The Paris Carnival; a fun-filled spectacle in the capital’s streets

Winter is winding down and the herald of spring is the Paris Carnival! Come and have fun on Sunday March 3rd, 2019 when you attend the 22nd modern edition of this must-see event. This year, whatever your age, you are invited to join in with the theme ‘One for all, and all for sport’.

Festive fun for all

The 22nd edition of this great Parisian event promises, as it does every year, a spectacular show. This colossal parade through the city’s streets involves dozens of colourful floats, the astonishing giant puppets of the Théâtre aux Mains Nues, and hundreds of masked and costumed characters. The Paris Carnival also brings together thousands of dancers and musicians, circus performers and street artists. The atmosphere is exciting, convivial and fun, and it’s all free, so come along and have a great, family-friendly time.

Get to the Place Gambetta on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 from 13:00 for setting off at 14:00. The procession will follow a route to the Place Auguste Métivier, the Boulevard de Menilmontant, the Boulevard de Belleville, and the Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple to arrive at about 17:00 in the Place de la République. The party continues in the square until 20:00 hours!

A tradition dating from the Middle Ages

Here at the Grand Hotel Saint Michel, we are fascinated by the origins of the Paris Carnival, which has definitely existed since the 16th century, and may even be older. It traditionally took place after the Feast of Fools, a festive celebration of great magnitude in the Middle Ages. The Paris Carnival was held every year, except during the two world wars, before going on hiatus between 1952 and 1997 due to a lack of volunteers to organise it. In 1997, thanks to a cultural movement, it was reborn from the ashes and has gone on to be as popular as ever!

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Grand Hotel Saint Michel, a refined hotel at the heart of Quartier Latin