About Paris, France

Posted in Paris by David on the February 6th, 2008

This short break guide about Paris, France will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what’s on in Paris and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break, holiday or vacation.

Paris, located along the beautiful River Seine in Northern France, has been an important urban center for approximately two thousand years. The population of the “City of Lights” stretches well beyond the set governmental city limits into the suburbs at roughly 10 million citizens making it one of the most populated areas on the planet. This figure doesn’t even begin to roundup the countless millions who come to vacation here each year. It is easy to see why so many flock to this attractive city that is known for its old world romantic yet avant-garde atmosphere. Paris is filled with historic landmarks, vast parks, unique cityscapes and a culture that includes highlights like the Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

What is on in Paris in 2008

Our mini-guide to what’s on in Paris lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Paris, France when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Paris.

January

If you love fashion Paris is the place to be in January. Why? For starters the place where high fashion began features its annual Paris Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week (both at the Carrousel du Louvre), Paris Lingerie Week and Who’s Next Fashion Trade Fair (both at Porte de Versailles) and finally the shopping event of all shopping events Soldes by Paris. The fashion shows an trade fair draw a fantastic, glittering audience filled with top notch designers, celebrities, socialites, press and models from around the world; all of whom are anticipating the innovative looks that will come traipsing down the runway to set the world on fire with the latest trends hailing from the City of Light. And although these gigs are unfortunately invite only, that doesn’t leave the low man out completely. Soldes By Paris’ annual shopping event is hosted by nearly 1,000 stores and features sales galore for the entire month of January. So, although you weren’t invited to the runway show, that doesn’t mean you can’t show up at some of the after parties in your fabulous new attire after a day of shopping the Soldes sales!
http://www.modeaparis.com/
http://www.soldesbyparistouch.com/

February

Although Paris abounds in culture and history, it does know how to throw a party too! The Chinese community, tourists and locals alike come out in droves to celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 7. Parades filled with brilliantly plumed dragons, music and dance flood the streets from Chinatown all the way to Porte de Choisy and back again. The 13^th arrondissement comes alive with the shouts of party goers, the smell of delicious Chinese cuisine and the sounds of music that echoes for throughout the city from sunup to sundown.
http://www.chine-informations.com/nouvelanchinois/

March

Ever wanted to take in all of Paris in one afternoon? You can! Sign up for the annual Paris Half Marathon and you will whiz by 21.1 kilometers of the city’s best sights and sounds. But be prepared to share the view, over 20,000 runners will be in attendance! The Half Marathon normally runs during the first Sunday in March at 10:00am. And of course the city of romance couldn’t think of a lover place to begin and end than the beautiful Parc Floral de Paris.
http://www.parismarathon.com/semi/2008/us/index.html

April

Springtime abounds with those looking to do a little spring cleaning; in with the old and out with the new by way of antiques fairs. La Defense brings out the best dealers on the block for the annual Brocante fair during the first week of the month. It does cost 6EUR to get in but you are allowed for the entire day; from 11:00am - 7:00pm. And would it be Paris without antiques and a lovely park? Certainly not! Thus, Jardin des Tuileries also presents its annual antique fair Pavillon des Antiquaires the first week of April as well. And what will you find here? Anything from antique gems to furniture to art that spans many eras such as Oriental and Art Nouveau. The antique fair is certainly a treasure trove of items and you will surely find something to cherish among the thousands of stalls and hundreds of dealers!
http://www.joel-garcia-organisation.fr/
http://www.pad-paris.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=19&tabindex=18

May

The Great Paris Steeplechase is one of the most rough n tumble race courses in the world but the prize is a well worth it 324,000EUR! Since the races inception on May 25, 1874 at the famous Hippodrome d’Auteuil, horses from all over France have come to participate for the prized purse and the notary of conquering one of the most difficult courses in all the land. Although there have been many changes of time, the last two decades have seen the track remain at a constant of 5800 meters with 23 obstacles total. The cost to see these fine steeds race to the end in a flurry of excitement is 8EUR.
http://www.france-galop.com/fr/index.asp

June

France is definitely known for its artistic touches and the stimulating realm of photography is no exception. Therefore it is only fit that photos get their own exhibition, which is known as the International Photographic Flea Market. Each June hundreds of new as well as seasoned professionals flock to Bievres, just south of Paris, to show their stuff to the world. And, of course, those with the best photos win the prize! The market is free and open from 2:00 - 9:00pm on Saturday; 8:00am - 6:00pm Sunday; and the exhibition is open Sunday from 9:00am - 6:00pm, winners determined in the final hours.
http://foirephoto-bievre.com/

July

Although many locals disappear to their holiday homes during the summer months, Paris is still rock n rollin the season away! The St. Denis Festival is an eclectic mix of tunes that features anything and everything - jazz, classical, Irish folk and gospel included! While St. Denis seeks to highlight classical music and its many brilliant composers many of the venues that play host to the fest also include contemporary pieces like music from The West Side Story and modern rock tunes. Dancin in the streets has never sounded so good!
http://www.festival-saint-denis.fr/

August

From July through August, the city of Paris designates a two mile stretch on the Right Bank to the beach. No, we really mean it! White sand is trucked in and dumped on the bank while palm trees are erected and hammocks hung to accommodate ‘beachbums’ from near and far. In addition, there is plenty of fun in the sun by way of activities like volleyball, concerts and ginguettes (café dancing). Bet you never thought you’d see the day when Parisians would relax and mingle freely!

September

The Autumn Festival: Paris’ Autumn Festival, which runs from September through December annually, showcases the best of the best in visual arts, theatre, dance, music and cinema; from the new and avant-garde to the old and seasoned alike.
http://www.festival-automne.com/newmain_index.php

October

And of course, who could forget about the French’s long time love affair with excellent wine? Montmartre, the only sector of Paris that grows wine, pays homage to its rustic past with a brilliant parade during the entirety of October’s harvest. Montmartre’s ancient vineyards date back to their first mention in 390BC when it was exclaimed the regions wines would “make you jump like a goat.” The exhibition also features taste tasting, a banquet, a ball and wine-growers from around the world. The cost is free except for what you buy and who wouldn’t purchase wine that will leave you high stepping around the city?
http://www.worldeventsguide.com/

November

France’s premier music magazine, Les Inrockuptibles, pays respect to their claim to fame with November’s annual Festival des Inrockuptibles. Top notch performers come from near and far to provide entertainment for the magazines fanatical readers for a minimal price of 20EUR. Now, even more venues than before are joining in to make this one of the biggest music festival that Paris ever seen. Rock on!
http://www.fnac.com/default.asp?Origin=FnacFR&OriginClick=Yes
http://www.lesinrocks.com/index.php?id=79&tx_event%5Bnotule%5D=207559&cHash=2413c971d5

December

During the Christmas holiday season, Paris exudes its nickname “City of Lights.” The entire Champs Elysees is filled with glittering lights. The Christmas Markets open and abound with the perfect holidays gifts for family and friends. Many glide the ice rink at Hotel de Ville. People come from near and far to see the display and “Mystery of Christmas” production at the infamous church of Notre Dame. A lovely midnight mass is open for all at Eglise de la Madeleine. And all of it is wrapped up in a twinkling bow that sets the entire city aglow with holiday cheer. There is no place like Paris during Christmas time.

Recommended Paris Hotels

Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Paris hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst for your vacation in Paris, France. The top 10 Paris hotels as recommended by review are: