Auteuil.
Call (33) 41 33 15 68 for more information.
Festival of Short Shorts
For two evenings in April, the Forum des Images screens entries in this semi-annual competition of the latest
short films, videos and animations of under 3 minutes, for which a prize is awarded to the winner on the
final night.
Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Foire de Paris
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts the Paris annual fair from the last part of April into
early May, which features exhibits on homes and gardens.
Call (33) 44 95 10 10 for more information.
Fitness and Well-Being Expo
From the end of April through the beginning of May, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts the
Cote Bien-Etre, which features exhibits on fitness, dieting, exercise, nutrition and a variety of massage
and other therapies.
Call (33) 49 09 60 98 for more information.
Top
May
May Day
Everything is closed in Paris on May 1, except the Eiffel Tower, and the Bastille is the focus of an
annual parade down the Champs Elysees, organized by the labor unions.
Call (33) 323-6316 for more information.
Annual Jazz Festival
From the conclusion of the Foire de Paris in early May through the month of July, jazz musicians from all
over the world come to play in the Parc Floral every weekend.
Call (33) 55 94 20 20 for more information.
Printemps des Musees
For one day in May, you may be able to see a number of the important exhibits on your list, as many
museums in the city will offer free admission.
Call (33) 40 15 36 00 for more information.
Vintage Car Rally
During the month of May, vintage car owners compete in a race up the Montmartre hill, the steepest and
tallest, with local café and bars providing a variety of food and other events.
Call (33) 46 06 79 56 for more information.
Top
Environment and Lifestyle Show
Exhibitions on the latest in recycling waste and renewable energy are featured at this annual exposition,
a part of the Paris Expo, held at the Porte de Versailles Convention Center during the month of May.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Flash Festival
Users of Shockwave Flash on French-language Web sites attend a convention at the Centre Pompidou to see
the latest in computerized animation techniques, during the month of May.
Call (33) 48 24 96 45 for more information.
The Great Paris Steeplechase
The Hippodrome Auteuil hosts this famous annual horse race patterned after the British Grand National, at
the end of May.
Call (33) 40 71 47 47 for more information.
Top
Foire du Trone
For the entire month of May, the Pelouse de Reuilly hosts this famous traditional fair which dates back to
the 1100s, where traditional pig-shaped bread is sold, and there is an abundance of rides, live
entertainment, freak shows circus performers.
Call (33) 46 27 52 29 for more information.
Directors’ Fortnight
From the last part of May through the beginning of June, La Quinzaine des Realisateurs features films shown
at the preceding Cannes Film Festival, screened for Parisians at the Forum des Images
Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Bazart
If you are shopping for reasonably priced, high-quality original art, your best bet is to attend this
traveling art show held from late May to late August at La Samaritaine in the 1st arrondissement, which
features a rooftop café from which you can also get a panoramic view of the city.
Call (33) 42 21 88 43 for more information.
Les Pestacles
From mid-May until mid-September, hour-long theatrical programs are presented each Wednesday for children
between 3 and 10 years of age at the Parc Floral.
Call (33) 55 94 20 20 for more information.
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June
Paris Air Show
In mid-June, Le Bourget Airport in Le Bourget, Ile-de-France hosts an exposition for the aerospace industry
that features the latest air and space travel technology.
Call (33) 4450 1998 for more information.
Le Carre Rive Gauche
For five days in mid-June, the antique art dealers of Paris display selected objects on the rue de Bac along
the Seine, an annual event which includes a cruise that stops at selected points of interest.
Call (33) 42 60 70 10 for more information.
Fete de la Musique
Paris hosts musicians from all over the world who perform in a variety of venues around town on June 21, the
longest day of the year, in this annual celebration of music.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Midsummer Fireworks
A beautiful fireworks show is presented at the Ile Saint Louis, and watched from the Quai Saint Bernard on
the evening of June 24, the shortest night of the year, in honor of St. John the Baptist.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Top
French Open
Towards the end of June, Le Golf National course in the suburbs of Paris hosts this famous annual tournament.
Call (33) 3043 3600 for more information.
European Health-Sports Games
On a weekend in late June, cyclists race through the streets of Paris from Bercy to Reuilly in
Vaires-Sur-Marne.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Paris Pride Parade
The annual festival of the gay community, with live entertainment, refreshments and assorted festivities
extends from Republique to Boubourg along the Champs Elysees in the Marais distict.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
International Rose Competition
From mid-June through the beginning of July, the Parc du Bagetelle is filled with the smell of roses entered
in an internationally judged competition.
