Post by Jenny Bailey

While the city offers plenty to do throughout the year, Paris in the summer is particularly pleasant. And it’s not just the weather that’s heating up – there’s a variety of events from festivals to frivolities to look forward to as well. Here are some favorites to catch if you get the chance.

8 June-28 July – Jazz It Up

Address: Route de la Pyramides, 75012 Paris

What’s a summer without a bit of jazz? The Paris Jazz Festival, which kicked off 8 June is not to be missed and continues on through next month too. Taking place in the city’s Parc Floral, the concerts are free and easily accessible – making for the perfect pick-me-up if you ever hit a blue note this summer. For the full program and itinerary, have a look on the website: www.parisjazzfestival.fr

16 June – Yoga-ta-go

32 Quai d’Austerlitz 75013 Paris, France

While it’s Father’s Day in France, if you can’t be with your dad, you can do some yoga instead or better yet, bring him along! Wanderlust, along the banks of the Seine, isn’t just offering free yoga sessions this Sunday but there’s brunch available too. The classes will be held from 11am to 12:30pm or from 12:30-1:30pm for those who fancy a lie in and take place on the venue’s terrace overlooking the river (which just so happens to be one of the largest in Paris). A fantastic way to unwind before Monday, you can top off your weekend detox with a session of Qi Gong in the afternoon. Don’t forget your mat though as it’ll cost you a hefty 20 Euros to buy one on the day.

12-18 June – Let’s Go to the Movies

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a film buff, the Champs Elysées Film Festival will be right up your street (perhaps quite literally too). Taking place along the famous stretch, the week-long event has some of the most cutting edge pictures that both American and French cinema has to offer. From Hollywood hits to independent flicks, some of this year’s biggest names to grace the festival include Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Glee’s Chris Colfer and Kristen Wiig (yes, that’s Annie Walker from Bridesmaids). To see the full schedule and get a hold of some tickets, check out the website.

10-21 June – Drive-In Us Crazy

If that’s not enough États-Unis in Paris, this next event will be sure to strike a chord with you as from the 10th-21st, Paris will be home to its very own drive-in cinema. Just like a scene from the movie Grease, Cinema Paradiso will be screening all your favourite classics at the Grand Palais for 12 days only. You can either watch them from the comfort of a vintage Fiat 500 or on a grassy hill depending on your group size.

21 June – Midsummer Night’s Scene

21 June marks the shortest night of the year and what better way to celebrate than avec some musique. La Fête de la Musique. This marks the 32nd edition of this nationwide event and there will be events and concerts all over the city, all day and late into the night. Some events go ALL night! Plus certain metro lines will remain open all night. (Also, speaking of music, the pianos have returned to Paris this Summer until July 8th pianos placed around the city are available for anyone to play).

26 June – Hit the High Street!

Finally, every fashionista knows the savviest times to bag a bargain in Paris is during Les Soldes (the summer sales). Kicking off from the 26th of June, it’s the best time of year to add to your wardrobe. However, to avoid further chaos and stick to your budget, it’s best to plan accordingly before you set off to the shops. Have a look at our tips to Parisian Chic on a Budget and Shopping In and Around Paris.
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