Something for the Weekend (December 9th - 11th)

Another weekend in December, another mix of shopping and culture!


Activities

Shopping
In the run up to Christmas, several special markets and salons are being organised each week. Here's a little selection of this weekend's events:

• Salon Art Terrible: contemporary art fair held in the Espace Commines, a converted 19th century industrial warehouse.


• Hotel Boheme: an 'ethical' craft fair, featuring the creations of around 50 Paris-based artists and creators. Situated just alongside the Grand Rex cinema in the 2nd arrondissement.


• Noel en Bio: organic food and drink producers will be selling their goods on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Espace des Blancs-Manteaux in the Marais.
  

Sempé un peu de Paris et d’ailleurs
If you're shopping in the centre of Paris, make sure you pop in to the - free - exhibition at the Hotel de Ville celebrating the work of French cartoonist Jean-Jacques Sempé. Many of his humerous drawings feature Paris, but the 'elsewhere' is not forgotten, with scenes set across the world.

Until February 11th
Hotel de Ville
Every day except Sunday, 10am - 7pm

Little Paradis
For a perfect combination of shopping and culture, head out to the up-and-coming 'Rue de Paradis' district in the 10th for a weekend of visits and special events.Art, design and fashion will be featured in shops, galleries and workshops in the area throughout the weekend.

Full details here: http://www.littleparadis.fr/

The Art of Maths
The Fondation Cartier hosts some of the most interesting exhibitions in Paris, often on specific - and unusual - themes. The centre is currently celebrating the power of mathematics to unravel and measure the world, with creations from an eclectic selection of artists including David Lynch and Raymond Depardon. Entitled 'Mathematics: A Beautiful Elsewhere', the exhibition was curated by a prestigious team of scientists and mathematicians, who worked with the artists to explore the themes.

Until 18th March
Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
Bd Raspail, 75014, M°Raspail
Click here for full information about the exhibition.

Take a Break from Paris

The Fête des Lumières in Lyon
Lyon may be France's second city, but for much of the year it is a curiously discreet place. This all changes in the run up to Christmas with its world-famous light and sound spectacles held across the city over a weekend.

Full details here: http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/EN_1

This year you can combine a visit to the event with a visit to the Biennale de Lyon, a gathering of over 70 artists from around the world who are exhibiting their creations at four different venues across the city.