Call (33) 40 67 97 00 for more information.
Top
Chopin Festival
From mid-June through mid-July, the music of Fryderyk Chopin is played and celebrated at the Orangerie de
Bagatelle.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Summer Clothing Sales
From late June through early August, last year’s men’s and women’s designer and casual fashions are on sale
for at least half off at l’Habilleur in the district of Marais and at Galeries Lafayette on the boulevard
Haussmann.
Call (33) 4887 7712 and (33) 42 82 34 56 for more information.
Choral Music Festival
Throughout the summer, from late June to early September, the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Eglise
Saint-Louis-en-L’ile present choral music by artists from all over the world, including gospel and spiritual
as well as traditional and classic church works.
Call (33) 44 62 00 55 for more information.
Top
July
Golden League Athletics
During the first week in July, the Gaz de France is held at the Stade de France, where the world’s best
athletes meet in a variety of competitions and athletic events.
Call (33) 55 93 00 00 for more information.
Mode et Mariage
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exhibition in early July of the latest trends in wedding
fashion, presented by international fashion designers.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Solidays
During the first week in July, the Hippodrome de Longchamp hosts Solidarite SIDA’s annual fundraiser for
HIV/AIDS research and treatment, which includes live music, circus performers, mime artists and other events.
Call (33) 44 30 75 00 for more information.
Antiques Fair
Antiques dealers and collectors convene at the Stade Charlety in early July for this annual antiques
exposition sponsored by the Haute Vallee de la Loire.
Call (33) 2 37 24 51 60 for more information.
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Paris Haute Couture
In early to mid-July, all of the famous fashion designers of Paris display their latest creations on the
runways of various venues at this annual invitation-only event organized by the Federation Francaise de la
Couture.
Call (33) 14 266 6444 for more information.
International Cinema Meetings
For the first two weeks in July, the Rencontres Internationales de Cinema a Paris are held at the Forum des
Images, where French independent film directors present their latest works which are voted on by the members
in front of the viewing public.
Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Bastille Day
The most important holiday in France happens in mid-July, when the commencement of the French Revolution by
storming the Bastille and the ideals of liberte, egalite and fraternite are celebrated all over the country.
Dancing, military parades and ceremonies, and general festivities center around the place de la Bastille and
all along the Champs Elysees.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Quartier d’Ete and Paris Plage
After Bastille Day, through mid-August, is an excellent time to visit Paris, when most of the town is on
vacation, and a number of dance and music festivals are held around the city for those who remain for the
hottest part of the year. Land along the Seine’s right bank, near the Hotel de Ville and Pont Neuf, is
converted to a sunbathing beach.
Call (33) 44 94 98 00 for more information.
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Cinema Festival and Dancing
During July and August, classic films are screened at the Parc de la Villette most evenings as the sun is
setting, where you can bring a picnic and enjoy perfect evenings, and you can dance to live orchestras and
bands from all over the world on Sundays.
Call (33) 40 03 75 75 for more information.
Garden Tours
During July and August, the Parc Andre-Citroen, Parc de Bercy and the famous Pere-Lachaise Cemetery created
by Napoleon offer guided walking tours of their beautiful gardens in English and French, where you will
learn a great deal about Paris history and culture.
Call (33) 40 71 75 60 for more information.
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August
Arenes de Montmartre
From mid-August to mid-September, traveling theatre troupes perform in the tradition of the Italian commedia
dell’arte at this outdoor playhouse.
Call (33) 48 40 27 71 for more information.
L’Etrange Festival
From late August to early September, the off-beat is celebrated in this annual film festival at the Forum des
Images.
Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Classical Music Festival
During August and September weekends, the Parc Floral hosts the Festival Classique au Vert open-air concerts
presented by orchestras from all over the world.
Call (33) 55 94 20 20 for more information.
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September
Autumn Festival
Beginning in September, and throughout the Fall, a number of venues all over Paris host a four-month-long
arts festival which includes dramatic performances, movies, live concerts, such as the month-long outdoor
jazz festival in the Parc de la Villette, dance and opera, and is the largest festival of its kind in the
world.
Call (33) 53 45 17 00 for more information.
Festival Ile-de-France
Throughout the month of September, and into October, a number of cultural and ethnic venues of significance to
French history and culture present a variety of live music and other programs as the end of summer is
celebrated.
Call (33) 58 71 01 01 for more information.
Geste d’Arte
The Viaduc des Artes hosts jewelers, glass blowers, sculptors and other craftsmen in this annual exposition
of the arts, beginning in September and extending throughout the Fall on a variety of dates.
