Summer events in Paris
As the temperatures rise in Paris this summer, there may be times when you wish to seek alternative venues to the usual sightseeing tours in an attempt to keep cool.
One of the most inventive has to be the now annual Paris Plage. Not many other capital cities can boast a beach but in Paris, between July 20 and August 20, over 2000 tons of sand are spread along the banks of the River Seine allowing everybody to enjoy a coastal setting despite being in one of the world’s largest metropolitan cities. Expect to see palm trees, cyclists and roller-bladers aplenty as well as numerous other outdoor activities such as Petanque, trampolining and sandcastle building taking place. Or take to the water and enjoy a variety of watersports including kayaks and rowing boats. There is also a packed programme of live entertainment and organised children’s activities to ensure the whole family is catered for. Deckchairs and parasols complete the image, creating a scene more in line with the French Riviera than the French capital! Bring along a picnic and be sure to pack a swimming costume to bathe in the large outdoor swimming pool that has been continually installed since 2003. And, best of all, although the project costs around €1.5m to host each year, entry is completely free.
The Musee d’Orsay is on most sightseeing lists due to its impressive collection of Impressionist works. Make time to enjoy a cooling drink on the rooftop terrace (open May to October) and admire the panoramic views over the city and a number of famous monuments such as the Louvre and Sacre Coeur.
Fans of Monet should also make their way to the Musee Orangerie in the Tuileries Gardens. The museum has been described as “a haven of peaceful meditation” – a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. As well as the famous Nymphéas there are also masterpieces from other artists including Cézanne, Renoir and Picasso.
Whilst we’re on the subject of museums, it’s also worth noting that the Louvre is open until 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays – avoiding long queues in the midday sun!
Paris has a number of gardens which attract both visitors and locals throughout the summer. The Jardins du Luxembourg boast sprawling lawns with well established trees to offer some welcome shade in the heat of the day and colourful flowerbeds to admire. Take to the water and rent a boat or challenge a local to a game of outdoor chess.
If you want to take the weight off your feet after an exhaustive tour of the Louvre or a sprightly walk along the Champs Elysees, take a seat in the shade of the nearby Tuileries Gardens and watch the world go by.
A little further out is the Bois de Vincennes where Parisians come with their families on sun-filled weekends. Walkers and joggers come for the extensive trails away from the traffic whilst children enjoy the Parc Floral and the zoo. Bring a picnic or hire a boat and enjoy an ice cream on the lake.
The Parc de la Villette is a popular choice, particularly on warm summer evenings during the Parc de la Villette Film Festival (between July 15 and August 16 inclusively). During the festival, Parisians and tourists alike bring along a blanket and picnic to watch a film on the large outdoor screen as the evening beckons. Almost 40 films are shown each season, with the theme this year being films based on journeys.
Those who appreciate classical music should look no further than Les Grand Eaux Musicales which take place each evening at the Chateau de Versailles from April 4 to October 25 every year. The stunning gardens alone are worth making the 20km journey out of central Paris and on a hot day it is worth bringing a blanket to sit and enjoy the spectacular fountains and extensive lawns.
It might not be everybody’s cup of tea but Paris is home to a number of famous cemeteries which offer the perfect opportunity for a gentle stroll. Based on a design for an English park, the Cimetière du Père Lachaise is one of the largest “green” spaces in Paris, offering 44 hectares of tree lined avenues and sculptures. Jim Morrison’s grave is perhaps one of the most visited but other famous names buried here include Molière, Chopin, Honoré de Balzac, Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.
The Cimetiere du Montparnasse is somewhat smaller but not without its share of famous residents. This is the final resting place of Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Serge Gainsbourg and Camille Saint-Saëns. Covering 18 hectares, the cemetery has been beautifully landscaped and once again filled with statues and sculptures. Many people come to enjoy a summer stroll in the shade of the many trees and, sometimes, you will even come across picnickers.
On a similar theme (and if you want to avoid the sunlight altogether) make your way to the Catacombs within the Latin Quarter. Descend 130 steps to a series of underground passages lined with ancient skulls from the city’s overflowing cemeteries. A little macabre for some maybe, but certainly dark and cool!
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