Calendar of Annual Events | Colleen's Paris

These events occur around the same time every year and rarely change venues

For the most up-to-date information, dates and times, click on the links provided or Google the key words since website addresses seem to change from year to year.

For the more up-to-date information, check out the Paris Tourist Office‘s website as well for trade show information.

Trade shows and fairs take place at various locations. The largest events Check their individual pages for calendars. Viparis, Carrousel du Louvre, Porte de Versailles , etc.)

Every Wednesday, l’Officiel des Spectacles is published and can be purchased at any Paris newsstand for more current events.

Free invitations for events

For some trade fairs (salons) you can receive free invitations by registering.

For example, one organization that now has antique shows, antique book fairs, ancient document fairs, and contemporary art is the Joel Garcia Organization.

Perhaps you want to go to the November antique show in the Bastille. Admission is 7 euros.

To receive an invitation for one person, go to their “home” page, left.

Look for the words: “Telechargez une invitation gratuite” (Receive an invitation).
Click on it. If this is your first time registering, click on “Devenez membre JGO en cliquant ici.” (Become a JGO member by clicking here.)
Your last name is “nom“; your first name is “prénom” and your country will be “autre” if you are in the United States.
Important!!!! When you put in your password, they want 6 characters minimum and the letters must be capitalized.
Check your interests and the city or region (just Paris is sufficient if you are coming on vacation).
Then “Validez votre inscription” (Register).

Every time that you want an invitation, just sign in and then choose which event interests you.

Questions? ask me.

January

Annual Winter and Summer Sales!

One source of information about sales is: Soldes by Paris.
Be there the first week!
The winter sales take place in January.

The summer sales usually take place the last week of June and the month of July every year! Everywhere! are the dates to remember for the summer sales.

Make sure you have specific ideas on what you are looking for. After the first week, you risk your items disappearing into the sack of a quicker shopper or generic items being brought in just for the sale.

Longchamp bags are a good buy — The department stores will have a large selection — you will not find black on sale — colors will be last season’s highlights. Each department store offers different sales. When I asked about a folding suitcase at BHV, I was told that only Printemps and Galeries Lafayette carry that style.

Some stores will have extended hours. Know what you are looking for. Be wary of clothes and shoes in mass quantities, they may have been brought in especially for the sales.

Look for items that appear to have been around prior to the sales. Remember there are regular sales in all stores (just called “promos”) all year round.

Chinese New Year

February

l’Aiguille en Fête (website available in English)
Porte de Versailles – Hall 6
240 exhibiters 40,000 annual visitors for textile events and crafts lovers
Embroidery, yarn, patchwork, sewing, lace tapestry, cross stitch, etc.

Hours
Thursday: 9:30 am-9 pm (Late night opening)
Friday: 9:30 am-18:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am-18:30 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am-5 pm

Venue
Parc des expositions – Paris, Porte de Versailles – Hall 6
1, place de la Porte de Versailles
75015, Paris, France

March

Salon International de l’Agriculture – International Agricultural Show (website available in English)
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Every day 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, until 11 p.m.
animals, products, nature — a must attend!
Metro: line 12, station Porte de Versailles or line 8, station Balard

Salon national de l’immobilier

Salon du livre
Book Fair
Books, multimedia, magazines and newspapers
PARIS EXPO PORTE DE VERSAILLES

Foire d’art moderne et contemporain

Modern and contemporary art fair
LE GRAND PALAIS

Salon Paris Fermier de Printemps (Spring Farmers’ Market Paris)
Parc Floral de Paris (Bois de Vincennes)
Admission: 5 euros, free under 14 years old
Metro: Line 1, station Château de Vincennes (shuttle bus from the metro or you can walk. Follow the exit “Gare Routière” for the shuttle.

