Paris is also known as “the city of lights” and is home to many festivals organized throughout the year. Although there are many festivals that are held here, but here’s a list of ten major festivals that you should not miss at any cost.
Bastille Day or National Day is celebrated on 14th July and symbolizes the 1789 uprising when the entire nation stormed into the Bastille fortress-prison. It starts off with a traditional military parade in front of government dignitaries like President and other officials. After that, the citizens party throughout the day and have a gala time.
One of the most popular rock festivals in the world is held here in Paris and is called the Rock en Seine. The festival is held at the park of Château de Saint-Cloud just outside the city and is held in true Parisian style. This is a 3-day festival and garners huge crowd from all across the world. Best of the rock bands yearn to perform on this stage.
Fete de la Musique is held on 21st June and is considered to be one of the most sought after festivals in Paris. It is a street music festival and hundreds of musicians gather on the streets to entertain the public. Everything from jazz to rock and hip-hop get played over here.
Le Tour de France is the foremost cycling event in the world. The love for the sport and the magnificent landscape offers a great combination of sport and visual treat to a tourist. This is conducted in the month of July and covers around 3,500 kms of breathtaking coverage.
Paris Gay Pride has gained international prominence because of the festivity surrounding it. It does not resemble a mere political demonstration but a huge conundrum of joy, color and celebration on the streets of the city.
Nuit Blanche was first launched in 2002 and celebrates the rise of art and culture in Paris. Countless museums and galleries throw open their doors to the frantic tourists in a bid to display the rich art and cultural life of Paris.
Paris has a huge thriving Chinese population and hence the celebration of the Chinese New Year is an event to watch.
Paris Plages is a summer event wherein three venues within the city are decked up as beaches with different themes. Gradually, this even has found a lot of takers as it entertains people from all ages and walks of life.
Paris Quartier d’Eté or Paris Summer Arts Festival happens between July 14th and August 11th wherein the streets get covered by people displaying various forms of arts, music, theatre and drama. Public is treated to some quality entertainment during this period.
Every April, the Paris marathon is held where more than 35,000 runners participate to make it one of the liveliest events in the calendar of the city. The sheer enthusiasm that bounds the city is worth a trip and the beautiful scenery surrounding the track just adds to the attractiveness of the event.
There are more events and festivals that ensure the pole position of Paris as the tourist destination. The above mentioned ones are the most entertaining ones and will promise you a never-before experience that will keep you yearning for more.