Every year, the Festival d’Automne à Paris, or Paris Autumn Festival, marks the end of summer by bringing together music, dance, theatre, and film to the very forefront of the cultural stage. Some forty or so of the city’s establishments open their doors to take part, and it runs from September to December. Heralded as the festival of the season for its unmissable performances, exhibitions and shows, make sure that you don’t miss out!
History of the Paris Autumn Festival
Throughout its history, the Festival d’Automne à Paris has hosted some of culture’s greatest luminaries. Founded in 1972, the Paris Autumn Festival sought to combine two already existing events – the International Dance Festival and musical event les Semaines Musicales Internationales – to create one of the city’s most anticipated occasions. Well-known performers, such as Academy Award winning Tilda Swinton, attend the festival, and it’s also seen as one of the best places to see culture’s newest talent. The best and the brightest come from all over the world to perform to hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Things to see at the Paris Autumn Festival
With over 47 venues to choose from, visitors are spoiled for choice on which events to attend during the Paris Autumn Festival. Whether you’re a fan of theatre, dance, or music, you’re guaranteed to find a whole range of performances that’ll amaze you. Plus there are a number of cinema showings to enjoy which run at different points throughout the festival too.
While you’re in Paris
Between shows, Paris offers up plenty of distractions for people of all interests. Art-lovers are spoilt for choice with galleries – most notably the Louvre, where you can view Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Musée des Arts, which is currently displaying some of designer Christian Dior’s most iconic pieces. If you’re looking for some respite from all the excitement of the shows, Paris can offer up the perfect lazy escape. Take a wander down the Jardin des Plantes, the small shopping streets in Montparnasse or take a languid boat ride along the Seine to enjoy the sights without the crowds.
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