Planning to visit Paris? If you are wondering when the best time to visit is, I recommend opting for the month of June as winter is far behind and summer is right on the doorstep. On a side note, this is also when Parisians are the most pleasant, as they can feel the holidays coming up!
Friendly people and nice weather are not the only reasons why June is the best time to visit Paris. If you want to ensure that your visit of Paris is unforgettable and unique, and if you want to have an idea of what being a Parisian is - without running around with a baguette under your armpit! - you should plan to be in the French capital on June 21st to enjoy one of the largest street music festivals, La Fete de la Musique.
La Fete de la Musique was first launched in 1982 to celebrate the first day of the summer and the longest day of the year. This popular festival soon started expanding to other cities, and, every June 21st, it now takes place in more than 120 countries and 450 cities all over the globe. This celebration's philosophy, 'la musique partout et le concert nulle part' ('the music everywhere and the concert nowhere') invites professional musicians, as well as amateurs and spectators, to go down the street to play music, sing or dance in an affable atmosphere.
So where is the best place hang out on June 21st?
1. Quartier Latin / Jussieu
The 'Latin neighbourhood' is the student's district by excellence. All the universities and best French schools are located there; every day, you will see youngsters studying at one of the coffee shops or strolling in the streets after the end of classes. On June 21st, spend some time walking in the cute, zigzagging little streets surrounded by the charismatic old buildings; stop to have a Nutella crepe on rue Mouffetard; go take a look at the Place de la Sorbonne and take the opportunity to meet the after-class musicians.
Place des Vosges.
2. Bastille, Republique & Place des Vosges
At the Bastille, don't expect to find the ruins of the Bastille prison, where the French Revolution started in 1789. Instead, you will find one of the numerous squares where people gather, hang out and enjoy concerts. You can also go socialise with the crowds at Republique, another happening square relatively close by. But the place I would most recommend is the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, build under Henry IV from 1605 to 1612. The beautiful Place des Voges is certainly one of the most poetic areas of Paris, and musicians always love to play there. Don't miss it on the first day of summer!
The Basille.
3. Tour Eiffel & Champs Elysees
The Tour Eiffel is the most well-known symbol of Paris. It was meant to be dismantled after the universal exposition of 1889, but it still dominates the Champ de Mars and, as of today, no plans of getting rid it have been announced to the public! Don't miss this spot that is always happening; you will find street concerts, street acrobats and street parties all night long. Then take a short walk to the Champs Elysees, have a look at the imposing Arc de Triomphe initiated by Napoleon, and keep the party going while you saunter down the most beautiful avenue of the world!
Tour the Eiffel Tower.
4. The River Bank
Don't forget to walk along the Seine, one of the most romantic promenades of Paris! The happy summer melody will accompany you from the Pont des Arts to the Ile Saint Louis, passing by the Ile de la Cite; if you're lucky, you might even get to meet Quasimodo, the famous hunched back of Notre Dame. Did you say your name was Esmeralda?
The Seine.
5. The Metro
What would Paris be without its metro? Its sinuous tunnels will lead you anywhere for a modicum price. Underground most of the time, aerial occasionally, the metro is the best way to travel through time and get a feel of the popular Paris from the past century. On June 21st, accordionists and anonymous talents will be there to make revive the Edith Piaf years and to celebrate La Fete de la Musique in the most appropriate way.
Every day of the year, Paris is a continuous surprise, and more so for La Fete de la Musique, when the shortest night of the year will undeniably end too soon. Be a part of this immense festival and join the Parisians to celebrate the start of summer 2008. Whenever you decide to go, Paris will offer you a memorable time and a great atmosphere at every street corner.
