Post by Jenny Bailey

With the weather cooling down and schools back in session, it’s fair to say that come September, Paris is in its prime. From some great gigs to go to, to a number of festivals to attend, here’s our round up of late-summer and early-Autumn events around the capital that are well worth stopping by if you’re in town.

August 31-September 8 – For French Film Buffs

Taking place in the city’s Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris’s Silhouette Festival not only showcases the latest in French and international cinema, but it’s outside too. The 12^th edition of the annual festival, this 9-day event screens a number of short films followed by a concert and cocktail hour – al fresco, bien sûr, and completely gratis. As the French would say – ‘c’est une belle vie!’ For more details, check out the site here: http://www.association-silhouette.com/

September 7 – Let the Sparks Fly

The biggest (and longest) firework display in Europe, you can’t go to Paris in September without seeing the famous Grand Feu de Saint-Cloud. Taking place in the city’s Domaine National de Saint-Cloud park, the two-hour Saturday show starts at 9pm and promises to unleash some of the world’s most spectacular fireworks. For more information and tickets, check out: http://www.le-grand-feu.com/.

September 9-15 – A Designer’s Dream

Taking place at select venues around the city, from fashion and food to art and architecture, Paris Design Week 2013 is not to be missed. Featuring almost 100 different talents with a range of skills, the annual 7-day event showcases the latest (and edgiest) in both French design as well as featuring works from around the globe. The winning project takes home the RADO Star Prize – one of the most prestigious artistic awards around. To view the full schedule and list of participants, check out the official website: http://www.parisdesignweek.fr/en/accueil/

September 20-22 –Paris’ best vintage fair

Fashion and vintage fans get ready, Wonder Vintage Market is back for its third year. Under the glass roof of Espace Commines, a beautifully renovated 19th century warehouse, the Wonder Vintage Market is, more than ever, the go-to event for quality vintage fashion and design. Visitors will also be able to win vintage-inspired gifts, get their picture taken in a very vintage photobooth, sample candy from the vintage candy bar, or have their nails and make-up done vintage style in the retro beauty parlor!

WHEN ? Friday September 20,: 3PM to 8PM Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22 : 10AM to 7PM
WHERE ? Espace Commines – 17 rue Commines 75003 Paris
Metro : Filles du Calvaire – Line 8
HOW MUCH ? 3 €

September 20-22 – For French Foodies

Food lovers will appreciate the annual Fête de la Gastronomie, which causes a stir not only in Paris but throughout the country each year. Despite taking place in many different regions, there’s plenty going on in the capital itself. Whether it’s wine and cheese tasting that takes your fancy, or a demonstration on cooking a specific dish from fish to chocolate, no matter what your skills are in the kitchen, this 3-day culinary extravaganza is sure to hit the spot. For information on events going on near you, take a look at the full schedule here: http://www.fete-gastronomie.fr/en/events/

September 29-30 – Pixie Magic

Taking place at the Olympia concert hall in the city’s 9^th arrondissement district, you can catch the alternative rockers, the Pixies, in Paris this month. Starting from 7:30pm, if you fancy seeing the band who are playing for two nights, tickets cost 44€. To snag a seat, head here: http://www.fnactickets.com/place-spectacle/manifestation/Pop-rock-Folk-PIXIES-OLPIX.htm

And of course, if you need somewhere budget-friendly to stay after splurging on these September affairs, check out the deals available from Holiday Discount Centre.