9 Festivals and Fairs to Enjoy While in Paris

Paris-Plages are a unique attraction and public works project for the people of Paris, offering temporary "pop up" beaches all summer long for the relaxation and enjoyment of locals and visitors. These beaches allow the shores of the Seine to take on the look of a riviera resort complete with palm trees.

They can be found in two different locations, both in the heart of the city centre, and they offer a wide range of fun activities for both kids and grown-ups from games to refreshments and more. These locations make for a great way to relax and enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun on your Parisian holiday.

The Fête de la Musique (Make Music Day) is a festival held every year on the 21st of June. Every musician in the country is encouraged to go and perform in the streets, everywhere in the country. It’s obviously in Paris that the event gathers most people. Besides the amateur bands and musicians who play in the streets, large free concerts featuring professional artists are organised on the main squares of Paris.

When: Annually, on 21st of June
Where: In the streets and squares of Paris (and all cities in France)

The Foire du Trône is a large funfair held every year in April and May on the Pelouse de Reuilly, at the western end of the Vincennes Woods. Hosting all the classic funfair attractions such as rollercoaster, Ferris wheels and ghost trains, the Foire du Trône will carry you straight back to your childhood. In addition to the thrilling rides, the funfair features themed days and festive events, including a carnival.

When: Annually, in April and May
Where: On the Pelouse de Reuilly, at the western end of the Vincennes Woods

Paris’ northeastern neighbourhood Belleville is a hub of creativity and artistic talent at the intersection of the 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements. Every summer, the area's artists throw open their studio doors for 4 days, welcoming art lovers from all over the world into their space, free of charge.

You'll be able to explore more than 150 studios and discover new and unusual works. You’ll get to take in works in nearly all mediums under the sun: painting, illustration, sculpture, woodworking, street art, photography, performance art, and video.

Every chocolate-lover should head to the Palais des Congrès de Paris at the end of October. It’s the venue for the Salon du Chocolat (Paris Chocolate Show). This international trade fair showcases artisans, top chefs, chocolate industry companies and cocoa producers from over 60 countries. From the Chocolate Fashion Show to exhibits of chocolate sculptures and many other events, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the best chocolates in the world.

When: Annually, end of October
Where: At the Palais des Congrès de Paris, Place de la Porte Maillot

The Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain (The World Festival of the Circus of Tomorrow) showcases young circus performers from all over the world. They perform in front of an international jury and circus enthusiasts. In a similar way to the Olympic Games, the best performers receive gold, silver and bronze medals. The categories in which they perform include acrobatics, tightrope walking, juggling and more. Be prepared to be amazed by the skills of these performers under 25 years of age.

When: Annually, at the end of January
Where: On the Pelouse de Reuilly, at the western end of the Vincennes Woods

The Fête des Vendanges (Grape Harvest Festival) is held in mid-October on the west slope of Montmartre Hill. This festive event gives you the opportunity to sample the wine from Clos Montmartre, the last vineyard of Paris. Tastings of artisanal and regional products, concerts and exhibitions are on the programme of the Grape Harvest Festival. The atmosphere of this festival, which involves over 40 bars and restaurants from the 18th Arrondissement of Paris, is very lively.

When: Annually, mid-October
Where: On the west flank of Montmartre Hill

Clink champagne glasses on a Bastille Day holiday as fireworks erupt over Paris’ Eiffel Tower. A military parade and flypast signal the start of the celebrations. Throughout the capital, fire stations are thrown open for partygoers to dance till they drop. Bastille Day hotels get snapped up quickly so book early to celebrate Paris’ finest hour.