ÉCU-The European Independent Film Festival

The usual hustle and bustle of Paris starts to slow in July as Parisians head off on les vacances. But that does not mean that Paris is left at a stand still – it’s quite the contrary in fact…

Event: Paris Fashion Week  (Mode à Paris)

Details: For all you fashionistas out there -- this is an event you, surely, will not want to miss. Come check out the haute couture fall and winter 2012/2013 collections from all the famous and luxury brands, like Christian Dior, Chanel, Versace and others! Be the first to see the next big trends in the city that continues to be known as the fashion capital of the world!

When: July 1 through July 5th

Where: Various venues around Paris. For location and times, please visit to www.modeaparis.com/fr.

Metro: Depends on venue location

Event: Festival Paris Cinema

Details: This year will mark the 10th anniversary for this Paris summer festival. Every year, the Paris Cinema IFF honors important figures in the cinema industry by showcasing a vast retrospective of their works. This year, the festival is honoring one of the top cities in filmmaking: Hong Kong – the third largest film producer in the world. This special program is in collaboration with the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society. The festival is also honoring some iconic filmmakers, such as Raul Ruiz, along others.

When: Through July 10th

Where: Various venues around Paris. For locations and times, please visit www.pariscinema.org/uk/.

Metro: Depends on venue location

Event: Bastille Day

Details: Whether you say Bastille Day, La Fête de la Bastille or La Fête Nationale, the national event marks the beginning of the French Revolution. On this day in 1789, the Bastille prison was stormed, thus starting the first of many events that changed France’s history and helped make it into the Republic it is today. With much of the spirit and patriotism of America’s Fourth of July, France celebrates with fireworks, parades, picnics, and of course, beaucoup de champagne!

When: July 14th

Where: The main parade starts at 10am on the Champs-Elysées and the fireworks begin as soon as the sun has set.

Metro: Line 1 /9 Franklin D. Roosevelt or Line 1 George V for the parade and

Line 1 /6 Trocadéro for main firework event.

Chopin Festival

Details: Chopin comes back to life during this festival as the Parc de Bagatelle is filled with the romantic melodies of the great composer. Held annually since 1983, this music event is a definite must for any music lover or aspiring composer. Come relax and forget the heat and humidity as your ears are filled with the enchanting notes of Frederick Chopin.

When: June 16th through July 14th (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 20:45 to 22:45 and Sunday from 16:30 to 18:30)

Where: Bagatelle Orangerie: allée de Longchamp Grille d'Honneur 75016, Paris

Event: Paris Plages

Details: Everyone wants hit the beach as soon as the summer starts to heat up. But, it can be a bit of an issue for those who don’t live so close to one! That doesn’t stop Parisians! In fact, running up and down the River Seine, from the Louvre to Pont du Sully, sand, beach chairs, umbrellas, ice cream venders, music and open-air bars can all be found and the banks are transformed into the city’s beach. No need for expensive airfare or long sweaty road trips, this beach is just minutes away. What are you waiting for? Go stick your toes in the sand!

When: Starting around June 20th for four weeks

Where: Multiple locations following the Seine from the Louvre to Pont du Sully. For more information, please visithttp://www.paris.fr/english/visit/highlights/paris-plages/rub_8208_stand_34146_port_18969.

Event: Tour de France

Details: This is the 99th edition of the infamous Tour de France. The extensive bike race is comprised of 20 stages for a total distance of 3,497 kilometers! That’s 11,473,097 feet for all your Americans who don’t get the metric system. The conclusion of the Tour de France ends on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and is something to see even if you’re not a sports fan. Trust us, this is an event that you won’t want to miss. Come watch as the racers sweep through on their last leg of the tour and applaud their strength and endurance!

When: Ending July 22nd in Paris

Where: Avenue des Champs-Elysées

Metro: Line 1 /9 Franklin D. Roosevelt or Line 1 George V

Event: Grassroots Cinema Festival

Details: Love movies and being outside? Why not enjoy them both? Pack a picnic, bring along a blanket or two and relax on a warm summer night and watch a movie -- outside! This open-air film festival is a chance to visit the city’s gorgeous green parks and watch some amazing free films, yes we said FREE. From indie to major blockbuster hits, films are shown in their original language and shown on giant screens! What’s not to love?

When: July 25 2012 through August 26

Where: The Parc de la Villette: 211, avenue Jean-Jaurès 75019, Paris starting at 21 :00 to 23 :00. Please visit www.villette.com/fr/for more information.

Metro: Line 5 Porte de Pantin and Line 7 Porte de la Villette

Summer Sales/Soldes d’été

Details: Summer marks the months of sales. Starting in June, everything from shoes to sofas goes on sale. We’re talkin’ major markdowns here! So, even if you’re on a budget, everything your heart desires will suddenly become attainable!

When: The entire month of July

Where: All over Paris

Metro: At all metro stops

Boat Tours Along the Seine

Details: When the weather is nice there is nothing better than being outside soaking up the sun. So why not take a lazy tour down the stunning River Seine and see all the beauty that Paris has to give during the bright summer months. Day or night, lunch or dinner, sightseeing or just rockin’ out on the dance floor there are tons of things to do on these boat tours depending on your mood.

When: Throughout the year

Where: Along the banks of the Seine

Metro: All metros located along the Seine