Independent Wine Growers>
Salon des vins des vignerons indépendant

Espace Champerret

FREE INVITATIONS! Our mailbox often contains invitations to food fairs. At the fairs, we buy something such as wine, cassoulet, foie gras, walnuts, hazelnuts, or other items produced regionally. The producer takes our name and address and sends us an invitation for the next exhibition. Instead of paying five euros to enter the fair, télécharger (download) a FREE INVITATION. You probably will not leave hungry from these exhibitions. The point is to taste the products and hopefully buy what you like. Visit the Web sites below for dates, times, addresses and directions:

13eme Salon Mer & Vigne et Gastronomie (13th Sea and Wine Fair and Food) – Download the Mer & Vigne invitation good for two people.

Saveurs et vins sur Seine – the boat, Maxim’s, is docked below the Eiffel Tower, Port de Suffren 75015 (01 44 18 96 96) – entry to this exhibition of regional producers is free – no invitation necessary

Grand Prix Hermès
Jumping International
Horse jumping under the nave at the Grand Palais

April

Free invitation for the Spring Farmer’s Market at the Parc Floral, Parc Vincennes in Paris: – Pari Fermier This exhibition has about 100 producers. Follow the words: “Téléchargez vos invitations gratuites en cliquant sur la manifestation qui vous intéresse !” and download the FREE Pari Fermier invitation. The producers want you to come and taste the products from their farms.

Salon du livre et papiers anciens (Antique book fair)

For a free invitation

Paris Marathon (website available in English)

This is the official marathon website providing historical data, statistics, FAQs, the route, the timing schedule, etc.

Foire de Paris – The Paris home show
Do not miss this! It is huge! A map link (le plan) with events in each hall is found on the right side of the website. Practical information (infos pratiques) provides how to find Porte de Versailles, admission fees and transporation directions (accès, transports). Read more in the Colleen’s Paris Foire de Paris/Paris home show article – Lost and found information is included in the post.

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday open until 11 p.m.

(Discounts usually available: during the Foire — coupon and date available one week before the event on TV magazine Tele7jours The coupon is good for a 2 for 1 entry with their invitation located on the front of the magazine).

The halls with Fabrics, decorations, kitchen, bath, appliances and the food hall are my favorites!

The greatest choice in Europe for your home!
On more than 120,000 m², 2,650 exhibitors bring your projects to life… fireplaces, verandas, swimming pools, fitted kitchens, contemporary and exotic furniture, decorative objects: don’t miss making your dreams come true.

The art of going around the world in a single day
1 000 exhibitors from here and there meet in Paris to share with you their traditions, their craftsmanship and their gastronomy….
Escapism, meetings and discoveries are the stages along this festive journey through France and the 5 continents.

A whole world of leisure activities: something for everyone!
Because pleasure is as precious as the time you devote to it, join our exhibitors to discover and test hundreds of new products: ingenious DIY ideas, well-being, creative leisure pursuits, home cinema, camping car.

Dimanches au Galop – A day at the races
An event held over five Sundays.
The racecourse offers free admission starting from noon.
Activities: Pony rides, a merry-go-round ride on wooden horses, souvenir photographs and open-air games backstage tour of the races and you can loan a free pair of binoculars to watch the action on the
tracks.

The first race starts at 1.30 p.m. Bring a picnic or eat at the restaurants with a panoramic view.

May

Foire de Paris – The Paris home show – Read more on the Foire de Paris (including lost and found)

Do not miss this! It is huge!
See April for all of the details
La Nuit européene des musses– The European Night at the Museum- Use Google Translate to read the official article.

June

Fête foraine des Tuileries – Visit their website for further information and exact dates.

Roses every June – first weekend activities:
Bagatelle –
Parc de Bagatelle
Allée de Longchamp, bois de Boulogne
Admission 3 euros

Jardin des Plantes
57 rue Cuvier, 75005
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Organized visits through the rose garden
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. free

Italian Week In Paris

Summer sales!

end of June to beginning of August each year

Be there the first week!
Last week of June and the month of July every year! Everywhere! are the dates to remember for the summer sales.

Some stores will have extended hours. Know what you are looking for. Be wary of clothes and shoes in mass quantities, they may have been brought in especially for the sales.

Look for items that appear to have been around prior to the sales. Remember there are regular sales in all stores (just called “promos”) all year round.

