Post by Jenny Baily

With the Haute Couture part of Paris Fashion Week wrapping up and Bastille Day just around the corner, it’s fair to say that come July, Paris is the place to be. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the city this month, here are some savvy seasonal suggestions of things to do this summer.

14 July – Bastille Day

On 14 juillet, iconic French fireworks are lit every year from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. However there’s not just the display to look forward to. Other events include a free orchestra performance from 9:30pm, before the fireworks kick off at 10:45pm, and a free matinee at the Opera de Paris. If you’re looking for something to do during the day, the Louvre offers free admission on Bastille Day so you can roam its rooms without spending a cent.

18-21 July Festival – Music’s In the Air

Not only does the Festival FNAC LIVE feature 32 different performances, but the four-day event, which takes place outside the city’s Parvis de l’Hotel de Ville, is also completely gratis. The concert promises a range of established and up-and-coming artists from the likes of Isaac Delusion to Mesparrow. For more details, you can find the schedule here: http://www.fnac.com/Festival-Fnac-Live-du-18-au-21-Juillet-2013/cp9794/w-4.

20 July-18 August – Sand and the City

For a spot of sand in the heart of the city, Paris Plages brings the beach back to the banks of the Seine for the 11th year in a row. With spots in three different locations along the river, the beaches also feature palm trees and deck chairs to add to the seaside setting. Although these urban beaches are sans sea, there are plenty of water misters nearby to help you cool off.

21 July – Tour de France

Of course, the world’s largest cycling event will be finishing on Paris’s most exclusive street, the Champs-Élysées for the 100th year in a row. Best advice? While the cyclists aren’t expected until 9:45pm, if you want a glimpse of the stretch, get there early to join in on the centennial celebrations of the Tour de France.

24 July-24 August 2012 – Summer Cinema

If you don’t fancy missing out on the beautiful July evenings, but still fancy a bit of film, the 19th arrondissement’s Parc de la Villette is screening a number of open-air flicks. Although the name of the event, Cinéma en plein air (http://www.villette.com/fr/agenda/Cinema-en-plein-air-2013.htm), might be French, the outdoor event also plays a selection of English films too – from Hollywood classics to obscure indies.
If you need a good value place to crash after these summery festivities, check out the offers from Holiday Discount Centre.