Best of Paris: Festivals Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.

Among the squeeze-box instruments at the shop Paris Accordéon is a rare and beautiful carved antique accordian. THIS ARTICLE IS FROM National Geographic Traveler National Geographic Traveler Save 74% and experience new destinations! ORDER NOW

Fête de la Musique
June 21. An idea from the 1980s minister of culture that has become a national institution. Free concerts of all kinds all over Paris. http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr

Fête des Vendanges
Second weekend of October. Annual Montmartre grape harvest festival. Jolly neighborhood party with music and fireworks. www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com

Fête Nationale (Bastille Day)
July 14. Dancing on the site of the Bastille, a big parade on the Champs-Elysées, fireworks around the Eiffel Tower after dark.

Gay Pride March
Late June. Its organizers claim that Paris's is the world's biggest. Parade from Montparnasse to the Bastille, followed by a concert. http://marche.inter-lgbt.org

Paris Plages
Mid-July to mid-August. Parisian life transformed by more than a mile of temporary beach along the Seine embankments. Palm trees, music, and parties in the evenings.