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Special Events in France | |
| Anytime is a good time to travel in France, but special events make good reasons to go. | ||
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Paris has many special events throughout the year. More... Spring"April in Paris" is a wonderful song, but lyricist E Y Harburg had never been to Paris when he wrote its romantic words. He didn't realize that April temperatures in Paris range from 7°C (45°F) to 16°C (60°F), it rains every other day, and the sun shines for only 9 hours a day—when it shines at all. Still, Paris is always Paris, and there really is no bad time to visit. More... As for the rest of France, the farther south you go, the longer the daylight, the less the rain, and the warmer the temperatures. SummerJune 21st, the Summer Solstice, brings the wonderful Fête de la Musique to every village, town and city in France. Sometimes called World Music Day, this celebration of music takes place all across France and is a delightful way to enjoy the longest day—and in France in June the sun is up for 16+ hours a day, and it's light until 10:00 PM. More... In July, and even more so in August, Parisians go on vacation and head south to the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera). This fermeture annuelle (annual vacation) leaves some hotels and restaurants, some cafés and shops in Paris and other cities closed for up to a month. But these days it also means Paris Plages in Paris. The city trucks in sand, puts out the beach chairs, and sets up beaches along the Seine. From mid-July until mid-August you can enjoy the beach right in the city! AutumnDuring the first two weeks in October, Paris's famous auto show brings thousands of enthusiasts to the city, booking it solid. WinterNew Year's Eve is called Fête de St-Sylvestre. It's a night when everyone goes out for an enormous multi-course table d'hôte meal in a favorite restaurant. Places at the banquet table must be reserved in advance, and can cost as much as 100€ per person. But what a feast! It can be difficult to find a simple, normal meal on New Year's Eve.
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Above, a band performs on the street as part of the the Fête de la Musique, held throughout France each June 21st.
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