Call (33) 44 75 80 66 for more information.
Pret a Porter
In early September, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts vendors of ready to wear women’s clothing
in an exposition for international designers and buyers, preceding Paris Fashion Week held at the Carrousel
de Louvre.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Top
Numicarta
The Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts this annual convention of old coin and post card dealers and
collectors, in mid-September.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Fete de l’Humanite
The far left-wing newspaper hold its annual party in the Parc de la Corneuve, complete with food booths,
family activities, outrageous speeches and serious political discussions.
Call (33) 49 22 72 72 for more information.
Heritage Days
The French government holds open-house towards the end of September during the annual Journees des Patrimoine,
where visitors and residents can tour the homes of politicians and their office buildings.
Call (33) 40 15 37 37 for more information.
Garde Republicaine
The brass bands and horses in full ceremonial dress are paraded by the French Presidential Guard at the
Casernes des Celestins on the last weekend in September.
Call (33) 49 96 13 33 for more information.
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Paris-Versailles Walk
At the end of September, you can join this ambitious walking marathon that extends from the Eiffel Tower to
the Chateau de Versailles.
Call (33) 30 21 10 25 for more information.
Antiques Biennal
The largest antiques fair in Paris is held during the last half of September only once every two years, the
next one to be presented at the Carrousel de Louvre in 2004.
Call (33) 43 24 44 63 for more information.
Art Paris
Every year, and concurrent with the Antiques Biennal every other year, the Carrousel de Louvre also hosts an
exhibition of paintings, sculptures, videos and photographs by promising new artists from all over Europe,
during the last two weeks in September.
Call (33) 56 26 52 00 for more information.
Art in the World
During September and October, the Pont Alexandre III along the Seine hosts an exhibition of newer artists
from over 50 countries.
Call (33) 42 76 47 42 for more information.
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October
Nuit Blanche
For one night in October, all of the museums, libraries, monuments and churches remain open, and district
governments provide breakfast in the morning for all of the visitors who are still awake at dawn.
Call (33) 4450 1998 for more information.
Lisbonne/Lisboa
Beginning in October and extending into January, the Parc de la Villette, the largest unobstructed green
area in Paris, hosts an exposition of Portuguese artists, photographers and sculptors to introduce Parisians
to the culture of Lisbon.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Grape Harvest Festival
The vineyards of Montmartre, the only wine-growing area in Paris, are showcased in this annual celebration
of the grape with tastings, theatrical performances and other festivities, on the first weekend in October.
Call (33) 46 06 00 32 for more information.
Lucien Barriere Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The most important annual horse race in France is hosted by the Hippodrome de Longchamp during the first
week in October.
Call (33) 44 30 75 00 for more information.
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L’Existrans
The Association Syndrome de Benjamin sponsors a march to benefit the trans-gendered community, commencing at
place Denfert-Rochereau at square J Antoine, during the first week in October.
Call (33) 43 57 21 25 for more information.
Paris-Deauville Rally
During the first week in October, pre-1940 vintage car owners race from the Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris to
Deauville’s Place de la Mairie in Normandy.
Call (33) 43 34 97 78 for more information.
World of Games
During the first week in October, the Espace Auteuil hosts Monde de Jeu, where state of the art computer
games, multi-media and board games, as well as toys are exhibited in this hands-on annual festival.
Call (33) 49 91 75 12 for more information.
International Contemporary Art Fair
In mid-October, galleries and collectors of contemporary art come to the Porte de Versailles Convention Center
to participate with artists in the annual Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporaine.
Call (33) 41 90 47 80 for more information.
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Paris Fashion Week
In mid-October, following the Pret a Porter at the Porte de Versailles Convention Center, the Carrousel de Louvre hosts an exhibition of women’s ready to wear designers from all over
the world.
Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
La Semaine de Gout
For a week in mid-October, each region in France celebrates its particular gastronomy in this nation-wide
festival of food and wine tastings and cultural celebrations.
Call (33) 14 296 7000 for more information.
Lire en Fete
Literature is celebrated with a variety of festivities in mid-October at this annual event which also
includes live readings of important works at the Bibliotheque Nationale.
Call (33) 49 54 68 64 for more information.
Marche au Chocolats
The Bourse de Commerce de Paris hosts an annual exposition of French chocolatiers, douceurs and confectioners,
with lots of free samples, in mid-October.
Call (33) 42 85 18 20 for more information.
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JVC Jazz Festival
In mid-October, jazz musicians from around the world come to play in a variety of venues throughout Paris.
Call (33) 46 21 08 37 for more information.
