The cultural calendar in Île-de-France is densely packed year-round with internationally recognized events.
* **National Celebrations:** **Bastille Day (July 14)** features a massive military parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. * **Cultural Festivals:** *Nuit Blanche* (an all-night contemporary art festival), *Fête de la Musique* (a region-wide summer street music festival), and *Journées du Patrimoine* (Heritage Days, where private historical buildings open to the public). * **Trade & Agriculture:** The **Salon de l'Agriculture** is a massive annual event celebrating French farming, drawing politicians, farmers, and millions of visitors. * **Seasonal Events:** Paris Plages transforms the riverbanks into artificial beaches in summer, while Christmas markets and window displays at the *Grands Magasins* (department stores) define the winter.
