As France celebrates the official start of summer on Tuesday with the 35th annual Fête de la Musique, FRANCE 24 takes a look at some of the free concerts happening in Paris as part of the festivities on the longest day of the year.

Advertising Read more

L’Orchestre de Paris

A must-see for classical music lovers. This year, the prestigious Orchestre de Paris will be performing Gustav Mahler’s moving 4th symphony beneath the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum. The orchestra will be conducted by its new musical director, Britain’s Daniel Harding, and will star German soprano Christina Landshamer.

10:30pm-12am at the Louvre Museum Auditorium, Rue de Rivoli, 75001. Métro: Palais Royale – Musée du Louvre (line 1).

Djeli Moussa Condé

Born in Guinea, Djeli Moussa Condé has had a long and eclectic musical career, working with such greats as reggae legend Alpha Bondy and revered jazz pianist Hank Jones. He’ll be performing his own soulful version of afro-pop at the impressive Musée national de l’histoire de l’immigration in the 12th arrondissement (or district).

8pm-9:30pm at the Musée national de l’histoire de l’immigration, 293 avenue Daumesnil, 75012. Métro: Porte Dorée (line 8).

Aldoc, Bell XI

There will be two amazing acts performing at the Centre Culturel Irelandais in the 4th arrondissement during Fête de la Musique: Aldoc and Bell XI.

Known for its unique sound, Aldoc draws from multiple influences, including Irish trad, reggae, hip-hop, bluegrass, funk and African music.

Irish indie pop-rock band Bell XI has more of a lyrical, subdued sound, and is famed back home as one of the most popular bands to come out of Ireland.

7pm-10:30pm, Centre Culturel Irlandais, 5 rue des Irlandais, 75005. Métro: Place Monge (line 7).

El Wah

For those looking for a little soul, the group El Wah will be performing their own vibrant interpretation of the genre, which draws on both old-school and contemporary sounds, at the Maisons des Ensembles in the 12th arrondissement.

7pm-11pm at the Maisons des Ensembles, 3/5 rue d'Aligre, 75012. Métro: Ledru-Rollins (line 8).

QUEEN BEE

There’s really nothing quite like the Japanese group QUEEN BEE, which brings together elements of punk and glam rock to produce their own unique and electric style of music. They will be shaking things up at the Maison de la Culture du Japon in the 14th arrondissement.

8pm-9:15pm, Maison de la Culture du Japon, 101 bis quai Branly, 75015. Métro: Bir Hakeim (line 6).

For more information on this year’s Fête de la Musique in France, visit the festival’s website here.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe