1. Stroll les Berges de Seine

The renovated banks along the Seine were one of the best gifts the mayor gave the city last year. This year, they will be in full swing. Games, restaurants and a second location of Rosa Bonheur, the “it” place in Buttes Chaumont that now has a riverside address.

The berges are the place to see and be seen on hazy summer evenings, so scope out your favorite section and prepare for a summer of excellent people watching. Check out the official website for locations.

2. Must see museum exhibits

For those days when the weather isn’t cooperating, there are still plenty of great shows in some of Paris’ most famed galleries. A few recommendations:

• Check out the “Paris 1900” exhibition at the Petit Palais through August 17.

• Stop in the Louvre to see the Abu Dhabi collection that will be premiering in the museum’s newest location that is set to open 2015. It’s on display through July 28 before being packed up for its new home.

• The Musée Maillol has the Trésor de Naples through July 20 to discover some historic glitz and glam from Italy.

Also see our full list of Paris museum admission fees and discounts.

The annual Fête de la Musique brings live bands out into the streets of Paris for an all night party. Photo: straightfromthecask

3. Fête de la Musique

June 21

An all-night party in Paris with music at every turn? OK! Urban music is the special guest this year, so it’s anyone’s guess what kind of performers we’ll be seeing. But the whole night is about music out in the open for the public to enjoy—and that’s just what you’ll get.

Simply wander the streets and follow the sounds, just don’t stay out too late, because it can get kind of messy in the wee hours of the morning. Find out more on the Fete’s official website.

The fireworks display on Bastille Day is a must-see for any summertime visitor. Photo: Yann Caradec

4. Celebrate Bastille Day

July 14

We’d be remiss to talk about summer in Paris without mentioning the Bastille Day celebrations. From the firemen’s parties (bals de pompiers) to the military parade on the Champs Elysées, there’s fun to be had for all. And as long as you don’t mind crowds, be sure to see the pièce de résistance—the fireworks behind the Eiffel Tower. It’s a Parisian summer staple. Here’s a full round up of Bastille Day events.

Take a break with a frozen treat or break our your swimsuit for some sun along the Seine. Photo: passionleica

5. Hit the beach at Paris Plages

July 20 – August 20

It’s a mainstay of the summer in Paris, be it along the Seine or up along the Canal in the 19^th arrondissement. The banks are turned into beachside resorts where families can catch a bit of sun, dig their feet in the sand and enjoy dancing and other events sponsored by City Hall—for free.

6. Cinéma en Plein Air

Starting July 23

Up by the old abattoirs at La Villette in the 19th, the lawn offers primo seating for Paris’ biggest outdoor (and free) movie screen. When the sun goes down, the pictures start rolling. Pack a picnic and throw down your best blanket. This year the theme is “Adolescence,” which means movies like “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Scream 4” will regale audiences. See the schedule on the festival’s website.

7. Cinéma au Clair de Lune

July 31 – August 11

If you don’t like the film selections at La Villette, try the smaller but equally Parisian (and free) Cinéma au Clair de Lune. A series of films are projected in some of Paris’ most iconic parks, squares and public places. The location changes every night, so be sure to check the listings once they’re posted by the Forum des Images on their website.

8. Ride with Ratatouille at Paris Disneyland

Opening summer 2014
Website

Found a good deal on Disneyland tickets? Head on out to the park and look for the new Ratatouille ride opening this summer. The hotly anticipated addition to the Walk Disney Studio section of the park will be a 3D event starring everyone’s favorite Pixar rat. The attraction features a Disneyfied version of Haussmann architecture, recreating the quaint streets of Paris in addition to a bistro. So there’s really no reason to leave the park, right?

9. Picnic in the park

Paris in the summer also means picnics. Assorted meats from the local butcher. Wine and cheese. Beer and chips. Orangina and, well, whatever pairs with Orangina. All are fair game. Speaking of games, don’t forget to pack your pétanque balls or Molkky set to entertain you and your fellow picnickers as you sit back and relax, doing exactly what one should do in Paris.

Need ideas on where to enjoy your spread? Here are 8 great spots to enjoy a Paris picnic.

