Impressionists in London
French Painters in Exile
Don’t be surprised, as I was, if you don’t see any Impressionist paintings until the very end of the exhibition “Impressionists in London.” The title is misleading – it would more accurate to use its subtitle, “French Artists in Exile, 1870-1904,” … Read More
Poule au Pot Restaurant
No Chicken in the Pot
I am in mourning for the old Poule au Pot, one of those historic restaurants in the Les Halles area, founded in 1935, where the market workers could satisfy their big appetites with hearty meals and where until recently you … Read More
France Wins the World Cup
Allez les Bleus!
A few weeks ago, when I realized that I would be in Paris on the day of the World Cup soccer final, as an England fan I began to harbor totally unrealistic dreams of being there for a France-England final. … Read More
The heavens smiled on France last Sunday during the World Cup finals. Photo © Paris Update
What's Happening in Paris This Week
For full details about an event, click on the title to visit the official Web site (in English when available).
July 18-August 19
Open-air cinema
Cinema en Plein Air is back with the theme “Let’s Sing,” featuring such films as La La Land, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Yellow Submarine, Jules and Jim and Sugar Man. Free admission. Above: from Godard’s Pierrot le Fou.
Parc de la Villette, Paris
Friday evenings, July 20-August 10
More free outdoor films
Ciné Quartier 13 shows movies in the parks of the 13th arrondissement on Friday evenings.
Various locations, Paris
July 7-September 2
Paris is a beach
Paris Plages offers fun in the sun on the banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette: sandy beach, pool, dance lessons, restaurants, volleyball, free concerts, boating and more.
Quais de la Seine, Bassin de la Villette, Paris
Through September 9
Swimming in the canal
The water in the Bassin de la Villette has been declared clean enough to swim in, and a free swimming area has been set up.
Bassin de la Villette
Through September 29
Clubbing on the “beach”
Outdoor concerts and DJs nightly at the La Plage de Glaz’Art.
Glaz’Art, Paris
July 22
On the road in a time warp
The Traversée de Paris, a parade of 700 antique cars will wend its way past many of Paris’s historic monuments, followed by a picnic on the Terrasse de l’Observatoire de Meudon. The public is welcome to join the picnic and admire the cars. Sign up on the website to ride along in an antique bus.
Esplanade du Château de Vincennes, Paris
Summer arts festival
Paris Festival d’Eté is an annual festival of music, dance, theater and more from around the world.
Various locations, Paris
Weekends in July and August
Summer fun on the canal
The Été du Canal festival offers theme cruises (street food, music, art, etc.) and other activities like the construction of an ephemeral village, balls, restaurants and bars.
Canal de l’Ourcq
Through August 31
Summer garden
For its Jardin d’Été festival, the Musée du Quai Branly stages a variety of free events in its garden.
Musée du Quai Branly
Through July 22
Outdoor jazz
The Paris Jazz Festival offers free weekend concerts in the park (admission to park: €6).
Parc Floral, Paris
Through September 1
Son et lumière
A sound and light show, La Nuit aux Invalides, commemorates the centennial of the end of World War I.
Hôtel National des Invalides, Paris
Through August 7
Bargains galore
The official biannual six-week sales period.
Retailers all over France
Summer 2018
Summer Party
The Mona Bismarck American Center opens up its townhouse and garden for a series of summer parties called Mona Darlin’ featuring electronic music.
Mona Bismarck American Center, Paris
Through Oct. 6
Dance in historic sites
Monuments en Mouvement offers free dance performances in national monuments like the Pantheon in Paris, the Abbaye de Cluny and châteaux.
Various locations
July 20
French film with English subtitles
Lost in Frenchlation presentsVolontaire (Raising Colors), directed by Hélène Fillières.