Every day in France may turn into an exciting adventure if you plan an interesting cultural programme in advance. In our article, you will find out which events in the country and the capital in 2025 are worth paying special attention to.
When planning a trip to Paris, Strasbourg, Orleans, Nice or any other city in France, remember that all the best places to stay will be booked up on the days of the most important events. Therefore, book a good hotel room in advance; you can do this via the link.
» READ MORE – 1 day in Paris: walking route
Retro Car Parade on 12 January
The Vincennes en Anciennes retro car club regularly meets in the Bois de Vincennes to show off their shiny cars. Join their meeting. It’s free and very beautiful: you can take photos with the most remarkable exhibits as a souvenir.
Website: www.vincennesenanciennes.com
Grand Prix d’Amérique horse race on 26 January
The Grand Prix d’Amérique is the biggest horse racing competition. The competition will take place at the Vincennes racecourse on 26 January. This is the place where you can meet Arab sheikhs and ordinary horse racing enthusiasts in the stands.
Website: www.prix-amerique.com
Chinese New Year in Paris on 9 February
According to the Eastern calendar, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake. In honour of the new symbol, several districts of Paris will host parades with paper dragons and dances, as well as many other small entertainment events. On 9 February in the 13th arrondissement and on 16 February in the city centre.
Retromobile Retro Car Exhibition
An exhibition and sale of vintage and antique cars (starting at €25,000) will be held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre. The annual event will take place from 5 to 9 February.
Website: www.retromobile.com
Paris Carnival on 2 March
Promenade du Boeuf Gras (or «Fat Cow Parade») is a fun costume parade with acrobats, jugglers and musicians. It starts on 2 March 2025 at 13:00 in the Place Gambetta area (20th arrondissement). It ends at Place de la République.
Website: www.carnaval-paris.org
Book Fair in Paris 11-13 April
The Paris Book Fair Salon du Livre is one of the largest in the world. It is held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. During this event, you can purchase books in French and other languages, as well as chat with authors and publishers.
Website: festivaldulivredeparis.fr
Museum Night on 17 May
From 6 p.m. on 17 May 2025, any museum in France, including the Louvre and the Orsay Museum, can be visited completely free of charge. Check the websites of the galleries you are interested in, as you will need to arrive at a specific time to enter some of the rooms.
Website: nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr
» READ MORE – TouringBee: Your Audio Guide to the Louvre for a Self-Guided Walk
World Music Day, 21 June
La Fête de la Musique (21 June) is a day when music will be played on the streets of France until the early hours of the morning. Check the programme of events on the city websites in advance so you don’t miss the best performances.
Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr
Bastille Day 14 July
On 14 July, French people around the world celebrate one of their main holidays — Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale). All major cities hold parades and music shows, and colourful fireworks displays are launched in the evening. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable fireworks show over the Eiffel Tower, book hotels and tables at restaurants with the best views now!
» READ MORE – Bastille Day 2025 in Paris
Fireworks festivals in September
The shows at Nuits De Sologne (6 September) and Le Grand Feu De Saint-Cloud can be called real fire performances.
Le Grand Feu de Saint-Cloud: will not take place in 2025. The organisers have announced the final cancellation of the event.
Cultural Heritage Days 19-21 September
During Cultural Heritage Days (Journees du Europeennes Patrimoine), anyone in France can visit unique historical buildings that are usually closed to the public free of charge. These include the Elysée Palace, the Senate, embassies and prefectures, theatres, hospitals, gymnasiums, and some private castles and châteaux.
Website: journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Yacht show in Monaco
The Monaco Yacht Show 2025 will take place from 24 to 27 September in Port Hercule in Monaco. Almost all of the world’s most beautiful and expensive boats will gather in one place.
Website: www.monacoyachtshow.com
Nuit Blanche or «White Night» in Paris on 7 June
A night when no one sleeps in Paris. During Nuit Blanche, many buildings in the city are illuminated in an original way, and light shows are staged on some facades. All this is accompanied by musical performances.
Sports events in France in 2025
Roland Garros 2025 (25 May – 8 June)
Roland Garros 2025 is one of the most prestigious annual tennis tournaments. This exciting competition attracts thousands of spectators to the stands and television screens. If you are planning to visit Paris in late May or early June 2025, check ticket prices for the nearest match.
Website: www.rolandgarros.com
Tour de France 2025 (5–21 July)
The world’s most famous cycling race will start in Florence on 5 July and finish in Paris on the Champs-Élysées.
Website: www.letour.fr
» READ MORE – Tour de France 2025: route, stages and highlights
Formula 1 – Monaco Grand Prix (22–25 May 2025)
This luxurious sporting spectacle takes place every year in the Principality of Monaco on the French Riviera.
Website: f1experiences.com
Running: Paris Marathon on 13 April
The 45th race along the main sights of Paris will take place on 13 April 2025. Fifty-five thousand participants are expected, which is not surprising, as this competition has gold status among athletics federations. Places to participate in the race sell out very quickly. In addition to the marathon, Paris also hosts an annual half marathon, which is cheaper to register for.
Music festivals in France in 2025
- Classical music festival in Paris Festival of St. Denis: 21 May – 24 June 2025
- Jazz festival in Paris Jazz à La Villette: 28 August – 7 September 2025
- Techno Parade electronic music festival in Paris (exact date to be announced later)
- Le Printemps de Bourges music festival in Bourges: 15–20 April
- Jazz festival in Nice: 24–27 July
- Jazz Festival in Vienna: 26 June–11 July
Gastronomic exhibitions and festivals in France
- Lemon Festival in Menton: 15 February–2 March
- Foie Gras and Truffle Festival in Sarlat-la-Canéda: 18–19 January
- International Cheese and Wine Fair in Coulommiers: 11-14 April
- Mirabelle Plum Festival in Metz: 22-30 August
- Brady and Mussel Season in Lille: 6-7 September
- Chocolate Exhibition in Paris: 29 October-2 November
Winter holidays 2025 in France: Christmas and New Year celebrations
Festive decorations appear on the streets of France as early as the beginning of November, and at the end of the month, Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël) begin to operate. They will be open until 24 December. The most colourful fairs are located in Alsace, Colmar and the Christmas capital, Strasbourg.
Sales in Paris
Sales, or Les Soldes, are held twice a year in France: in winter and summer.
Winter sales will begin in Paris on 8 January and end on 4 February. In summer, Les Soldes will run from 25 June to 22 July. Don’t miss out on great shopping in Paris and the best French outlets!
We sincerely hope that our list of the most interesting and significant events in Paris and France in 2025 has been useful for you in planning your trip. Have a pleasant journey!
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