What’s on in Paris this June

5 May 2016

Enjoy World-Class Sports, Film Premieres & a Fun-Filled Fair During a Five-Star Stay at Hotel Balzac

Already famed for its renowned galleries, stunning landmarks and outstanding shopping experiences, Paris has managed to up its destination desirability stakes further by hosting an array of sought-after events this June. Whether attending one of the biggest sports events in the world, enjoying a family day out at the fair or walking the red carpet at a glamorous film festival, you can look forward to an outstanding array of experiences during a summer stay in our luxury hotel.

Champs-Élysées Film Festival

Champs-Élysées

7th – 14th June 2016

A Parisian film fan’s dream, the Champs-Élysées Film Festival will be bringing leading French and American cinema to venues along the world-famous boulevard. The fifth edition will offer the chance to see over 80 films, meet the likes of director Mia Hansen-Løve, and attend masterclasses led by writer and director Abel Ferrara. Created by producer, director and exhibitor Sophie Dulac, the eight-day event will combine red carpet glamour with industry insider knowledge, and for the first time, boast a jury-judged competition.

Representing the present and future in French cinema, the five-member jury will consist of directors and actors such as the award-winning actress Déborah François. Each member will be casting their eyes over eight unreleased, independent American feature films, while attendees will also get to vote for their favourite in the Audience Award. Over 20 French and American short films will also be judged by audiences, and include Duke Merriman’s ‘So Good to See You' that stars Sienna Miller and the two minute ‘Je Suis Un Calliphoridae’ that asks what if the most important choices of your life are made on the day of your death?

Festival passes are available from just €50 per person for the entire event, offering the chance to attend screenings, workshops and special events. Meanwhile, industry professionals can look forward to a three-day programme that will include a roundtable regarding virtual reality and the return of the ‘Paris Coproduction Village’, which will offer the chance see projects in development, network and attend conferences. Hosted by some of the most prestigiously located cinemas in Paris, including Le Balzac, which is situated a mere minute walk from our five-star hotel, the Champs-Élysées Film Festival will be a truly unmissable event this June.

UEFA European Championship 2016

Stade de France & Parc des Princes

10th June – 10th July 2016

Football fans will rejoice this summer when, for the 15th time, the UEFA European Championship, otherwise known as the Euros, returns to stadiums and screens across the world. 53 nations competed to qualify and have been whittled down to 24 teams, including an automatic entry for tournament host, France. Matches will be played in 10 leading venues across the country, ranging from the Stade de Lyon to the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, however all eyes will be on the Stade de France in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, where both the first and last matches of the tournament will be played.

Located a mere 15-minute drive from Hotel Balzac, the 80,000 capacity Stade de France will play host to the Group A France vs Romania match on 10th June, followed by five other games, before the grand finale at 8pm on Sunday 10th July. However, fans staying in the capital can also look forward to catching games at the Parc des Princes, also a 15-minute drive away from our five-star hotel. Five games will be played there in total, beginning on the 12th June with a Group D match that will see Turkey take on Croatia. Meanwhile, those arriving a little earlier can also head to the Gare du Nord and Saint-Denis to take a look at the UEFA Trophy during the final stops of its nationwide tour.

This will be the third time France has hosted, which is a record for the tournament and fitting considering that it was French-born Henri Delaunay who sought to create the competition. Despite working on an initial proposal to FIFA with Austrian official Hugo Meisl in 1927, UEFA wasn’t established until 1954, and it took until 1960 for the first tournament to be held in France. Though Delaunay passed away in 1955, appreciation for his contribution lives on in the name of the sterling silver trophy. There will be a fierce competition to see who will lift the cup this year, whether it be reigning champions Spain, hosts France or one of the many other strong contenders. Whether you’re supporting a team at a match or simply want to join in the fantastic atmosphere at a screening around the city, this summer will be the ideal time for sports fans to plan a visit to Paris.

Prix de Diane Longines

Hippodrome de Chantilly

19th June 2016

Situated in the shadow of a magnificent mansion and surrounded by lush forest, the prestigious Chantilly racecourse lies just short of 24 miles north of Paris’ centre. It has hosted the Prix de Diane almost every year since its creation in 1843…and 2016 will be no different. Returning for its 167th edition, the largest fillies race in the world – and its many additional attractions – are set to draw crowds of over 40,000.

Sponsored for the 6th year running by luxury Swiss watchmaker Longines, the Prix de Diane is a Group 1 race held exclusively for three-year-old female horses. The course stretches 2,100 metres and €1 million is up for grabs in total, with €571,400 allocated to the winner. Alongside this renowned event, there will also be another eight races on offer, including the Qatar Derby and the Prix Longines Future Racing Stars, which will see some of the most talented international young riders compete on a 1,800 metre track.

Prix de Diane Longines is also known for being one of the more elegant events in the racing calendar in relation to both its entertainment and oh-so-chic attendees; hundreds of which will battle it out for the title of ‘Miss Diane Longines’. The ‘Diane Village’ will be home to a garden party that’ll offer the chance to make your very own wreath, watch music act 'Brigitte' live and make a toast at the Champagne bar. There’ll also be outdoor games including croquet, table tennis and traditional skittles, while the main attraction will be a giant picnic; bring your own or buy a gourmet version created by Fauchon that’s presented in an exclusively designed hat-box. Those who wait it out will be rewarded when the racetrack’s lawn transforms into a dancefloor for ‘After Diane’ by Virgin Radio, which will provide a fun-filled end to a truly glamorous day.

La Fête des Loges

Saint-Germain-en-Laye

24th June – 15th August 2016

Located just 40 minutes north-west of Hotel Balzac, la Fête des Loges is the largest summer fair in France, as well as one of the oldest. Three million visitors are expected to attend its 364th edition, set in a large clearing within the picturesque Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest. Past events have boasted 200 rides, with a variety of attractions suited to all ages, while the ‘Kitchen Alley’ will offer the chance to browse 15 different restaurants and snack bars serving international cuisine. Try West Indian dishes from ‘Délices des Iles’, sardines cooked over a wood fire at ‘Quercy’ or opt for the festival’s speciality of suckling pig; a tradition dating back to the 17th century.

Little ones can look forward to rides such as ‘Roller Cars’ and ‘Little Mermaid’, while prizes can be won at ‘Hook-a-Duck’ and ‘Chamboule-tout’; a game involving knocking tin cans over using a ball. Slot machines, the gravity-defying ‘Katapult’ ride and nail-biting ‘Maxximum’ will be on offer for adults, alongside more traditional attractions such as ghost trains and dodgems. There’ll also be a variety of additional events including the coronation of the ‘Queen of Loges’ on the 7th July, alongside ‘Charity Day’ on 24th June, with the opportunity to buy exclusive wristbands.

The roots of this family-friendly event date back to 1138, when Saint Louis commissioned a chapel in the forest dedicated to Saint Fiacre and called it ‘L’Hôtel des Loges’. In 1652, Pope Innocent X created a brotherhood dedicated to Saint Fiacre, which led to pilgrimages to the chapel to celebrate his feast day on 30th August. Over the years, this developed into a fair owing to the scenic outdoor setting, and this year Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners, will be celebrated on the 21st July with rides adorned in flowers. Guaranteed to enchant young and old, La Fête des Loges will provide a fun-filled day out this summer.

Whether planning a family holiday, chic getaway or sports-filled stay, Paris is the ideal destination for a truly unforgettable break this June.