As summer arrives in
Paris this June 2023, things are about to heat up. Or rather, heat up even more! The French capital has had an eventful first half of the year, complete with annual events and special occasions that people will remember for a long time. So will June 2023 in Paris be just as busy? Of course, it will! There's a lot to look forward to this month, such as the Champs-Elysées Film Festival, the Chopin Festival, the annual Pride Paraide, and International Paris Air Show. And that's not even all of it too!
Mother's Day in France (June 4)
Let's start with a
holiday in France that you probably thought happened back in May. While the rest of the world celebrated
Mother's Day back on May 14, the second Sunday of the Month, the French are holding their own “
Fête des Mères” on June 4, 2023. The French have long celebrated this holiday on a different compared to the rest of the world. Usually, it'd be on the last Sunday of May or, in this year's case, the first Sunday of June. On this day in Paris, many people are taking their moms out to restaurants, visiting their homes, calling them up, or spending quality time together.
International Artists Live in Paris
June 2023 will be a star-studded affair in Paris. First up is Harry Styles, who will perform live at State de France on June 1 to 2, 2023. Singer-songwriter Pink will then hit the stage at La Defense Arena from June 20 to 21, 2023. Legendary English rock band The Who will then follow suit on June 23 at the same venue. And American band Maroon 5 will follow after that on June 29. Meanwhile, British icon Elton John is set to perform at the Accors Arena in the
12th arrondissement on June 21, 27, and 28, 2023. How's that for star-studded?
Chopin Festival (Begins on June 17)
If all those international artists weren't enough to quench your thirst for great music, don't worry. There are tons of music events and festivals set to take place in Paris this June 2023. The first one is the prestigious Chopin Festival which will begin on June 17, 2023. This annual tribute to the historic Polish composer brings some of the finest classical musicians in the world to the French capital. Here, not only do they perform the composer's most famous works, but they also discuss his legacy, talk about classical music in this day and age, and more. The event will happen at the Orangerie within the Parc de Bagatelle in Bois de Boulogne.
Champs-Élysées Film Festival (June 20 to 27)
While the Cannes Film Festival every May is undoubtedly France's most famous cinema-related event during this time of the year, the Champs-Élysées Film Festival is not to be overlooked! It's fairly new compared to the festival in Cannes. In fact, not a lot of celebrities go here for it. Instead, this film festival is for moviemakers and movie-goers. Or simply put, cinephiles. In the upscale
Champs-Élysées district, they get to watch the latest films from both established names and notable up-and-comers in the industry. The festival features both French and American movies, making it an event that even non-French speakers can enjoy.
Fête de la Musique (Begins on June 21)
Let's go back to music for this next one. Starting June 21, 2023, Paris will be hosting its annual Fête de la Musique, an event that brings all the city's musicians, artists, and more on center stage. Throughout the different
neighborhoods in Paris, specifically in the public squares, you'll find EDM festivals, live jazz performances, mini concerts, street musicians, and more. They mean when they say that this is a festival of music. It's an event that welcomes everyone who loves music or can play an instrument.
Pride Parade (June 25)
Although
Pride Month in Paris starts on June 1st, its main event is undoubtedly the Pride Parade. And this year, it will take place on June 25, 2023. On this day, practically members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies will take to the streets and show off their queer pride. The cobblestone pavements of the French capital will be painted with the rainbow flag, waved proudly by a community that has long faced oppression and discrimination. And since Paris is the “City of Love,” the parade is also a great event to bring your lover to. “Love Wins” after all!
La Défense Jazz Festival (June 26 to July 2)
If you thought the musical events in Paris ended with Fête de la Musique, think again. From June 26 to July 2, 2023, the French capital will host its annual La Défense Jazz Festival. Held in the business district of Paris, probably the last place you'd ever expect to host a music festival, this event invited jazz musicians and jazz lovers alike to celebrate the unique and electrifying genre. Expect concerts, street performances, forums, discussions, and more. The La Défense Jazz Festival is one of the biggest events in the world that celebrate jazz. If you're a fan of the genre and you'll be in Paris at the time, you shouldn't miss it!
Paris Summer Sales (Begins on June 28)
Finally, on June 28, 2023, the summer sales will begin! It's no secret that Paris is a shopaholic's dream. From
prestigious department stores to luxury retail districts, shopping is as much a lifestyle in Paris as anything else. Pair that with the fact that it's also the most influential fashion capital in the world and you've got a double whammy! Around the end of June, you can go all out and shop for the best seasonal pieces at awesome discounted prices. That designer handbag you've got your eye on all season? You can finally afford it now!
As the official start of summer, expect Paris to be as busy as ever this June 2023. The French capital's calendar is packed with international artists, music festivals, an international air show, and a seasonal sale!
