Sunday, June 20, 1965
The Beatles travel to Paris
Last updated on August 1, 2026
Sunday, June 20, 1965
Last updated on August 1, 2026
Previous article Jun 16, 1965 • More post-sync work for “Help!” at Twickenham
Interview Jun 18, 1965 • The Beatles interview for BBC World Service
Article Jun 20, 1965 • The Beatles travel to Paris
Concert Jun 20, 1965 • France • Paris • 3pm show
Concert Jun 20, 1965 • France • Paris • 9pm show
Next article Jun 21, 1965 • The Beatles have a day off in Paris
Paris • Palais des Sports • France
Jun 20, 1965 • 9pm show • France • Paris • Palais des Sports
Paris • Palais des Sports • France
Jun 20, 1965 • 3pm show • France • Paris • Palais des Sports
On this day, The Beatles and their entourage — including Brian Epstein, his secretary Wendy Hanson, Neil Aspinall, Mal Evans and chauffeur Alf Bicknell — flew from London to Paris to begin their 1965 European tour.
Before their departure, the authorities at London Airport barred fans from entering the terminal to see the group off. The decision angered The Beatles and their management, prompting an official statement criticizing the restrictions.
The group arrived at Paris-Orly Airport at 10 a.m., where only around 50 fans, including about 10 British girls, were waiting to welcome them. Plans for a press conference were abandoned after the police refused permission, fearing it could trigger a riot.
The Beatles then checked into the George V Hotel, despite earlier reports that they would be staying at the Relais Bisson, before performing two concerts at the Palais des Sports that afternoon and evening.
When the group returned from their European tour on July 4, London Airport had lifted the restrictions, once again allowing fans to greet them on their arrival.
The Ministry of Aviation did not discuss with us any new scheme for controlling crowds. [The Beatles] are always surprised and pleased by the reception they got from fans at the airport, and they hope too many fans weren’t disappointed on Sunday.
From The Beatles’ press office
The European tour was a joy. I’d sorted out my International Driving License, but Eppy didn’t think I’d be doing much driving. It was more a case of me being on hand to help out Neil and Mal. The first port of call was Paris, where we were staying at the Georges Cinq Hotel. The boys were playing a couple of shows at the Palais des Sports.
Alf Bicknell – The Beatles’ chauffeur – From “Ticket To Ride – The Ultimate Beatles Tour Diary” by Alasdair Ferguson and Alf Bicknell, 1999
Airport blockade bars Beatle fans
STREAMS of Beatles fans flooded to London Airport yesterday to wave farewell to four of Britain’s Most Busy Envoys… and found quite a reception committee awaiting them. The airport entrance was barred by police with dogs. And a Ministry of Aviation spokesman admitted: “We asked for police protection, because of our past experience when the Beatles are passing through.”
It was the frst time the airport had barred pop fans.
Only about 300 beat the blockade… because they had stormed the airport the night before.
There was a quiet reception, too, when the MBE Beatles landed in Paris. But they gave two shows later to packed-out audiences. And Paris put George Harrison in romantic mood… He and 19-year-old model Pattie Boyd had “definite plans” to marry, he said. “But where and when is another question,” he added. “We’re not in a mad rush to do anything yet.“
Twenty-two-year-old George said this as he recalled that two George Harrisons from Liverpool have married ahead of him. Both times fans have besieged the wedding parties, thinking it was the Beatle.
George said: “We have time on our side, and we can wait for the right day and the right moment to come along. There is no doubt I will marry Pattie. But we’re not engaged, or anything like that. I’m the youngest in the group — and Pattie’s career means a great deal.“
From Daily Mirror – June 21, 1965
Airport ban on Beatles fans
THE Beatles office in London this week issued a statement after hundreds of fans were banned from entering the airport arena to see the group off to Paris last Sunday. The airport authorities said it was a security precaution. But the Beatles office said: “The Ministry of Aviation did not discuss with us any new scheme for controlling crowds.“
And, adding that the Beatles did not ask for any restrictions , they added: “They are always surprised and pleased by the reception they got from fans at the airport, and they hope too many fans weren’t disappointed on Sunday.“
The B side of “Help!” — next Beatles single out on July 23 is “I’m Down,” a new Lennon-McCartney song sung by Paul.
The Beatles return from their European tour on July 4 at London airport at noon, aboard IB Flight 424.
Their next film, “A Talent For Lovin’ ” has not been scrapped — just delayed pending location problems, it was officially announced this week.
From Melody Maker – June 26, 1965
PARIS CHEFS GET READY FOR BEATLES
LAST time the Beatles were in Paris they stayed at the Hotel George V — two gastronomic stars in the Michelin food guide — and didn’t go much on the cooking.
This weekend they’re staying at the Relais Bisson. Wonder what they’ll make of their specialities: grilled dace in fennel and rib of beef cooked in Bordeaux wine.
The chef is reported to have declined to turn his hand to jam butties.
From Melody Maker – June 19, 1965
The Beatles Diary Volume 1: The Beatles Years
With greatly expanded text, this is the most revealing and frank personal 30-year chronicle of the group ever written. Insider Barry Miles covers the Beatles story from childhood to the break-up of the group.
If we modestly consider the Paul McCartney Project to be the premier online resource for all things Paul McCartney, it is undeniable that The Beatles Bible stands as the definitive online site dedicated to the Beatles. While there is some overlap in content between the two sites, they differ significantly in their approach.
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