Draveil and Aulnay wrap up their summer parties this weekend

This weekend of July 25-26, two regulars of the Paris-region summer take their final bow. The Fête de Draveil closes its two-week run on the Île de loisirs du Port aux Cerises. The Bals Barges dance one last time on the Ourcq canal, in Aulnay-sous-Bois. Meanwhile, the big heritage institutions keep their steady pace: the Versailles fountains, the candles of Vaux-le-Vicomte, the funfair of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Our pick of the week goes to the farewells rather than the headliners. A closing street dance gets less press than a July 14 fireworks show. But it says something truer about a Paris-region summer: it always ends, season after season. Here are ten outings to fill the weekend around Paris, from a closing ball to a musical picnic.

Fête de Draveil (91): one last round at the Île de loisirs du Port aux Cerises

The Fête de Draveil wraps up on Sunday July 26, after two weeks of activities on the Île de loisirs du Port aux Cerises. A musette ball and fireworks for Bastille Day, a regional theatre festival, sports tournaments: the programme ran from July 13 to 26, on the banks of the Seine.

The island's natural setting makes the difference. People come as much for the water as for the party. Entry stays free for most activities, a real argument in the middle of a season full of paid outings.

It's a short, tight format, built for a fortnight rather than a whole summer. Draveil closes its summer chapter before quieting down until next year.

Bals Barges in Aulnay-sous-Bois (93): the last dance on the Ourcq canal

The Bals Barges take their final bow this weekend, on Sunday July 26 exactly. Since July 4, these free popular dances have animated the banks of the Ourcq canal in Aulnay-sous-Bois, as part of L'Été du Canal.

Waltz, rock, tango, salsa or musette: each evening switched rhythm, with no ticket and no sign-up. Locals and visitors danced together, generations mixed, right by the water.

It's a last chance before next year. The simple, almost old-fashioned format stands apart from the paid festivals filling the rest of the summer. One final evening to close three weeks of open-air dancing.

Grandes Eaux Musicales at the Palace of Versailles (78): the weekend fixture since April

Every Saturday and Sunday since April, the Grandes Eaux Musicales bring the gardens of the Palace of Versailles to life. This July 25 and 26 is no exception. The fountains designed by Le Nôtre come alive to baroque music, from Lully to Charpentier.

The show dates back to the 1660s and the reign of Louis XIV. Visitors walk through groves closed to the public the rest of the year, ending with a grand finale near the Grand Canal.

A Paris-region classic that never wears out. Tickets sell fast in summer, so book ahead. Access by RER C, Versailles Château station.

Fête des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78): France's oldest funfair keeps going

Established in 1652, the Fête des Loges still fills the Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest this weekend, running until mid-August. It's France's oldest funfair, and one of the region's busiest summer events.

More than 200 rides, thrill attractions and treat stands set up under the trees. Three million visitors pass through over the full season.

Entry is free; you pay per ride. It's the ultimate family outing, blending fairground tradition with modern thrills. Late July lets you enjoy it away from the July 14 crowds. Direct access by RER A.

Candlelit Evenings of Vaux-le-Vicomte in Maincy (77): 2,000 candles on Saturday night

On Saturday July 25, the Candlelit Evenings light up the château and its gardens once again. Running since 1980, this event happens every Saturday night from mid-May to late September.

2,000 candles trace the paths and façades of the château, a 17th-century masterpiece designed by Le Nôtre. The fountains play at dusk, in a mood unlike anywhere else in the region.

Visitors can simply wander through, or book a candlelit dinner before the closing fireworks. An hour from Paris, it's the weekend's romantic escape. Booking is advised, the evening often sells out.

Paris Plages (75): sand and deckchairs on the quays until late August

Paris Plages continues its season along the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette. Running since 2002, this summer operation turns the Paris quays into free urban beaches, open every day.

Deckchairs, misting stations, water activities and sports sessions run through late August. No booking needed and no set day: access stays open from morning to evening.

It's the easiest weekend option for families staying in Paris. Drop by for an hour or a whole afternoon, depending on the heat and the mood.

Open-Air Cinema at La Villette (75): the Triangle lawn turns into a giant screening room

Since July 22 and until August 16, Open-Air Cinema at La Villette sets up its giant screen on the Triangle lawn. Running since 1992, it's one of the capital's oldest outdoor film events.

Every evening draws viewers who arrive in family groups or with friends, picnic spread on the grass, for a film under the stars. Access stays free, within the limits of ground space.

It's an easy outing to improvise on a late-July Saturday night. Best to arrive early to claim a spot on the grass before nightfall.

Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre (75): open-air opera below the Butte

Since July 22, Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre has offered open-air classical and lyric evenings in the 18th arrondissement. The Orchestre des Arènes and guest singers perform under the stars, at the foot of the Butte.

The format stays intimate, far from the big summer stages. People come here for the voice and the orchestra, not the crowd.

It's an alternative to the region's larger classical festivals, a short walk from the Sacré-Cœur. The programme runs until August 15.

Caillebotte Festival of Yerres (91): painting in the garden that inspired Impressionism

This weekend again, the Propriété Caillebotte hosts the Caillebotte Festival of Yerres, in the very park that inspired painter Gustave Caillebotte. Temporary exhibitions, open-air painting workshops and guided tours run through this listed historic site.

It's a festival built around painting, not music. A rare choice in a region where open-air concerts dominate the summer calendar.

20 km from Paris, the mood stays calm, almost studious. An outing that breaks from the rhythm of balls and concerts, good for a family Sunday.

Les Dimanches au Bord de l'Eau in Nogent-sur-Marne (94): the guinguette comes back to life

On Sunday July 26, the Port de Nogent revives the spirit of 19th-century guinguettes. Les Dimanches au Bord de l'Eau has offered dances, dance lessons and jazz and musette concerts since early June, every summer Sunday.

Tastings and children's games round out the afternoon, on the banks of the Marne. The mood stays bucolic, far from the Paris bustle.

It's a loyal gathering for fans of Paris-region popular tradition. Come with family or friends for an afternoon between picnic and dance floor.

Worth a mention too

• Garden Parvis (92): La Défense's free festival keeps animating the Puteaux esplanade until July 30, with concerts, DJ sets and street food.
• Festival d'Auvers-sur-Oise (95): this classical music festival, founded in 1981, continues its season until September, in the monuments of the Val-d'Oise, on Van Gogh's home ground.

To see what's happening elsewhere in France this weekend, head to our full weekend agenda. Have a good weekend in the Paris region, between closing dances and long-running institutions.