traveldk.com

The haute couture houses of Paris launch their Summer Collections in January and their Winter Collections in July, when the eyes of the world fashion trade focus on the city. Major events take place in the Carrousel du Louvre, giving an indication of their status. Visit the fashion houses in person at least one month in advance to see if there are tickets available.

Film buffs should be sure to verify the exact date of this annual event, held each June. For just one day, cinemagoers pay full price for the first film that they see, but can then see as many other films as they choose, for a few Euros each.

Paris is home to jazz all year round (see Jazz Clubs), but every summer there is a major jazz festival in the city. Acts from all over the world come to play in the Parc Floral de Paris in the Bois de Vincennes, but there are many lesser venues involved as well.

Classical music performances centred around the Bassin de Neptune Fountain at Versailles. This is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the gardens. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Don’t miss this summer highlight if you really want to understand the French passion for cycling. Towards the end of July each year, the world’s greatest and most gruelling cycle race approaches Paris. The final stage is the Champs-Elysées, when thousands of fans pack the street to cheer the riders home and see who will win the coveted Yellow Jersey.

This major festival promotes arts across the board in Paris, commissioning new works and encouraging all walks of life to see and enjoy performances of dance, music and drama.

Paris used to be one of the country’s major wine producers, but these days only the vineyards at Montmartre remain (see Montmartre and Pigalle). These produce just under 600 litres (5 barrels) of wine each autumn, but great fun is had at the Fêtes des Vendanges when the wine is auctioned off for charity. There are parades, speeches and, of course, much drinking.

Europe’s biggest horse race in terms of prize money takes place at the Hippodrome de Longchamp in the Bois de Boulogne. Entry to the lawns is free, but a small admission charge is payable for the enclosure.

The arrival of the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau wine is celebrated throughout France, but especially in Paris. Bars, cafés, restaurants and wine shops all join in the fun, hosting lively tastings and other events. Look for signs saying “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé ” (Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived).

Paris reveres the art of photography probably more than any other city in the world and every alternate November (in even-numbered years) it hosts the “Month of the Photo”. Galleries, museums, shops, cultural centres and many other venues all give space to exhibitions, workshops and lectures on all aspects of the art. For anyone interested in photography, it is the most exciting time to visit Paris.