Paris Main Annual Events
July

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Paris Plage

From mid-July to mid-August, Paris local government transforms the Seine river's right bank to a pleasant beach. This manmade beach is more and more successful and popular since it's creation on the summer of 2002. With palm trees in the breeze above two miles of golden sand, this could be Palm Beach or Palma de Mallorca or the French Riviera. But no, it's in the centre of Paris! The beach is smoothed out of the 2,000 tons of fine sand and spread on what is usually a busy motorway. (The motorway is then closed to traffic during that period of time). You can find deck chairs, sun-loungers and colourful parasols springing up everywhere. And by lunchtime, you can hardly find a free chair. You can also borrow, from a special stand, books to be returned on the day. If you are cyclists or roller-bladers, you can take the chance to coast along the riverside. The beach is also convenient for families who want to bring picnics. Business men on their lunch break can come and play "pétanque" on a sand pit while drinking a beer or a coke. Children can splash in a secure 28-metre swimming pool.

Solidays

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 during the first week in July. Call (33) 44 30 75 00 for more information.

Golden League Athletics

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 during the first week in July. Call (33) 55 93 00 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.

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.

Cup Horn

Bethemont Golf and Country Club in Poissy is the site for this short golf tournament, bringing together all ages and nationalities. Packages include golf, buffet, open air party with DJ, and more, including a car pool forum. Call (33) 40 68 90 22 for more information.

International Cinema Meetings

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. Held druing the first two weeks in July. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.

Paris Haute Couture

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. Held in early to mid-July. Call (33) 14 266 6444 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.

Cinema Festival and Dancing

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. Held during July and August. Call (33) 40 03 75 75 for more information.

Garden Tours

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. Held during July and August. Call (33) 40 71 75 60 for more information.

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