French Festivals: Top Paris Events

Facts on the Tour de France 2007, Bastille Day & Cinema en Plein Air

Mar 28, 2007

Travel information on the French capital's best sporting, film and cultural events, such the marathon and the Nouveau Festival International de Danse. Expect fireworks...

Paris, France, is one of the world’s best festival cities, and there are always two or three events going on at any time. Picking the best five is a tricky task, but the last leg of the Tour De France, the Paris Marathon, Bastille Day, the Festival de Cinema en Plein Air and the Nouveau Festival International de Dance are certainly up there. Here are some facts and information about each one.

La Tour is the world’s biggest, hardest and most popular cycle race, and tradition dictates that the end of the final stage is raced down the Champs Élysées, Paris’ main street.

Before they enter the French capital, the riders have spent three weeks cycling round France, including gruelling slogs in the Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges. For many, the overall race is long lost, but there is the last chance of glory, crossing the finish line first in front of the world’s media. The Tour De France, which actually started as a newspaper publicity stunt, takes place in July every year.

The Paris Marathon

While the Tour De France finishes on the Champs Élysées, the Paris Marathon starts there. Held every April, the 26 mile race is the biggest in France, and attracts thousands of entrants. It finishes on Avenue Foch.

Bastille Day

Generally regarded as a celebration of the storming of the Bastille, this isn’t actually the case. July 14th was originally designated as a national day a few years before. Paris is the best place to join in the fun, especially if you fancy getting your dancing shoes on and heading to the Place de la Bastille. Other highlights include the Fireman’s Balls and the fireworks display at the Trocadero.

Festival de Cinema en Plein Air (Festival of cinema in the open air)

Paris is a bit of a film hot spot – and some would argue that it is also the birthplace of cinema – so there are few better places to go to the flicks. However, for a real movie magic atmosphere, you should take a picnic and head out to the Parc de la Villette and watch films in their original version under the stars. Even if you’re not all that keen on the film, it’s the ambience that counts, and it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date.

Nouveau Festival International de Danse de Paris (International New Festival of Dance)

If dance is your thing, then it doesn’t get much better than this. This October event takes place all over the city, with performances from some of the world’s best dance companies in various venues. Expect some excellent, innovative productions.

Want more festivals? Here are the five best in…

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