A new year begins in Paris, and despite restricted budgets there are still many things to look forward to. Here is a small selection.
Architecture and Urbanism
With municipal elections looming in 2014, the current team are planning to get as many projects as possible finished this year. Here are just a few of the new developments that we can expect in the coming months.
The Seine riverbank
Some see it as mayor Delanoë's continued war against the motor car, others a necessary reclamation of the city's waterways, but a further chunk of the riverbank will be opened up to pedestrians this Spring. This section is close to the Musée d'Orsay, and will see floating gardens and a selection of sporting facilities.
For more information: http://bergesdeseine.paris.fr/
Place de la Republique
Another development with the needs of pedestrians firmly in mind is the regeneration of the Place de la République. Long a starting point for political demonstrations, it had also been a wasted - and rather ugly - giant roundabout. In June, over half of the Place will be pedestrianised, with artists' impressions showing cheerful people sipping drinks at cafés in the new piazza. The reality will probably be a new, more comfortable home for the drunks that have always congregated here, but at least it will better than before.
For more information: http://www.placedelarepublique.paris.fr/
The Carreau du Temple
To the south of the Place de la Republique is another long-awaited redevelopment, the reopening of the old Carreau du Temple market. In a zone that has become ever more fashionable since work began on this project, the opening of a new large space that will be able to organise exhibitions, live performances and sporting events is sure to be a successful one.
The Louxor cinema
One of the oldest surviving cinemas in Paris, Le Luxour, will re-open this Spring, 15 years after it last closed its doors. Completely reworked inside, but still proudly displaying its Egyptian-influenced facade, it will be dedicated to the 'cinema of the south'.
For more information: http://www.paris-louxor.fr/
Described as being the first energy-positive large-scale building in a built-up city, the Halle Pajol is the regeneration of an old railway maintenance shed alongside the tracks leading to the Gare de l'Est. Although this building - which has kept the iron framework, but rebuilt with wood and other 'natural' materials - is already partially open, it is the indoor garden that people are particularly looking forward to visiting.
For more information: http://www.paris.fr/accueil/urbanisme/la-hall-pajol-fait-le-plein-d-energie-positive/rub_9650_actu_99601_port_23751
Exhibitions
With budgets stretched, there are no blockbuster exhibitions scheduled this year. Nevertheless, expect these shows to keep visiter numbers ticking over.
Chagall entre guerre et paix
From 21 February to 21 July 2013
Musée du Luxembourg
L'ange du bizarre
Gothic fans will be pleased with this investigation of the 'romantisme noir', with over 200 creations from Goya to Max Ernst featuring spirits, witches and demons!
From 5 March to 9 June
Musée d'Orsay
Keith Haring
From 19 April to 18 August
Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
Roy Lichtenstein
From 3 July to 4 November
Centre Pompidou
Frida Kahlo et Diego Rivera
Autumn 2013
Musée de l'Orangerie
Regular events
It is the year of South Africa in France, so expect a regular season of events from May to December. In addition to this, there will also be the now traditional calendar or events and happenings in the city. See below for the dates.
- Chinese new year: Feb 10th
- Nuit des Musées: May 18th
- Fête de la Musique: June 21st
- Paris Plages: July/August
- Journées du Patrimoine: September 14th/15th
- Nuit Blanche: October 5th
