Something for the Weekend (8th - 10th July)

A few suggestions for things to do and places to go in and around Paris this weekend.

Activities

Haute Cuisine
Surely the most pretentious event of the weekend, if not the year, ('an emotional and aesthetic journey'!) but it may be of interest to some. The idea behind the event - held in the Palais Royal gardens - is to couple cuisine with the current ongoing Haute Couture shows in Paris, attempting to find links between the worlds of food and fashion. What is perhaps most irritating of all about the event - and perhaps something that outlines clearly the objectives of the organisers - is how they have transformed 'haute cuisine Paris' into a registered trade mark (visible on this page)!

See here for more information: http://www.hautecuisineparis.com/site/GB/

Fête des Tuileries
For something much less pretentious, with food that is anything but haute cuisine, try the funfair in the Tuileries. Although it is dressed up as being something with historic roots, it is in fact just a strip of fun rides and activities, some of which are reserved for only the most daring (or those with the strongest stomachs, especially if they have also just eaten some chichis).

Full details can be found here: http://www.feteforaine-jardindestuileries.com/index.html

Un Petit Bain
The newest venue on the Seine is a floating barge called Le Petit Bain. Designed specially by a collective of architects called Encore Heureux, it combines a concert venue of 450 places, a rooftop terrace and a restaurant all inside something that looks like a wooden box. Concerts are generally on a Latino theme, and it should be the hottest location of the summer!

Find out more here: http://www.petitbain.org/.

The Triathlon de Paris
Staying alongside the Seine, the Triathlon de Paris is taking place this weekend, starting with a 1.5km swim in the river by the Eiffel tower. Although it is of course too late to sign up now, it should be spectacular to watch and very photogenic, and a temporary village has been set up on the Champ de Mars with stands that may tempt you into trying the discipline next year!

http://www.triathlondeparis.fr/

Restaurant and Bar of the Week

Le Cafe des Musees
Not a recent opening or a venue that has suddenly become fashionable, but one that has remained simple, reasonable and of good quality over a number of years. Amateur food critic John Talbott reminded us of its qualities with a post on his blog this week, describing "food that is fine and as well-priced as one can find in Paris".

49 Rue Turenne, 75003

Take a Break from Paris

Enghien

Just 15 minutes from the centre of Paris, Enghien is nevertheless a world apart. The town is based around a lake and spa at its centre which gives it the second part of its name - les bains. This water feature also gave it a second advantage as - given the obscure licencing laws in France - it was able to install a casino.

However, this summer it is at one of the town's other attractions that most of the action will be taking place - the Hippodrome d'Enghien. As well as the standard racing, a whole series of other events are being organised, two or three days a week, throughout the summer.

Full details can be found here: http://www.cheval-francais.eu/fr/les-actualites/evenement-et-manifestation/enghien-invitation.html