Paris promises to offer endless opportunities to soak in some culture and dine on delectable cuisine this summer. Here is a rundown of must-see highlights:
Music Festivals
Indulge in the atmospheric sounds of classical music at the annual Paris Chopin Festival. The festivities celebrate "the master of romantic music," Frederic Francois Chopin, with a series of performances from June 18 to July 14 at the historic Parc De Bagatelle chateau. Check out the 2012 Rock en Seine music festival to hear everything from jangling guitars and electronic pop princesses to rhyme-spitting MCs and garage rock. The three-day festival runs from August 24 to 26 at the Domaine National de Saint Cloud, on the outskirts of the city.
Tennis, Cycling and 24-Hour Racing
The French Open kicks off the summer sports schedule in grand-slam style. From May 22 to June 12, tennis lovers can watch top-ranked players Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams as they battle it out for the men's and women's singles championships on the red clay courts of Roland Garros. Cheer on the world's most dedicated race car drivers at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest car endurance race. The 80th edition of the marathon race will take place June 16 to 17 in the town of Le Mans, which is a one hour TGV bullet train ride from the Paris city centre. The world's most famous bicycle race, the Tour de France, culminates with the annual ride from Rambouillet to streets of Paris on July 22. Witness one of the greatest spectacles in sports as cyclists make the legendary dash towards the finish line along the Champs-Elysees.
Shop Til You Drop
Whether you're in the mood for luxury shopping on the Champs-Elysees or the funky boutiques in the artsy Montmartre district, Paris is home to a dizzying array of fashion choices. The dazzling Galeries Lafeyette flagship store on Boulevard Hassaman features architecture reminiscent of a Middle Eastern souk. The store offers everything from designer clothing and fine jewels to a gourmet food market. The Saint-Ouen Flea Market has been a fixture in the city since the 19th century. Nestled on Paris' northern end, the market offers an impressive selection of vintage clothing, whimsical novelties, one-of-a-kind artwork and antique furnishings.
Museums
Museum going is a sport in Paris, and the city is peppered with the world's finest exhibits. The Louvre, Paris' artistic centerpiece, dates back to the 12th century and houses one of the world's finest art collections, including legendary pieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Musee d'Orsay is another top museum, featuring works by Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and Rodin. The museum is housed in a stunning, Beaux Arts-style building that originally served as a train station. Cotes des Sciences et de 'l Industrie is Europe's largest science museum. The futuristic facility is home to robot, satellite and multimedia exhibits, a planetarium and the spherical Geode IMAX theatre. Many museums offer free or half-off admission on Sundays.
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