Festival Paris l'été
Theater, dance, circus, and music in the open air in Paris
About Paris l'été
Created in 1990 by Patrice Martinet at the instigation of the Minister of Culture Jack Lang, Festival Paris l'été (formerly Paris Quartier d'Été) is the major summer event for performing arts in Paris. Every July and August, the festival takes over the most beautiful sites in the capital—gardens, historic monuments, squares, and parks—to offer a multidisciplinary program combining theater, dance, circus, music, and performances. Since 2025, under the direction of Marie Lenoir and Thomas Quillardet, the festival continues its mission to make culture accessible to all in the heart of Parisian summer, with a program that mixes free and paid events in over fifteen locations in the Île-de-France region.
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Festival Paris l'été: Performing Arts at the Heart of Parisian Summer
Since 1990, Festival Paris l'été has transformed the capital into a vast open-air theater. Every year, from mid-July to early August, dance, theater, circus, music, and performances take over the most beautiful Parisian sites: the Nef du Grand Palais, the Jardins des Tuileries, the Palais de la Porte Dorée, the Bois de Vincennes, the Monnaie de Paris, and many other emblematic venues.
A History of Over Thirty Years
Founded in 1990 by Patrice Martinet at the initiative of the Minister of Culture Jack Lang, the festival was originally called Paris Quartier d'Été. In 2017, under the leadership of Laurence de Magalhaes and Stéphane Ricordel, it was renamed Festival Paris l'été, marking a renewal in its programming and visual identity. Since 2025, Marie Lenoir and Thomas Quillardet have been the artistic directors of the festival.
A Multidisciplinary and Accessible Program
Each year, the program brings together about sixty artistic offerings—performances of contemporary dance, circus, street theater, music, cabaret, drag, and performances—in over fifteen locations in the Île-de-France region. The festival stands out for its commitment to making culture accessible: many events are free, and shows often take place outdoors, in exceptional settings.
Internationally Renowned Artists
Throughout its editions, Festival Paris l'été has hosted major artists from the contemporary scene: Lia Rodrigues, Gisèle Vienne, Chloé Moglia, Silvia Gribaudi, Marina Gomes, Josépha Madoki, and many others. The festival offers a unique showcase for the most inventive and inclusive artistic forms of performing arts.
A Festival Rooted in the City
Paris l'été is distinguished by its strong territorial anchoring. The festival extends beyond Paris proper, taking over venues in Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, and even the regional estate of Villarceaux. This geographical spread reflects the festival's desire to reach a broad and diverse audience, beyond the usual cultural attendees.
Practical information — Paris l'été
Practical Information
Venues
The festival takes place in over fifteen locations in Paris and Île-de-France: Grand Palais, Jardins des Tuileries, Palais de la Porte Dorée, Bois de Vincennes, Monnaie de Paris, Westfield Forum des Halles, Louvre, Village Reille (14th arrondissement), and various locations in Seine-Saint-Denis.
Period
From mid-July to early August, every year.
Prices
Many performances are free. Paid performances offer affordable prices. Reservations at 01 44 94 98 00 or on the official website.
Accessibility
The festival is committed to making culture accessible to all audiences.
Contact
Phone: 01 44 94 98 00
Official website: www.parislete.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Paris l'été at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Paris l'été
Lieux multiples à Paris et en Île-de-France