When Summer Boredom Strikes in Paris
If you’re like me, summertime boredom can hit pretty fast. Instead of dancing to my own version of a ‘summertime sadness’ I decided to research what’s going on in Paris this summer. My summer starts pretty early in respect to French standards as most ‘summer’ events aren’t until the end of July. Despite this, I have found a few interesting events and activities.
As a film major, of course I’m interested in the film events happening in Paris, and what better event than the Champs Elysees Film Festival. The festival is from June 7 through 14 showing both French and American films, past and present. A standard festival pass is €50, or €35 for students. For later on in the summer I found an open air cinema or Cinema en Plein Air at La Villette, tickets are €7 each or five for €20. The program includes a combination of French and international film both new and old, all shown in their original language with French subtitles. Watching a film at sunset on a blanket with the summer breeze, can you think of anything more romantic?
Image credit: William Beaucardet
What about learning a new skill? Every summer, groups of dancers gather on the banks of the Seine to dance the night away in different styles such as swing, salsa, tango, etc. One of the places where this takes place is Port Saint Bernard, June 1 through August 31, and it's free! Rollerblading? Apparently, there is a group called “The Pari Roller” that gathers hundreds of roller bladers and skaters to go on a tour of Paris. Happening every Friday night at 10 PM, with the starting location organized weekly, what a fun way explore the city!
For those days when I just want to relax or wander aimlessly I may head to the gardens of Luxembourg or Tuileries (or countless other parks) to lounge near a fountain and soak up the sun. I could maybe discover the abandoned railway of La Petite Ceinture, The Little Belt, which wraps around Paris with hidden entrances and even secret passageway to the Catacombes. Later in the summer when it gets super hot and I fancy getting a tan, the Paris Plages (Paris Beaches) are the place to be, starting from July 18 to August 21. No matter where you are in Paris there is always a place to pause and take in the beauty around you.
Image credit: Sharat Ganapati
Even if boredom strikes, what better place to be than Paris? It’s a beautiful city with beautiful people and endless opportunities to wander into lovely surprises. So whatever your interests and hobbies may be, with a little bit of research, you could make this summer in Paris one of the best summers yet.
