The Hottest Paris Summer Events 2017

Ever wonder what Parisians do for fun in the summer? July and August are just around the corner with oodles of fun events for locals and also tourists with the inside scoop. Here are the highlights. 

Paris Plages

July 8 to September 3, 2017 

Can’t get out of Paris to go to the beach this summer? No worries, the beach will come to you.

In the 15th edition of the Paris Plages, designated areas of sand with beach chairs, chaises and umbrellas are placed along the voie de Georges Pompidou running along the Seine and also on the Villette Canal.

Sorry but you can’t swim in the Seine, but bring your swimsuit anyway so you can work on a serious tan.

Other fun activities include live music and concerts, a lending library, restaurants and cafes, petanque ball, kayaks, pedal boats, sailboats, and canoes. Tree houses, zip lines, kiddie pools, and tricycle rentals are just a few in the long list of amusements for kids.  

Visit en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/paris-plages

Alvin Ailey & Ballet de Cuba 

July 4 to July 22

Dance aficionados will have a double treat with two international dance companies performing. 

The New York dance company Alvin Ailey has a longstanding love affair with Paris and returns again this year to thrill audiences with their bold and inventive choreography. The program this season features Blues Suite, Ella, Revelations, In/Side, Exodus and other iconic pieces. 

The world famous Ballet de Cuba comes to Paris after a long absence. Under the direction of the legendary director Alicia Alonso, two classic dances Don Quixote and Giselle will be staged. 

Visit www.lesetesdeladanse.com/en

Rock en Seine 

August 25-27

The Parisian version of Woodstock, Rock en Seine rocks the banks of France’s most famous river. The three-day festival has an eclectic line up of bands and singers including P.J. Harvey, Car Seat Headrest, The Kills, Jain, The Shins, Jain and The Pretty Reckless. The site of Rock en Seine is the luscious National Park St. Cloud, which contains camping grounds for overnight stays. 

Visit www.rockenseine.com/en/line-up/

Fireworks in Versailles 

July 6,7,12 and 14 at 10 p.m.

One of the most spectacular events of the summer is the musical fireworks at Versailles. In 1664 King Louis XIV staged a spectacular event in the gardens of Versailles, which included fireworks. The tradition continues in 2017 with flames, fireworks, video, luminous figures and fire bearers. 

Visit www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en/spectacles/2017/louis-xiv-fire-king-2017

June 30 at 9 p.m. 

Another extraordinary evening is the Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel. In 1749 on the occasion of the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, King George II requested Handel to compose a celebratory composition. Later this month, Hervé Niquet and his orchestra will recreate the music of Handel and the magic of Versailles. 

Visit www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en/spectacles/2017/handel-music-royal-fireworks-2017

Fete des Tuileries 

June 24-August 27 

Once a year the beautiful Tuileries garden is turned into an amusement park. Bumper cars, cotton candy, jelly apples, carousels, water flumes, trampolines, rock climbing, water slides, trampolines, ghost trains and a giant Ferris wheel are among the 80 attractions.

Visit en.parisinfo.com/paris-show-exhibition/135470/fete-des-tuileries and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Paris travel news.