Summer in Paris 2018

1 May 2018

Summer like a Parisian: Art Exhibitions, Open-Air Festivals & Michelin Starred Indulgence

The lazy months of summer bring out the best in Paris - long sunny days and warm unhurried evenings are idyllic for discovering the city’s bountiful flower-filled jardins and sun-kissed café terraces. But it’s not just nature that’s in on the act. The season also heralds the return of an eclectic cultural calendar, as summer is celebrated across exciting art exhibitions, festivals en plein air and of course, in the capital’s countless world-class restaurants.

Art Exhibitions in Paris this Summer

Guernica | Musée Picasso | 27th March – 29th July

Commencing the capital’s art-filled summer is none other than Pablo Picasso, whose most famous painting - Guernica (1937) - takes centre-stage at Musée Picasso. For those not familiar with the artist’s mural-sized masterpiece, Guernica was painted as an immediate reaction to the Nazi’s devastating bombing - carried out at the command of General Franco - on the Basque town of Guernica.

Now, eighty years on, the harrowing, colourless canvas will retell the tragedies of the Spanish Civil War, with the painting displayed outside of Madrid for the first time in over 25 years! But should this not be enough Picasso to nullify your artistic needs, don’t miss Picasso & Dance at Opéra Garnier (13th June – 16th September) and Picasso’s Blue & Rose Periods at Musée d’Orsay (18th September – 6th January).

Klimt: Voyage at the Heart of the Vienna Secession | L'Atelier des Lumières | 13th April – 11th November

See art like never before in Paris’ newest cultural institution, as L'Atelier des Lumières unveils an inaugural exhibition commemorating the centenary of the death of Gustav Klimt and his compatriot, Egon Schiele. But this really is art, seen like never before, as canvases are swapped for floors, ceilings and ten-metre high walls, onto which 140 laser video projectors will cast paintings like Klimt’s The Kiss - truly immersing you in some of the most iconic paintings to emerge out of the twentieth-century.

Music Festivals at Parc Floral this Summer

Paris Jazz Festival | Parc Floral de Vincennes| 30th June – 22nd July

It has been said, summer only really begins when the swinging sounds of jazz can be heard across the capital - provided every June and July by the high-flying, world-famous jazz musicians invited to play the prestigious Paris Jazz Festival. It has also been said that jazz is best enjoyed al fresco! So grab a picnic and get set to swing until the sun slowly sets, amid the coloured flowers, verdant woodlands and shimmering lakes of Parc Floral.

Les Pestacles Festival | Parc Floral de Vincennes | June – September

Every Wednesday, kids of all ages can also immerse themselves in a wonderful world of music and theatre, as the summer-long Les Pestacles Festival welcomes globe-straddling street artists, dancers and circus entertainers, to perform alongside musicians specialising in anything and everything from reggae to classical, or hip hop to opera! But fret not, parents, there’s plenty for you to enjoy as well, making this a perfect way to spend a sunny, family day out in Paris.

Festival Classique au Vert | Parc Floral de Vincennes | 11th August – 2nd September

Revel in Rachmaninov, Debussy, Berlioz and Glass en plain air this summer, as acclaimed orchestras from across Europe reimagine masterworks of the classical repertoire - with a contemporary twist - providing more dulcet ways to soak up the Parisian sun! All that remains is for you to grab a deck chair (and chilled champagne) to enjoy this highlight of the capital’s cultural calendar in elegant, Parisian fashion.

Book Your Summer Stay at Balzac Today

You’ll be pleased to know, the above are but a few of the exceptional events taking place this summer - with Bastille Day, Lollapalooza, Tour de France Finale and Paris Plage also arriving across the capital!

But however you wish to spend your vacation, you can be rest assured that a luxury stay at Hotel Balzac will satisfy your every need, as you savour five-star surroundings, exceptional amenities and a premium location in the heart of the city’s elegant 8th arrondissement. Not to mention the Three Michelin Starred dining which awaits at Hotel Balzac, courtesy of Pierre Gagnaire!

Take a look at our exclusive offers and packages, and book your five-star summer stay today.