What’s on in Paris this July

13 June 2016

Attend Bastille Day Celebrations, Watch the Tour de France & Sunbathe on the Beach During a Luxury Stay at Amarante Champs-Élysées

Boasting both its renowned permanent attractions and an outstanding line-up of events, Paris can deliver an unforgettable holiday for the whole family this summer. Located within the heart of Paris, Amarante Champs-Élysées is a mere one minute walk away from the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which will host both the grand finale of Le Tour de France and the impressive Bastille Day military parade this July. Meanwhile, the banks of the Seine will be transformed into golden beaches, providing the perfect place to picnic, try out a new sport or spend a day lounging in the sun. Read on to find out what’s on in Paris this July and plan your perfect luxury getaway.

Le Tour de France

2nd – 24th July 2016

The world’s largest annual sporting event returns to the rolling countryside and picturesque cities of France for its 103rd edition this July. Over 12 million cycling fans are set to line streets to cheer on the 198 competitors in Le Tour de France…and you could be one of them. Those planning a stay in the City of Light can catch the nail-biting final stage on Sunday 24th July and find out who will be presented with the prestigious Yellow Jersey.

This year’s event will begin at the foot of the ‘marvel of the western world’, the UNESCO heritage site of Mont-Saint-Michel; marking the first time the region of Manche has hosted the Tour Grand Départ. From there the 21 stage competition will see the likes of last year’s winner Chris Froome and previous winner Alberto Contador battle it out over many challenging terrains, including nine mountain stages. Alongside contending with the likes of four summit finishes such as Mont Ventoux in Provence, riders will have the opportunity to marvel at 16 sites and cities never seen before on a Tour de France route. One of these will be the beginning of final stage to Paris; Chantilly.

After admiring the turret-adorned, 16th century Château de Chantilly, competitors will navigate through the winding streets of Parisian suburbs such as Puteaux and Suresnes...before arriving into the centre of the capital. Spectators will gather at the likes of the Place de la Concorde, le Louvre and Champs-Élysées to see the final moments of the race, which will end at the Arc de Triomphe following eight nail-biting laps of the world-famous avenue. Whether you’re a cyclist, sports fan or simply fancy joining the crowds to see this exciting spectacle, this will be an unmissable event for those staying in Paris on the 24th.

Bastille Day

14th July 2016

With street parties and balls, a grand military parade and the Parisian skyline filling with fireworks, La Fête Nationale or Bastille Day will offer a variety of fun-filled events to attend this July. The annual celebration is held to commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison on the 14th July 1789 - a major event in the French Revolution. It was felt that the prison represented the power of Louis the 16th’s regime and guards, with its destruction signifying their downfall. With an electric atmosphere set to fill the streets of France, the days surrounding the 14th of July will be a truly exciting time to be in Paris.

The evening of the 13th will offer the chance to enjoy an evening of dancing at the Bal du 14 Julliet, which will take place in the Place de la Bastille; the spot where the prison once stood. The following morning will see the oldest and largest military parade take place along the Champs-Élysées; a Bastille Day tradition dating back to 1880. Take the opportunity to watch as soldiers and marching bands walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, where they’ll be met by the President of the French Republic.

The evening will offer the chance to enjoy the likes of tombola games, accordion music and further dancing at the Bal des Pompiers, the Firemen’s Ball, which will be held in 40 fire stations throughout the capital. However, the main event will be the city-wide firework displays, with the Eiffel Tower taking centre stage. Crowds will gather along the seine and at higher points in the city such as the hills of Montmartre to see the night’s sky lit-up with bright flashes of colour. With so many outstanding events taking place, the 14th of July will undoubtedly be a highlight of your stay in Paris.

Paris Plages

18th July – 21st August

As well as boasting many world-renowned landmarks, museums, galleries and green spaces, Paris can also add sandy beaches to its long-list of attractions this July. The banks of the Seine and its winding canals have been transformed every summer since 2002 to offer locals and visitors alike a sun-soaked beachside experience without having to leave the comforts of the capital. Alongside the chance to sunbathe or take a dip in a pool suspended over the Seine, the annual ‘Paris Plages’ will also offer the opportunity to take part in a variety of free activities including water sports, pétanque, boules, basketball, tennis, fencing, tai chi and ballroom dancing.

There will be three destinations to discover and the most popular is set to be located between the Pont Neuf and the Pont de Suly. This 3km stretch will be easy to find owing to the landmarks nearby – the Louvre and Hotel de Ville – and offer the chance to seek shade under a colourful parasol, lie-back on a complimentary chaise-longues, sample delicious snacks and take part in riverside games. It will also offer the unique opportunity to attend a free music festival hosted by French retailer FNAC. FNACLive will host 30 free concerts in Place de l’Hotel de Ville between the 20th and 23rd July, offering the chance to watch bands and artists such as Yael Naïm; the award-winning singer songwriter behind ‘New Soul’, which was used by Apple to launch their MacBook Air in 2008.

The other two beaches will located on the ‘Voie Georges Pompidou’, a half an hour stroll from Amarante Champs-Élysées, and ‘La Villette’ in the 19th arrondissement. The latter will be located around the lake known as ‘Bassin de la Villette’, which connects the Canal de l'Ourcq and Canal Saint-Martin, and will offer the chance to try kayaking, canoeing, or take a trip on a pedalboat or sailboat with the help of instructors for free. With 5,000 tonnes of sand to dip your toes in and a wide range of attractions including workshops and a library, Paris Plage will appeal to all ages visiting the capital this summer.

With street parties, miles of sandy beaches, a free outdoor music festival…and the world’s largest annual sporting event to attend, Paris will be the ultimate holiday destination this July.