Paris in June – what’s on in summer?

Summer starts later in June but let’s not wait! What better time to visit Paris than in June? Enjoy the longer days and warm, light evenings with a piscine de rosé or a coupe de champagne and watch the world go by – after visiting some of the best events in the city, of course.

June is a great month to head to a market, grab some picnic essentials and find a sunny, secluded spot. Or take advantage of the longer days and spend your time thoroughly exploring the city on foot.

Another tip – keep an eye out for pianos dotted around the city in June. They are there as part of the ‘Play me, I’m yours’ art installation, encouraging people to play the instruments and create music across Paris.

There’s always heaps to do in Paris, and this June is no exception; read on for our guide to the must-dos in Paris in June 2017.

Summer solstice sounds: Fête de la Musique

As locals or regular visitors will know, every year on the longest day (21 June in the northern hemisphere) France celebrates with the Fête de la Musique. Free events are held across Paris, encompassing all genres of music and held everywhere from bars to parks to street corners.

Just walk around the city and follow your ears – you are guaranteed to find a planned or impromptu gig. Paris has certainly stayed true to the festival’s principle: “the music will be everywhere and the concert nowhere!”

For €3 you can buy a ticket granting you unlimited travel on public transport from 5pm on 21 June until 7am on 22 June.

A fresh perspective on jewellery

‘Medusa: jewellery & taboos’ is an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris. The exhibition aims to reveal the paradox behind jewellery – at once a piece of artistic expression (perhaps our most ancient) but rarely considered as a serious work of art.

This idea will be examined in the exhibition, reflecting on craft, decoration, fashion and pop-culture.

Over 400 pieces will be exhibited from artists, jewellers and designers, dating from prehistory to modern-day. The exhibition is organised around four themes: identity, value, body, and ritual, and promises to offer an interesting perspective.

Music with morals: We Love Green

An ‘eco-festival’ promoting environmental consciousness, We Love Green is a music festival with a difference. As well as a great line-up of diverse musical acts, the festival houses a “laboratory of ideas”, where talks are held to promote awareness of ecological issues and new innovations.

The festival’s ‘green’ credentials stretch to the cuisine, which is all made with local produce to cut down on its carbon footprint. This year promises to be bigger than ever now that it’s moved to the Bois de Vincennes.

For the true festival experience, you can book your ticket with camping, but we’ll probably opt for the hotel or apartment rental option!

Fly high in Paris in June

Interested in aviation? Then head to the International Paris Air Show held just outside Paris in Le Bourget (approx 35 mins by train). The first few days are reserved for industry professionals, but it’s open to the general public for the final three days of the exhibit.

Visitors can discover new aeronautical technology (often on exclusive display), visit 150 different aircraft and watch exciting flight demonstrations from innovative new plane prototypes.

Included in your ticket is the entrance to the onsite Museum of Air & Space – considered one of the top aviation museums in the world.

All the fun of the fair

Visiting the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris in June will certainly make it feel like summer. The annual fair is back, with around 60 attractions and rides for all ages. Get an adrenaline rush from the roller coasters, or show off your skills at the shooting gallery or ring toss.

There are also bumper cars, ghost trains, and some old-fashioned attractions like a wooden carousel dating from 1900 and a hall of mirrors. All the usual fairground food favourites are there, like candy floss, ice-cream, doughnuts, toffee apples, and, of course, crêpes.

Popcorn time!

Paris in June is a great time to catch a movie as the city celebrates its film heritage. Now in its 33^rd year, the Fête du Cinéma hosts events such as screenings of previously unseen films, original animations, surprise guests, children’s workshops,  debates and the très français concept of ciné-apéro.

Participating cinemas are charging only €4 per screening over the festival, so you can even go and see the latest summer blockbuster. The full program of events will be online from the beginning of June.

What are your tips for visiting Paris in June? Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!