Something for the Weekend (10th – 12th June)

Yet another long weekend, with Monday being a public holiday for some – but not all – Parisians (who said France was a simple country?). Enjoy any time you do have to explore!

Activities

Metro – Ticket pour un Expo
The Paris Metro has long fascinated visitors and locals alike thanks to its unique architecture, its external stretches and its mysterious hidden bits. All in all, definitely a subject that deserves an exhibition, which is good because one has just been launched at the Musée des Arts et Métiers! Given the speciality of the museum, it will naturally feature a lot of technical elements, but there is also room for interactive 'games' and a display featuring art inspired by the Metro.

For more details on the exhibition, see the official website: http://www.metroticketexpo.net/

Parade(s) – festival des arts de la rue
Just outside the city in Nanterre, this street festival will be celebrating its 22nd edition this weekend. The centre of the town will be transformed into a giant stage over three days, featuring circus acts, music, dance - and of course parades!

More details can be found here: http://www.nanterre.fr/Envies/Culture/Sortir/Parade%28s%29/Parades+2011+festival+des+arts+de+la+rue.htm

Invader 1000
To celebrate the 1000th Space Invader mosaic placed on the walls of Paris, the anonymous artist behind the pixel characters has organised an exhibition at the gallery La Generale. Itself a barely converted industrial space previously belonging to the EDF electricity company, it is hosting photos of each of Invader's 1000 creations as well as a selection of other installations.

Full details on the exhibition can be found here: http://perso.ovh.net/~lagenera/?p=425

Jardin d'été 2011 au Musée du Quai Branly
Each summer (we're nearly there..), the gardens at the Quai Branly offer a series of activities to visitors around a particular theme. This year it is "l'eloge de la lenteur" ('in praise of slowing down' perhaps) and features several spaces labelled guingette, music, theatre and even ice-cream van! In any case, a good excuse to visit an interesting space - and chill out!

See the full programme of events here: http://www.quaibranly.fr/fr/programmation/jardin-dete-2011.html

Paris Jazz Festival
Starting this weekend and running until July 31st, the Paris Jazz Festival is another 'slowing down' activitiy! Taking place at the Parc Floral near Vincennes, it combines a wide range of jazz music with green spaces where you can picnic or just lie down. If you have kids, the Parc Floral - with its large play area - is also arguably the best place in Paris to take them.

The full line up and dates can be found here: http://www.parisjazzfestival.fr/

Restaurant (and Bar) of the Week

Mon Oncle le Vigneron
"Being here is like having dinner at a friend’s house where you’re expected to eat and drink, but not help with the dishes afterward" wrote Eric Goldschein in a glowing review on the HIP Paris blog. "Just remember to call ahead" he added, but then forgot to give either the address or the phone number. Well here they both are!

2 Rue Pradier, 75019 (M° Pyrenées)
01 42 00 43 30

Take a Break from Paris

Chantilly – Le Prix de Diane
The best time to visit Chantilly is clearly in the Spring. Firstly strawberries and raspberries are in season, and what could be better to eat with the local cream? Secondly the Prix de Diane takes place. This year's edition of France's most chic horse race meeting is being held this Sunday at the hippodrome which is bang in the middle of town and also right next to the train station (which itself is only 20 minutes from Paris if you choose the right train).

The race itself is a short one, but plenty of other activities are organised on site, and you can always visit the chateau before or afterwards. Just one thing though - don't forget to take a hat!

Click on this link and you’ll even be able to get in free! http://www.prix-de-diane.com/invitation/