Festival Paris l'Été (Paris Summer Festival)
Annual summer series, June through September
Season: June – September
Various parks and venues across Paris
About
Festival Paris l'Été transforms the City of Light into an open-air cultural playground each summer, with free and affordable concerts, dance performances, and theatrical shows spread across Paris's most beautiful parks and historic venues. This family-friendly festival offers an authentic Parisian summer experience where children can enjoy world-class performances in magical outdoor settings, from classical music in château gardens to world music under the stars. It's a wonderful way to introduce kids to diverse performing arts while experiencing Paris like a local during the enchanting summer months.
What to Expect
Families will encounter a diverse program of performances ranging from classical orchestras and jazz ensembles to contemporary dance and circus acts, held in stunning locations like Parc Floral, Jardin du Luxembourg, and historic courtyards. Most events are outdoors with a relaxed, picnic-friendly atmosphere where children can sit on blankets and move around more freely than traditional concert halls. The festival emphasizes accessibility with many free performances and those requiring tickets are reasonably priced, making it easy to sample multiple events throughout your stay. Performances typically begin in early evening, taking advantage of long summer daylight hours and cooler temperatures.
Highlights for Kids
- Watching performances in iconic Paris parks like Jardin du Luxembourg with the Eiffel Tower visible in the distance
- Family-friendly circus and acrobatic shows that captivate children with visual spectacle requiring no language skills
- Picnicking on the grass with French families while enjoying live music under the stars
- Children's theater and puppet shows performed in parks, often incorporating interactive elements
- Discovering hidden Paris venues like historic courtyards and smaller gardens off the typical tourist path
Pro Tips for Families
- Download the official festival program early and book any ticketed events in advance, as popular family-friendly shows sell out quickly; many venues offer English-language program notes online
- Arrive 45-60 minutes early for popular free concerts to secure good spots, and bring a large blanket or lightweight picnic mat as seating is often on the grass
- Pack layers and light rain gear even on sunny days—Parisian weather changes quickly and evening performances can get cool; also bring insect repellent for park performances at dusk
- Look for performances labeled 'jeune public' (young audiences) which are specifically designed for children, typically shorter and more interactive than general programming
Best Time to Visit
Weekday evening performances (Tuesday-Thursday) tend to be less crowded than weekends, making them ideal for families who want easier access and more space. July offers the most concentrated programming, though late June and early September have smaller crowds and more comfortable temperatures for young children. Arrive during the golden hour before sunset for the most magical atmosphere, and consider attending multiple shorter events rather than one long performance to match children's attention spans.
Food & Drinks
Most outdoor venues allow families to bring their own picnic supplies, which is budget-friendly and very common among local families—stop at nearby boulangeries, fromageries, and markets to create authentic French picnics. Parks hosting events typically have on-site refreshment stands selling crepes, ice cream, drinks, and simple snacks, though prices are higher than outside vendors. For a true Parisian experience, pick up baguettes, cheese, fruit, and treats beforehand and dine on blankets before the show. Bring refillable water bottles as Paris has public drinking fountains (fontaines Wallace) throughout the city, and note that alcohol consumption in parks is generally permitted and family-friendly in France.
Parking & Access
Most festival venues are best reached by Paris's excellent Metro system—purchase a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or Navigo Easy card for convenience, and children under 4 ride free while kids 4-10 receive discounted fares. Driving and parking in central Paris is challenging and unnecessary; if staying outside the city, use Park & Ride facilities at outer Metro stations. Most parks are stroller-accessible via paved paths, though grass seating areas may require carrying younger children to your spot. Consider using baby carriers for toddlers to navigate crowds more easily. Many venues are within walking distance of each other in central Paris, making it easy to explore neighborhoods before performances.
More Concert Series
Fête de la Musique (Music Festival Day)
Annual, June 21st
Fête de la Musique transforms Paris into a massive open-air concert venue every June 21st, with free performances on every corner, in parks, squares, and streets throughout the city. This beloved French tradition welcomes musicians of all levels—from professional orchestras to neighborhood bands—creating a joyful, accessible celebration where kids can experience diverse music genres while soaking up Parisian summer energy. It's a magical way for families to experience authentic French culture without spending a euro on tickets.
Shakespeare in the Park Paris
Summer series, May through September
Shakespeare in the Park Paris brings the magic of the Bard's timeless plays to beautiful green spaces across the city each summer, offering free outdoor performances that introduce children to classic theater in an accessible, relaxed setting. These enchanting productions often feature bilingual elements or visual storytelling that transcends language barriers, making them perfect for international families. It's a wonderful opportunity to combine cultural enrichment with a picnic in some of Paris's most charming neighborhood parks.