International Agricultural Show

23 February - 3 March

In a country which practically enshrines high cuisine, this event draws huge crowds as it showcases the best of the livestock, exquisite culinary dishes and most other things having to do with gastronomy.

Le Printemps des Poètes (Poetry Festival)

3 - 16 March

In the streets, in cafes, in schools, museums and stations - the whole of Paris become a stage for poetry readings, debates and other events during this literature-fiesta.

Paris Film Festival

March - April (tba)

Aimed exclusively at the cinema-going public rather than the movie industry, this festival showcases new original productions in the Cinéma Gaumont Marignan, located on the incomparable Champs-Elysées.

Foire du Trône

22 March - 25 May

One of spring's most popular funfairs (to the tune of five million visitors a year), this family-oriented attraction is a great way to ring in the warm months of the year.

Foire de Paris

30 April - 12 May

This huge event draws some 800,000 visitors every year to the Porte de Versailles; in other words, it's worth a look!

Printemps des Musées

17 - 18 May

Whether genuinely interested in culture or merely curious, this event

is a major draw for both visitors and locals, as hundreds of museums waive their entry charges and invite the masses to admire their collections , sometimes even with guided tours thrown in!

The French Open

25 May - 8 June

The biggest sporting event in France sees the best tennis players in

the world - and hordes of spectators and media - crowding into the city to slugging it out for the prestigious title and even better prize.

Fête de la Musique

21 June

Held on the longest day of the year, the entire city - and country,

come to that - gives itself over to music, with free performances by international artists being held in venues both indoors and outdoors all around the city.

Midsummer Fireworks

24 June

Saint John the Baptist is commemorated on the shortest night of the year with a fireworks display.

Paris Gay Pride

28 June

If a massive street party isn't enough, the highlight of the day is the traditional parade, which is impossible to miss!

Solidays

4 - 6 July

Probably the biggest charity event in the country, this weekend sees performances, exhibitions and other events drawing in well over 100,000 visitors, all to promote awareness and raise money to prevent the spread of HIV.

Bastille Day Celebrations

13 - 14 July

Completely impossible to miss if you're anywhere near Paris,

the national day celebrations are marked by a huge military parade down the Champs-Elysee and fireworks over the city skyline.

Techno Parade

13 September

Techno lovers turn up in droves to take part in this annual parade, Paris's answer to Berlin's now dormant Love Parade.

Festival des Inrockuptibles

November (tba)

Widely considered the best rock festival in the country, if not the continent, this event organized by one of the leading music magazines in the country sees performances held at a variety of venues throughout the city.