The post Summer in Paris: 9 ways to celebrate that won’t break the bank appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Now a summer in Paris institution, this year’s Paris Plages runs from July 20 to August 18, at the original site on the right bank near the City Hall and the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement that opened in 2007. Car traffic is banished and the beaches are open for business and pleasure from 9 a.m. to midnight daily.

In addition to nearly a kilometer of sandy Seine-side beaches, complete with palm trees, lawn chairs and parasols, activities include tai chi and dance lessons, boules and mini golf, live concerts, riverside cafes, a lending library, water-based activities at the Bassin de la Villette and more.

All activities are free and open to the public. Note that topless sunbathing and swimming in the Seine are not permitted.

Photos of Paris Plages from previous years

Walking along the Paris Plages in 2009. Photo: gelinh

The beaches erupt into music and dance. Photo: philippeleroyer

You can even construct a sand chateaux. Photo: cedriccousseau

The plages attract sunbathers and snackers. Photo: passionleica

The post Paris Goes to the Beach July 20-August 18 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Paris Plages
July 20 – August 18

From the banks of the Seine to the banks of the Canal in the 19e arrondissement, those looking for a bit of reprieve from the heat need search no further than Paris Plages. Kids and adults can enjoy the various activities (think line dancing) and relaxed atmosphere that are both so quintessentially un-Parisian. Bring a towel, a picnic, and some SPF as you relax on the imported sand beaches and imagine yourself on the Riviera at no cost.

Skip to the loo, then take a seat for “Cinema en plein air”. Photo: Fabrice Paulmier

2. Outdoor Cinema
July 24 – August 24

The Cinéma en Plein Air at Parc de la Villette offers everyone the chance to kick back at night in front of a giant inflatable movie screen. Picnic supplies and a blanket are a must. Films for the summer of 2013 include “Milk,” “The Social Network,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” and of course some French films that you may not know, but will happily become familiar with.

Note: Plan a bathroom break before hand, as meandering through the crowd in the dark is both difficult and, frankly, annoying.

3. Picnic with the locals

It goes without saying that Paris is a giant picnic in the summer. Along the river or in any of the gorgeous parks like Buttes Chaumont or Montsouris, there is no better way to cozy up to the locals than to pack some bread, cheese, and charcuterie. Bring a bottle of wine, but “forget” your opener – it’s the perfect excuse to talk to that oftentimes-attractive group of Frenchmen/women next to you.

Get to the sales early and don’t forget to hydrate! Photo: Galinette

4. Soldes!
June 26 – July 30

Those looking to do some shopping in Paris should wait until the biannual sales, or “soldes,” that take place in the winter and the summer. But this shopping is not for the faint of heart. Hydrate well and bring an attitude as you’ll be scrambling among more seasoned Parisian clients who are used to the huge lines and scattered goods.

Check out smaller boutiques near the Canal St. Martin or in the Marais and avoid the department stores if you’re not a crowd person. (More tips on making the most of Paris’ bi-annual sales.)

5. Off-Broadway in Paris
June and July

Opera and ballet are great, but sometimes expats and tourists yearn for a good old-fashioned American musical. American Musical Theater Live! is introducing the Off-Broadway genre to Paris with “Edges” and “The Last 5 Years”, both debuting this summer. They are in English, with international casts, and tickets are affordable for musical theaters (try getting a €20 ticket in the West End easily!). The shows will play at the Auguste Théâtre in the 11^th arrondissement and are definitely worth checking out.

6. The Titanic Exhibit
June 1 – September 15

Twenty-one passengers boarded the Titanic when it docked at Cherbourg, and 16 survived the sinking. The boat’s story, however, is intriguing to all nationalities, and the traveling exhibit of artifacts is coming to Paris. On Monday, tickets are cheaper than the rest of the week. It may not scream, “Summer in Paris!” but excitement is subjective, right?

Music performances, planned and otherwise, take to the streets throughout Paris during the Fete de la Musique on June 21. Photo: Boklm

7. Music Festivals
All summer

Summertime turns up the soundtrack in Paris with multiple festivals. While not all are a free, the Fête de la Music on June 21 allows musicians to play all over the city into all hours of the night.