Federation Française de la Couture

Fashion Week happens in January and returns during June, July and October. The dates are subject to change.

I was told by a source that it is possible that tickets may be handed out in front of a venue.

Visit the federation’s link to view the most recent schedules (the next ones are not yet available).

Paris Air Show – le Bourget

Refer to their website for up-to-date information. The show is held in Paris every two years:
Open from 9.30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: 12 euros for one day.
Their link “General Public” provides information on accommodations, access to the show and what to do while waiting for the show.

Fête de la Musique
This is the France’s Culture and Communication website; they have an English version
Music in the street usually
Music-crazy? Your special day is on its way! 21 June, the first day of summer, spawning dreams of sun-drenched beaches and first notes for enthusiastic musicians, participants, yea stars, of a day unlike any other…

The “Fête de la Musique” has been a tradition since 1982. The basic idea is that everyone has the chance to express themselves freely in music in an intimate or more exuberant way, and in public.
So for one day only: play down any disturbance of the peace, forget copyright and out of the window with the business of tickets – music is free for all.
So, if your heart (and ears!) can stand it, go and applaud these hundreds of anonymous artistes keen to attract your interest and incite your enthusiasm, or attend one of the many free concerts given by performers whose voices and faces may be more familiar… In each neighborhood of the capital, around a corner, in a square or beside a monument, thrill to the sounds of a violin, a guitar riff or percussion rhythms and above all, have a ball.

All kinds of music (classical, jazz, rock, pop, folk etc.) in the 20 arrondissements of Paris, in museums, churches, squares, parks and gardens, etc. — Paris tourist office

July

July 14 activities

Parade along the Champs Elysées beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Arc de Triomphe

Bal du 13 juillet – The July 13th Ball at the Bastille from 8 p.m. to midnight

Bal des pompiers – Fireman’s Ball – All of the neighborhood fire and rescue departments open their doors July 13 and 14 for their annual balls with the fire brigade acting as the barmen

Feux d’artifice – fireworks near the Eiffel Tower at 10:30 p.m. July 14
Tour de France

“After leaving the heart of London and setting off the timers as it passes by the Greenwich Meridian, the peloton will speed off across Kent. A flat route through the English countryside which should favour the sprinters hoping to win the green jersey.” — From le Tour de France website

Follow this link for information about the final 146km journey between Marcoussis and Paris.

Paris Cinéma – film festival – An English version of this website is available

The outdoor film-loving population numbers about 75,000 partaking in 20 different locations (theatres, open air, etc.) at a cost of 4 euros for entry. Those films shown within the section “Paris CinéToile” are shown outdoors and are free.

The kickoff for the festival takes place in front of the Hôtel de Ville and is free.

Check their Web site for the calendar, films and locations.
PARC DE LA VILLETTE. Place your cursor on the top menu tab “agenda” to scroll throught the calendars and find the film information for Cinéma en plein air – Outdoor cinema festival
211, avenue Jean-Jaurès
La Villette/Belleville/Canal Saint-Martin 75019
Métro : Porte de Pantin

Films are shown on a giant screen. This year’s theme: first class and folding chairs or how does one form a destiny taking into consideration social, political and historical contexts.

Films are being shown in VO (original version) and are not meant for all ages.
Chair and blanket rental: 6.50 euros; under 16: 4 euros
Five rentals: 20 euros

Paris Plages This is the City of Paris’ website. Check their “English” page for exact dates.
Paris Plages takes place the last week of July and runs through the third week of August.
Check their Web site in June for exact beach locations and dates.
The City of Paris has two and sometimes three beaches around the city; two along the Seine and one in the north of the city.
The children’s’ pool is located across from l’Île Saint Louis.
The beach extends from the Louvre to the Pont de Sully – Port de la Gare – Bassin de la Villette.

Versailles Visit the Versailles website for all water shows, evening events and other spectacles.

