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La Fete Des La Musique Paris

We are ending a 3 week France sojourn with the last 3 nights in Paris arriving late in day on the Monday 20th of June via train from Rouen. Staying in 5th arrondissement at Hotel Des Ecoles. I noticed Tuesday June 21 is the “Music Day” and wondered if anyone had been in Paris on previous music days. Any tips on good spots to enjoy the music? Or places to avoid? We are four adults in our early/mid 70’s. Not keen on crowded situations. Or very loud rock! Any advice would be welcome. Also would like a restaurant recommendation for our last evening in Paris on Wednesday the 22 that would be memorable but not too late. (Hopefully back at hotel by 9-9:30.) We have an early morning flight out on the 23rd

Posted by
10120 posts

If you are concerned about noise, be sure to request courtyard side rooms rather than ones facing the street.
Music will be everywhere: cafes, parks, inside venues, on the street. I can't recommend or tell you what to avoid, but you'll run into music just walking around.

Restaurants: I recently went to Le Bon Saint Pourçain, which had been recommended by Tocard on this website. The food was excellently prepared, fairly classic, and I recommend. It's not all decorated, but solid bistrot. Tables outside and you need to reserve. https://www.bonsaintpourcain.com/

Another we've been to a few times and went to again last week: Restaurant l'Initial, which was first posted here by janettravels. This is a more researched cuisine with little mousses for sauces, multiple courses in small portions. It's what is considered fine cuisine, but the price is very reasonable for the quality. You need to reserve an evening meal now. It does get booked. https://restaurant-linitial.fr/

Posted by
10178 posts

I was there for it in 2018 and enjoyed wandering around and enjoying music for as long as I felt like it, then I moved on looking for other places to listen. I didn’t buy tickets for any venues.

Posted by
7981 posts

For us, it was interesting once. The most interesting venues were packed; there were some fun pick up groups here and there on the street -- and we observed our only full out brawl in Paris outside of the Black Block mischief during the demonstrations -- no idea what these dudes were fighting about but about 20 of them were going at each other not far from Invalides. It is fun to stumble talented singers or players here and there.

Posted by
1734 posts

At the town hall of the 9th, 6 Drouot street at 7 p.m. there will be a free concert of classical music which will play Schubert's 5th symphony

. At the Petit Palais auditorium, avenue Winston Churchill Paris 8th, there will be several classical music concerts starting at 2 p.m.

At the Sunset Sunside Jazz Club 60 "Des Lombards " street Paris 1st, there will be several jazz concerts starting at 7 p.m.
All these concerts are free but places are limited, you must plan to be there 30 minutes before.

Posted by
27 posts

IN the Latin quarter you will get the highest number of musicians, if you don't like crowds then avoid the rue de la huchette-tiny streets near the river, packed with students and there was loud rock.
Walking around is part of the fun. For places to avoid, i would it is the late hours that are best avoided, as some people tend to drink and while at 8-9 it is good fun, at 11 midnight it can be unpleasant, with some people drinking a bit too much

Posted by
1734 posts

Anyone know when they will release this year’s schedule?

The official website is usually

https://fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr/

This year I don't see the agenda yet.

If you are a musician you can still register if you want to play music and organize a concert :))

Another website still very complete concerning activities and outings in Paris has started to publish a list.
It's in French only, use an online translator.

https://www.sortiraparis.com/actualites/fete-de-la-musique/guides/53382-fete-de-la-musique-2022-a-paris-et-en-ile-de-france

These are just the very organized gigs.
Many other musical performances will take place in dozens of bars, restaurants, squares, gardens, streets.

Depending on your preferences sometimes it will be great, and sometimes it will be unbearable.

Those who will always be happy are the improvised sellers of soda, beer, merguez and ham sandwiches :))
(cliché!)

Posted by
9404 posts

Did you mean to say you are staying at Hotel des Grandes Ecoles?

If you are staying at Hotel des Grandes Ecoles, it is one short block from Place de la Contrescarpe where there will be music and chances are good that you will hear it from the hotel.

Posted by
52 posts

Thanks for posting that, JoLui! I’ve been watching the official page, did not know about that one!

Posted by
22 posts

Thanks for the info. That will be our last day in Paris before heading home and it would be a lovely way to end the trip walking around and listening to live music.

Will pharmacies be open as normal? We will need to get our return Covid test for the US that morning of the 21st.

Posted by
1734 posts

There are no changes to the openings of pharmacies, stores, banks, administrations, etc.