In the early 1980s, the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, created La fête de la Musique. Since that first year, thousands of musicians have flooded the streets of Paris on the evening of June 21, rain or shine, to put their talent on show.
In each arrondissement, Paris cafés, brasseries, street corners, parks, squares are packed full of make-shift stages and performers singing or playing their hearts out. There’s even guides to make sure you know the places to be!
My first year in Paris, I did the Saint Germain de Près/ Odéon circuit. Great fun for an introduction to the festival. In the years that followed, I’ve stayed pretty much in my neighborhood to enjoy the “local” talent. Each area seems to have its own flavor. Since moving to Montmartre a few years ago, I’ve watched from my perch above the infamous lamp-studded stairs to see what this year will bring…
A quick peek of the event now celebrated all over the world.
Happy summer! Here’s hoping we get to see a little Parisian sun in the weeks to come!
