“The whole of Paris is a vast university of Art, Literature, and Music…”
~ James Thurber
Last week’s Spotlight touched on the top five student travel activities in Paris for all types of tours. This week, we’re going to focus specifically on the unique opportunities that Paris can offer performance groups. One of the (many) beautiful things about France’s capital city is the variety of music you can find on a daily basis. From opera to jazz to symphonic music, the city is a feast for a musician’s soul.
Top Five: Paris Peformance Tours Venues
1. Cité de la Musique – Philharmonie de Paris
The City of Music, located in Parc de a Villete, is dedicated to (you guessed it) music. The complex now includes the Philharmonie de Paris as well as the Museé de la Musique, special exhibitions and workshops, and hosts over 400 concerts a year. The Museum is home to thousands of instruments, from Chopin’s piano to one of Frank Zappa’s guitars. If your group has time, have your tour company explore the plentiful educational and workshop options. With offerings for elementary students all the way up to high school, you’re sure to find an engaging experience for your own group. Cap it all off with a concert by the Orchestre de Paris. Certain evening performances throughout the year are are only €5 for student groups.
2. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris offers the same high quality Disney Performing Arts Program that the stateside parks offer. Your group will have the opportunity to take part in one of their stellar workshops, or perhaps perform on one of Disney’s stages or in a parade. Your group will need to submit an application. Be sure you’re working with a company who is familiar with Disney’s processes and rules, as they are plentiful and particular. (Tip – you can filter by Disney in the Performance Tours and Events category.)
3. L’église de la Madeleine
La Madeleine is one of the most prestigious performance venues in Paris. Built in the Neo-Classical style, La Madeleine doesn’t look like a church from the outside. In fact, it looks more like a Greek temple, but it is a living parish with a rich musical history and a full concert schedule. Be sure to check out the pipe organ, which dates back to the 1800s and has seen its fair share of famous organists and composers.
4. Parc du Champ-de-Mars
If your group is looking for an outdoor venue, look no further than the Parc du Champ-de-Mars. The beautiful park runs from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire. At all times of the day, you’ll find people picnicking and milling about. Access to the park is free, a definite plus as your group will have an audience.
5. American Cathedral
There is no shortage of churches and cathedrals in Paris, and many of them welcome performance groups. For your trip to Paris, consider the American Cathedral, which is located just off the Champs-Elysées. The American Cathedral was consecrated on Thanksgiving Day 1886, making it one of the oldest English speaking churches in Paris.
Download the Paris Meeting Flyer and others here.
Disclaimer! Many sites, venues and activities are closed, have limited hours or other various restrictions due to Covid-19. Be sure to check with your tour company and/or the sites themselves for more detailed information.
