USA 250: Paris Celebrates American Independence

This summer, Paris marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence with a citywide festival blending sport, culture, and history. The celebrations kick off with the Eiffel Tower lit in American colors on July 3, followed by a free flag football initiation on July 4 along the Seine—a nod to the sport's Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. From late July, the NBA Summer House lands at Palais Brongniart for a first-ever French edition, offering free basketball activities by pre-registration.

Outdoor exhibitions dot the city: "Coney Island" pays homage to Brooklyn's iconic beach on the Berges de Seine, while "Plages urbaines : USA" showcases National Geographic photography. At City Hall, "Paris, USA" playfully highlights American towns named Paris. Two exhibitions at Place des Etats-Unis feature a Paris Match retrospective on Franco-American friendship and watercolors of Philadelphia by Marielle Durand. The Carnaval Tropical on July 5 adds a New Orleans brass band, Cha Wa, blending Louisiana's musical heritage with Parisian festivity.

A special exhibition at Musée Carnavalet, "1776-2026: 250 ans d'amitié franco-américaine," runs from December 2025 through September 2026, tracing the bond between Paris and Philadelphia. Whether you're a sports fan, history buff, or simply seeking a summer outing, USA 250 offers a diverse program that bridges two nations through shared celebration.