Spring is arguably Paris's best time. The enormous Parc de Sceaux, south of the city, has its own bursting of cerisiers (cherry blossoms) in April. As soon as it gets warm, the Buttes Chaumont and the Quais de la Seine are crawling with picnickers. Buy a bottle from a ce (wine cellar) and squeeze between groups.
The first day of summer, 21 June, is World Music Day, and the city becomes a cacophony of bands, musicians, singers and parties. Bastille Day is 14 July, which means fireworks. August is a dormant month in Paris – French people take les vacances seriously and take several weeks off. During this month, every restaurant and bar opening hours should be checked. For those in town, there's Paris Plage (on the right bank of the Seine, the Canal Saint-Martin and the Bassin de la Villette): river- and canal-side deckchairs and sun umbrellas, sporting activities, games and pop-up outdoor swimming.
Autumn brings back-to-school energy in September – dubbed "la rentrée", meaning lots of new exhibition openings and good energy post summer relaxation.
Paris is steeped in its history, and that carefully maintained relationship to its past is a special one – especially as modern cities see relentless turnover and developmental change. Paris's prominent past and bountiful traditions are worth souring, but those who are making Paris a dynamic, delicious and creative contemporary place today are not to be overlooked. Paris attracts an international crowd, and the art, cuisine and tourism services reflect this, showcasing ever-expanding ways to reinvent French culture.
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