Parc du Chateau de Versailles
RER : Versailles Rive Gauche
Information : 01 30 83 78 89
Booking : 01 30 83 78 89

Federation Française de la Couture

Fashion Week happens in January and returns during June, July and October. The dates are subject to change.
Follow the fashion link for all show dates for each season (June to July and October)
I was told by a source that it is possible that tickets may be handed out in front of a venue.
Visit the federation’s link to view the most recent schedules (the next ones are not yet available).

August

Cinéma au Clair de Lune Visit their homepage to find out about the latest events.

Cinéma au clair de lune is an annual event held during the month of August.
The Paris locations change for each film.
They are shown free of charge every night beginning about 9:30 p.m. except Sundays and Mondays in certain plazas, squares or gardens. Over 60,000 spectators take advantage of the cinema.
Paris Cinéma
4 euros entry fee or 20 euros for a pass good for the entire festival.

Versailles Visit the Versailles website for all water shows, evening events and other spectacles.

Parc du Chateau de Versailles
RER : Versailles Rive Gauche
Information : 01 30 83 78 89
Booking : 01 30 83 78 89

Vaux le Vicomte, a furnished castle, gardens, carriage museum and exhibition, is open daily and evenings. No car? take the train from Gare de Lyon to Melun (25 minutes) or RER D from le Châtelet to Melun. Take the shuttle from the station to the castle.

During Fridays in August and every Saturday until mid-October enjoy candlelight evenings. For more information, including a telephone number for a taxi, visit my Vaux le Vicomte page.

September

Le Grand Feu de Saint-Cloud – A major fireworks show every September at the beginning of the school year. Held between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The event takes place by the Grand Cascade (waterfall). The largest pyrotechnical display in Europe changes every year. Expect a crowd of over 23,000 people. The organizers advise arriving prior to 9 p.m. Food and drink are available at the venue; 10,000 seats are available.

Getting there:
St Cloud entrance : métro Boulogne/Pont de St Cloud (line 10)
Sèvres entrance : métro Pont de Sèvres (line 9)
(Admission and métro transportation is included in ticket price, according the official Website.)
Buses 72 or 52
Tramway : T2, arrêt Musée de Sèvres
SNCF : gare de Sèvres Rive Gauche (ligne Montparnasse-Versailles Rive Gauche) or gare de Saint Cloud (de Paris Saint Lazare)
Check their Website for current Grand Feu de Saint-Cloud ticket prices and reservations

Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) Follow this link for latest information from the Minister of Culture’s office

Third weekend in September – information usually available after the second week of September.

Click on the word “Participez”.
On the next page, click on “renseignements pratiques”
Write “Paris” in the location search box
All government, administrative and historical buildings are open to the public.
Address of information kiosk: 182, rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 (Metro: Palais-Royal).
The program will provide complete information about the Journées européenne du patrimoine (European Heritage Days).

Pick up maps and other information at the Minister of Culture’s office:

Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication
3 Rue de Valois, Paris 1st
01 40 15 80 00 ‎ · culture.gouv.fr

Some examples: About 23 tours you can take either on foot or bike around various themes: the fountains of yesterday and today, the Republic and its major figures, churches of the Second Empire….About 30 tours will center around Parisian and contemporary architecture. If you are looking for more than the usual, visitors can “lance an assault” on the tower of Jean-Sans-Peur (fortress of the dukes of Burgundy) or discover the restoration work being carried out on the Church of the Saint-Sulpice. Learn the methods for restoring stained glass works of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, at the Hôtel d’Albret (31 rue des Francs Bourgeois 75004).

