Reasons to Dance in the Streets this June
LA VIE PARISIENNE From sun-soaked terraces and buzzy buvettes to a night of live music in the open air, the mood lifts as the weather improves in the French capital.
If May was the month of holidays in Paris, then June is officially party time. By this point in the year, the temperatures are climbing, the light lingers on long into the evening, and the terraces are teeming. Then there are the borderline bacchanalian nights of alfresco revelry to enjoy (more of which in a moment...).
Terraces, of course, have long been a quintessential part of Parisian café culture. The moment the spring sunshine deigns to put in an appearance, it is written that everyone must head to their own local favorite – or, failing that, anywhere they can track down a table – and then look scornfully askance at anyone who didn’t manage to secure a spot.
Floral Displays to Fairy Lights
Those with a long enough memory may recall that during the pandemic, alfresco drinks took on a whole new meaning. With indoor spaces off-limits, many establishments were given permission to spread out onto the sidewalks and streets. This newfound tradition of temporary terraces endured – as Les Terrasses Estivales (Summer Terraces) – and has since expanded to incorporate elaborately designed wooden decks adorned with everything from hanging baskets to strings of colored lights.
Alternatively, for an even more festive atmosphere, guinguettes have been enjoying a revival in recent years. Becoming popular in the 19th century, these open-air riverside restaurants, which offered music, dance, and dining, were famously immortalized by Renoir, but they later fell out of favor. Today, various incarnations pop up over the summer months, both by the water and beyond.
From the quaysides of Les Maquereaux Rive Droite and the Annette K, in the 4th and 15th arrondissements respectively, to the village-square vibe of La Javelle in the 12th, and the four Rosa Bonheur locations, there’s no better way to spend a warm, sunny evening. My personal favorite, up here in the 18th, is the buzzy buvette of Le Jardin des Traverses on the old Petite Ceinture railway track. For now, however, it’s still a bit of a locals’ secret, best kept quiet.
Party Opportunities Aplenty
Then, of course, as if Parisians needed any more excuses to party, there are the free festivals in June. Well, there has to be something to justify those high taxes…
Starting with the Nuit Blanche, which sees the capital come alive with atmospheric art for one magical night, through to the Paris Pride event, when the city transforms into a giant street-party, and the Été du Canal, a festival centered on the north-eastern canals with many free or low-cost activities, there’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate outdoors.
Perhaps most widely anticipated of all, however, is the famed Fête de la Musique. Held on the Summer Solstice, June 21st, it sees the capital metamorphose into a huge open-air music festival. From local bands, hip-hop artists, and up-and-coming DJs to jazz groups, salsa collectives, and much more, there’s a surprise around almost every corner.
In essence, the event aims to bring together “all people for whom music matters.” Even hospitals and prisons are not forgotten in the festivities, with previous years seeing dedicated events for patients and prisoners. On a practical level, discounted public transport is usually available, with services often running later than normal.
Founded in France in 1982, making this one the 45th edition, the festival is so popular that it has since spread to more than 120 other countries. Here in Paris, it’s chaotic, crowded, and, at times, cacophonous. It’s also utterly unmissable.
Summer Sales Are On
Finally, if all that wasn’t enough, the month ends with the start of the summer sales or soldes, beginning on June 24th this year. Unlike some countries, where the word has become almost meaningless, “sale” means “sale” in France. Held only twice a year, the soldes are one moment when it really is possible to bag a bargain.
Strictly regulated by the state, the dates for the sales are set by law, and all items must have been on sale at full price for at least one month. They are then progressively reduced over the four-week period. However, this doesn’t preclude retailers holding ventes privées (private sales) at other times, often aimed at loyalty-card holders, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those, too.
All in all, then, there is much to anticipate as summer arrives in Paris. And we haven’t even started on July and August yet.