Paris Capitale du Cinema Art et Essai
Le Republique, Le Latina, l’Harlequin and Le Balzac invite movie fans to watch an unlimited number of
screenings at half price, in mid-October.
Call (33) 42 76 63 29 for more information.
Le Salon du Chocolat
From the end of November to the beginning of December, the Carrousel de Louvre hosts tastings and
demonstrations by renowned chocolatiers and douceurs, including participants from the Cordon Bleu cooking
school, at this annual exhibition, which features a Chocoland for children who can experiment with chocolate
makeup.
Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Tennis Masters Series
The Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts the final round of the Masters Series, from the end of November to the
beginning of December.
Call (33) 474 38000 for more information.
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November
Salon du Cheval
In late November through early December, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center in Paris hosts a variety
of international competitions between champion horses, including an exhibition of the finest Arabian horses
and award-winning showjumpers.
Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Christmas Lights
Beginning the last week of November, and throughout the holiday season, the shops, lampposts and cafes and
historic landmarks along the Champs-Elysees are lit up with Christmas decorations.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Festival des Inrockuptibles
During the first half of November, Les Inrockuptibles, a popular French music magazine, sponsors live
performances by selected popular groups at a number of venues throughout Paris.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Supercross Bercy
The Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts an annual motorbike competition in mid-November.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
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Armistice Day
On November 11 every year, the President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de
Triomphe, in memory of those who gave their lives in both World Wars.
Call (33) 55 37 73 77 for more information.
Lalique Ice-Skating Trophy
Champion ice skaters from all over the world put on a show and compete for this coveted prize, at the Paris
Bercy Palais Omnisports in mid-November.
Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Paris International Photo Fair
La Maison Europeenne de la Photographie and other venues throughout Paris dedicate the month of November to
exhibiting works which inspire amateur photographers and encourage an interest in photography as an art form.
The Paris International Photo Fair, the central event, is held in mid-November at the Carrousel de Louvre.
Call (33) 44 78 75 08 for more information.
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Forum des Images presents screening of films by and about the gay community during the last week in
November.
Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
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December
World AIDS Day
December 1 is reserved for dramatic performances, live concerts, exhibitions and assorted events throughout
Paris, coordinated by CRIPS, the Paris AIDS awareness association.
Call (33) 56 80 33 33 for more information.
Prix Culinaire Pierre Taittinger
On December 2, the La Concorde Lafayette Hotel in Paris hosts an invitational competition among gourmet chefs
from all over Europe to determine the premier representative of French gastronomy.
Call (33) 40 68 50 68 for more information.
Le Bal Crillon des Debutantes
On the first Saturday in December, the Hotel Crillon hosts the annual debutante ball, at which the privileged
youth of Paris and other European venues, dressed in the very best of formal taste provided by top Paris
fashion designers, come to meet each other.
Call (33) 44 71 15 00 for more information.
Ice Skating
Bring your family to the ice rink in front of the railroad station at Montparnasse, where you can skate for
free, just down the street from the famous cafes, beginning December and lasting throughout the winter, as
long as the ice is frozen.
Call (33) 42 76 40 40 for more information.
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Mystery of Christmas
During December and January, the Nativity story is recreated on the steps of the ancient Cathedrale Notre Dame
de Paris every half-hour.
Call (33) 42 34 56 10 for more information.
Children’s World
During December and January, the place de la Bastille becomes a playground for children with lots of
activities, a giant trampoline, holiday make-up artists and many other holiday surprises.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
International Boat Show
In mid-December, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exposition of the latest in water craft
and boating products with live entertainment and refreshments.
Call (33) 41 90 47 47 for more information.
Family Christmas Mass
The Eglise St.-Germain-des-Pres, built in the 6th century and the oldest church in Paris, presents a month of
choral and other holiday programs.
Call (33) 43 25 41 71 for more information.
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass
Celebrate a full and traditional French catholic mass at the Eglise de la Madeleine, built in the 18th
century, during the holiday season.
Call (33) 44 51 69 00 for more information.
Basketball All-Star Game
Towards the end of December, the Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts this annual, final basketball champhionship
event between the best team in France and the best non-French team in the world.
Call (33) 44 51 69 00 for more information.
Celebrate France
Beginning New Year’s Eve and extending into the new year, Paris and its surrounding communities celebrate
their national heritage with a variety of events, including the Grande Parade de Chantilly in Chantilly,
Ile-de-France on New Year’s Eve which features floats and live music, and a repeat performance on New Year’s
Day at Disneyland Paris in Marne La Vallee, Ile-de-France.
Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
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