Also check out the Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral (June 8 – July 28) or get tickets to either Solidays (June 28-30) or Rock en Seine (June 23-25) for more contemporary artists. Read more about the city’s music festivals.

8. Frozen treats

When it’s hot, well, we want something cold. Sure, you can wait in line at Berthillon for some classic French ice cream, but there are plenty of other options:

• A new frozen yogurt boutique, Baci Bisous, has opened by the Canal just in time for summer. (25 rue des Vinaigriers, 75010)

Hurry up, it’s melting! Photo: cameronparkins

• Try the various flavors of Chacun ses Goûts and add toppings to your own yogurt creation as you wish. (4 rue Geoffroy l’Angevin 75004)

• In the Upper Marais, Mary’s Gelato (1 rue Dupuis 75003) is whipping up some of the best Italian sorbets you’ll taste, just down the street from equally delicious Pozetto (39 rue du Roi de Sicile 75004) and their signature chocolate-hazelnut or pistachio gelato.

Read more of about Paris’ best ice cream and gelato options.

9. Bastille Day
July 14

From the Firemen’s parties (“bal des pompiers”) to the military parade down the Champs Elysées, July 14th is a huge party in Paris, even if it celebrates the beginning of an unfortunately bloody revolution. But fireworks! Bag a non-alcoholic picnic (they check bags for spirits – let’s keep it family-friendly) and head to the Champs de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for one of the most stunning spectacles ever. Just don’t be in a rush to get out afterwards. The thousands of spectators are very carefully funneled through controlled exits, so it takes a few moments – or hours. But it’s worth it!

10. The Great Exodus: Parisians leave
August

In August, the migration begins as locals ship out and Italians, Americans, Russians, and just about any other nationality interested in Paris fill in the café seats left behind. It’s an odd feeling to see so many local places closed while major tourist addresses are inundated, but it’s also refreshing. A week or two of calm in most non-central neighborhoods does a person good. Head to the 19^th, the 17^th, or the 15^th during this time to see what a Parisian ghost town feels like! (Read more about visiting Paris in August–without Parisians.)

Your favorite reasons for visiting Paris in the summer?

Have something to add to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Also in our guide: If you are planning to head to Paris this summer and looking for an affordable place to stay, be sure to stop by our guide to recommended budget hotels. Our editors have inspected, reviewed and photographed every recommended hotel in our guide.

The post Paris: 10 reasons to visit Paris this summer appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In addition to all of the festivals and concerts, there is a little beachy oasis in the center of the city called “Paris Plages” that is not to be missed.

Paris Plages

Starting in July and running through August or September, the Paris Plages season turns the banks of the Seine and the Canal into beach (plage) havens. Paris Plages launched in 2002.  It seems just like yesterday…

On the banks of the river by the Hotel de Ville, cars are forbidden and visitors can sunbathe in a lounge chair, build castles in the temporary sand pits, play pétanque as crowds watch on, and stroll along the river as palm trees sway overhead and music floats through the air.

It’s just enough to make you feel like you’ve made it to the Mediterranean.

More plages: Bassin de la Villette

But this town has more than one plage. Along the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, you’ll find a more relaxed scene, as fewer tourists make the trek. There are various water-themed activities for children, in addition to outdoor concerts and even country line dancing. Locals line the vast stretches of both banks, the Quai de la Loire and the Quai de la Seine, with picnics late into the night.

For the kids…

There are plenty of events geared towards children at the “beaches.” There are small workshops and educational stands along the Seine teaching children about recycling, water and even eclipses. Once the children are bored with that, they can hop in the water and start having some fun.

Along the Seine there are paddleboats by Pont Sully, water bars to rehydrate and volleyball courts. At the Villette beach, there are various kayaks, even more paddle boats, and other nautical experiences for children and adults, including an inflatable water-bound hamster wheel that small children seem to enjoy. For those with little ones we’ve got another post on things to do with kids in Paris.

…and for the adults

For the older set, there is the ritualistic sunbathing, but also foosball tables – “babyfoot” in French – and a stage offering dance performances, from classic waltz to country ho-down.

The best part? It’s all free.

Check out the city’s Web site in English and in French for even more information on the Paris Plages, including maps of both beaches with the various activities.

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