Farmers’ Market at Bercy visit the website for exact dates and times
Near the Court Saint-Emilion, the producers of 100% farm products, will be presented with pride their arms charged with succulent and impressive products.
Crépinette of wild boar, wine aromatice with plants, salted foie gras tender nougat from Lucerne honey, beef sausages, pink garlic,
Place des Vins de France (12ème arrdt)
Admission: free
* Métro : Line 14, station Cour St Emilion
* Bus : Line 24 (stop : Terroirs de France)

Mondial du deux-roues (International two-wheeled vehicle show)

The Paris International Motorcycle Show (Salon International de la Moto de Paris) is a biennial event staged at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. It teams up with the Paris International Cycle Show (Salon International du Cycle de Paris)

Once on the Web site, click on the UK flag

Porte de Versailles
Place de la Porte de Versailles
75015 – PARIS
Admission: 12 euros; for 12 to 18 year olds : 8 euros; free for children under 12

October

International Motor Show (Mondial de l’automobile) every two years

FIAC – International Contemporary Art Show
LE GRAND PALAIS AND LOUVRE
FIAC – International Contemporary Art Show
Follow their Web site for all practical information. The following information is based on past events:
Admission Access: 25 euros
Art Student: 12.5 euros
Permanent Pass available from 18 to 22 October: 55 euros
Art student fee: 35 euros
Grand Palais – Cour Carrée du Louvre

Grand Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
Access : Metro line 1 and 13 Champs-Élysées Clemenceau
Parking Rond Point Champs Élysées

Cour Carrée du Louvre
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Access: Metro line 1 and 7, Palais Royal et Musée du Louvre
Parking Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois
Telephone : 01 47 56 64 21 Fax : 01 47 56 64 29

Pari fermier – Autumn Farmer’s Market in Paris

PARIS EXPO ESPACE CHAMPERRET
Espace Champerret
Porte de Champerret Paris 17th arrondissement

Open : Friday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday October 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission : 7 euros ; free for children under 14
Métro : Porte de Champerret, Line 3 – stop Porte de Champerrett
RER : Ligne C, Station Pereire
Bus : Lines 84 – 92 – 163 – 164 – 165 or PC, stop : Porte de Champerret

Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barrière
First weekend in October each year
Admission: 8 euros, free to women in hats; 4 euros over 60; free on the lawn; 70 euros for reserved seats (call 00 33 1 41 57 32 28 from abroad or on the internet francebillet.com )
Gates open at 11 a.m.
Race gets underway at 1:30 p.m. with eight races on the program

Bloom Where You’re Planted
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The seminar is held at the American Church in Paris, 65 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris.
Registration donations include lunch, and Bloom Book – the definitive English speaker’s guide-book to living in France with over 300 pages of helpful information.

Fête des vendanges à Montmartre (Montmartre Wine Harvest) (available in English, German, Spanish, Italian)
Metro: Abbesses
Detailed information available at the tourist office, Place du Tertre
Schedule available
Opens at 9 a.m.; 6 p.m. music begins
The next day: opening at 9 .m., parade at 3 p.m., fireworks 9:30 p.m.

Nuit Blanche (White Night – Sleepless)
Follow this link from the City of Paris – info on past Nuit Blanche. When the current year’s event is posted, click on the words “Voire ou revoir le site…”. The downloadable phamphlet should be available in English. An alternative is to pick up a French Nuit Blanche at your local mayor’s office. Ask the concierge about this.
The annual Nuit Blanche takes place one Saturday night every October and continue into the dawn of Sunday (first weekend in October).
The theme changes each year; the program comes out in mid-September.

Salon de la Photo
The SIPEC is the Syndicat des entreprises de l’Image, le Photo et la Communication. Their website presents plans for the upcoming expo and dates. Click on the British flag for the English version.

Salon européen du chocolat Chocoland
Their website is available in English.
PARIS EXPO PORTE DE VERSAILLES

Festival Marin Marais
Every year the Festival Marin Marais, first held in 2006, celebrates the birthday of the musician and composer, Marin Marais. Marais played in the court of Louis XIV , the Sun King, for forty years.

Every year since 2006, eighteen to twenty concerts are performed in October and November at three different venues: the church Temple du Foyer de l’ame (near Place de la Bastille), in the Lycée Henri IV chapel near the Saint-Etienne du Mont church (Marais was inspired to write his celebrated Sonnerie of Sainte Geneviève du Mont) and the intimate cellar of 38Riv’.

