Foire du Trône and cultural activities !
Category : Entertainment
March 25th sees the start of the Foire du Trône, an annual event that guarantees fun and excitement for young and old alike. Located on the Pelouse de Reuilly, 20 minutes from the Hotel Pavillon Bastille, this huge funfair offers the perfect opportunity to relax with family or friends, as it has done now for more than a thousand years.
A fair steeped in history
In the year 957, with Paris on the brink of famine, King Lothair decreed that the monks of the Saint Antoine Abbey, who were accomplished bakers, should sell their pain d’épice (a kind of spicy bread or gingerbread) to the people. This became an annual event called the Foire aux pains d’épices, taking place during Holy Week and gradually taking on a festive atmosphere as musicians and other entertainers began to attend. During the reign of Napoleon I the event moved to the Place du Trône-Renversé (today the Place de la Nation), from which it gained its current name. From the Middle Ages to today, however, one thing has remained constant; the wonderful atmosphere and good natured fun of this venerable fair, the oldest in Paris. Today the Foire du Trône offers numerous rides and other attractions to entertain, amuse and thrill some 5 million people each year. You know that a fair that has lasted a millennium just has to be good!
The largest funfair in Europe
Spreading over an area of thousands of square metres, the Foire du Trône is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, as well as being one of the most prestigious. Fairground operators gather here from all over France, offering a wealth of fun and thrills every day from noon to midnight, and to 1:00 am on weekends and holidays. Coinciding with the first fine days of the year, the fair gives everyone the chance to enjoy beautiful days and warm evenings.
A fair full of fun for all ages
As well as the many adrenaline pumping rides for the more adventurous, there are many attractions for younger children, such as the fun house, the haunted mansion and the ghost train. Giant trampolines and mini-karting will also give them a whole host of fun. For older children, the Skyfall, which takes you way up above the fair and then lets you drop, will be simply irresistible. There are also classic rollercoasters and an adventure mini-course with fun-packed challenges for young and old.
Fun-filled days
The Fun fair takes place from March 25th to May 23rd. On May 1st, on the occasion of Labour Day, the Pelouse de Reuilly will be the scene of a spectacular fireworks display. On May 7th, the Fair will play host to a parade of floats and vintage cars, as well as music performances.
On May 15th Portuguese Day will bring an exotic touch to the proceedings as it features the traditional tunes, folk dances and culinary specialities of that colourful country.
Cultural outing in the capital
The next few days, the best cultural events arrive in the capital! You can choose between the Grand Market of Contemporary Art and the Book Fair and old papers. But we recommend to choose them both ! These two events are to discover Place de la Bastille from April 28th to May 2nd, 2016. This is ideal since the hotel is just 2min away! Enjoy an exclusive promo code NEWPB directly on our website to have access to a free breakfast buffet!
We await you for a memorable stay under the sign of fun, culture and sharing. See you soon !
Don’t hesitate to consult the other pages of our website to discover the best Parisian places and events!
Le Pavillon Bastille, a charming hotel in the heart of Paris Bastille