Spring

April in Paris can be rainy and chill, despite the popular song. (Songwriter E Y Harburg had never been to Paris.)

Summer

The big event in June is the Fête de la Musique, celebrated throughout France on the summer solstice (June 21st): music in the streets, squares and parks of Paris.

In July, and even more so in August, Parisians go on vacation and head south to the Côte d'Azur (Riviera). This leaves some hotels and restaurants, some cafés and shops closed for up to a month, what the French call the fermeture annuelle (annual closing).

Autumn

The third weekend in September brings European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine), when many buildings that are usually closed to the public are open for visitors. Get an inside look! More...

During the first two weeks in October, Paris' famous auto show brings thousands of enthusiasts to the city, booking it solid.

Winter

Christmas in Paris (December 24-25) is spectacular, with twinkling lights everywhere, department stores with lavish decorations and special discounts, Christmas markets, special shows and events. More...

New Year's Eve is called Fête de St-Sylvestre in Paris. 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.

In the first week of January, all of the big Parisian department stores have their annual sales, and there are bargains galore.

In mid-January and mid-February the world-class fashion shows may crowd the city for a few days, but it's the expensive hotels, not the budget ones, that will be filled to capacity. More...

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