This is going to be a very busy week-end in Paris. Not only is Sunday Father’s Day, it’s also Fête de la Musique- World Music Day, where most of Europe enjoys a day of fun, sun (hopefully) and free live music. The holiday, which actually started here in France in the 80’s, always falls on June 21st, the summer solstice, and is a chance for both professional and amateur entertainers to strut their stuff. On the Fête de la Musique, everyone seems to be in a happy mood (really- even in Paris!!), and there is music literally at every turn. My favorite spots in Paris for Fete de la Musique are Palais Royale (where a lot of opera singers choose to sing because of the acoustics under the arches) and Place Vendôme. This year the added bonus is that it’s also on a week-end, so most people will take advantage and spend the whole day out, wandering the streets, listening to music and picnicking in the park.
Why don’t you celebrate your own Fête de la Musique this weekend, even if you don’t live in a country that “officially” recognizes it ? A flippy sundress and a big floppy hat will help you get into a Parisian mood. Pack up a wheel of stinky cheese, some fruit, a baguette and maybe a bottle of sparkling French Lemonade. Toss it all in a basket, grab your boule set, your ipod and speakers- and you’re ready to go!
Boules set from Amazon.com, Duck and Raspberry Bruchetta, Hat: aufeminin.com , Sparkling French Lemonade,
“Le Déjeuner des canotiers”- Renoir, Dress by Chloe
Hey Kim,
Thanks for the information. I just found about this festival and as it is my first time, I was thinking of following your suggestion. I have, however, been checking the official website and it doesn’t show that there is opera at the Palais Royale. It looks like that there are three young rock musicians there this year, if my limited French serves me right.
Could you kindly clarify for me if you are talking about the exhibition place, Palais Royal, where the YSL auction took place recently?
Also, would you know if it’s safe for a woman to be out alone at such public gatherings?
Appreciate your opinion.
Cheers!
Hi Audrey,
No- the opera wasn’t part of the official program. There are big concerts that are scheduled, but then all during the day, people are just out singing and performing. And because of the echos under the arches, I think a lot of opera singers choose to sing there. I once saw a castrato (he must have been!) singing there, and it was the most beautiful, haunting this I’ve ever seen… But for the “official” concerts, it’s probably more like the rock concert that you saw. On the official site for Fete de la Muqsique, you can do a search for the genre of music you’re looking for. I think they have something at St Eustache every year, but I’m really not certain. Have fun!! (I hope this weather clears up!!)
Kim
Hello again Kim,
Thanks for the information. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed by the information posted on the official webiste and printed in the guide handed out by the tourist offices. It was inaccurate to say the least. I turned up at the Petit Palais hoping to watch some opera performances to no avail. There were no performances at the Elysees Palace either and I ran into a street fight complete with bottle-throwing hooligans, fire, ambulances and riot police at Bastille. Other than that, a pretty interesting first fete de la musique a la Paris! How was your day?
Cheers,
Audrey