Temple du Foyer de l’Âme
7 rue du Pasteur Wagner, Paris 11th
Metro: Bastille

Chapelle du Lycée Henri IV
23 rue Clovis, Paris 5th
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine

Cave du 38Riv’ (due to limited space, reservations are advised)
Follow the arrows (fleches) in their “Visite” option to see why the space is limited
38 rue de Rivoli, Paris 4th
Metro: Hôtel de Ville
Email reservation: reservation at 38riv dot com

November

When is Paris lighting up for Christmas?
November. The dates vary in neighborhood lightings, department store kick-off dates and the Champs-Elysées.

When are the windows being decorated at the department stores?
le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: mid November to December 31
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps: beginning of November to December 31

The Champs-Elysées is usually the third weekend in November.

Mois de la Photo (Photography month)
Click on the text to enter the website. The English version link is on their welcome page.
Paris Photo
An English version is available – with presentations for the current year’s theme.
Paris Expo Carrousel du Louvre

Beaujolais Nouveau Scroll to the bottom of the page for the English link (flag).
Beaujolais is more than Beaujolais Nouveau. Learn more about the Beaujolais wine route. Follow this guide for a great holiday idea in the Beaujolais wine tourism guidebook!

Salon Antiquities Brocante (Antiques Fair)
Place de la Bastille

On the homepage, click on “Salons/Marchés” for the autumn dates. About 350 exhibitors from all over France; 70 in the main gallery and 280 antique dealers overlooking the canal.
You will find furniture, paintings, engravings, cermaics and pottery, silver and glassware, tableware, linens, knick-knacks, etc.
Entry: 7 euros
Free invitation
Open: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
Metro: Bastille, Lines 1, 5 and 8 or Metro: Quai de la Rapée
Bus: Lines 20, 29, 65, 87 or 91

Salon des vins des vignerons indépendants – Independent winegrowers market

This pleasant tip comes from Nicolas Sirieix from La Treille d’Or:
…an empty glass is offered at the entry of the fair (what we call a INAO glass the shape of which is specially designed for precise and
efficient wine tasting). Glasses of wine are offered freely by every and each (sic) of hundreds of winemakers, to such an extend that half or more of the visitors are half drunk (often in an even worse state) at the end of each day (which is a picturesque though not always pleasant sight to see!)

Every year since twenty concerts are performed in October and November at three different venues: the church Temple du Foyer de l’ame (near Place de la Bastille), in the Lycée Henri IV chapel near the Saint-Etienne du Mont church (Marais was inspired to write his celebrated Sonnerie of Sainte Geneviève du Mont) and the intimate cellar of 38Riv’.

Temple du Foyer de l’Âme
7 rue du Pasteur Wagner, Paris 11th
Metro: Bastille

Chapelle du Lycée Henri IV
23 rue Clovis, Paris 5th
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine

December

Christmas markets and illuminations

Le Salon saveurs des plaisirs gourmands

The gourmet trade fair – the pleasures of eating. (Christmas market as well) The Salon-Saveurs is held each May and December.
Food, wine, champagne, gifts, cooking how to’s, food tourism

Espace Champerret
Friday open: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Over 400 exhibitors, ten regional areas grouping producers exhibiting their cornucopia of gastronomic and tourist products; six countries represented.

Salon Nautique (Boat show)

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Halls 1, 2 and 3
Late night Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Metro line 12 Direction: Porte de la Chapelle/Mairie d’Issy/Metro stop: Porte de Versailles
The website is available in English.

Salon du Cheval (Paris Horse Show)
Their website is available in English-flag is in upper left of their homepage.
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Village Fermier de Noël
in Vanves (south of Paris) – Farmer’s market and Christmas market, arts and crafts.
Admission is free
The market is situated in the heart of old Vanves.
Metro: Line 13, station Plateau de Vanves-Malakoff (a shuttle bus will take you to to rue Jean Bleuzen).

Vaux le Vicomte
Check for special hours between March and November.
New : Chateaubus shuttle , Melun station- Vaux le Vicomte, runs every week-end and national holidays from April to October

Their practical information page contains information about children’s activities and candlelight visits, the fountain shows, etc.