Something else for the weekend

A bit of an overspill this weekend as I have forgotten several important events!

The Salon de la Photo
This weekend sees the first important photography event of the season, a large-scale exhibition at the Paris Expo in the Porte de Versailles. Divided between art and technology, it covers everything the photography fan could want or need.

Best of all, visit this link for a free entrance pass! http://www.invitationphoto.com/


Animal Expo
Another exhibition, but this time a lot more kitsch! Held at the Parc Floral - always worth a visit at weekends - it is celebrating its 20th edition in the company of over 20,000 animals. So what makes it kitsch? The 'best of breed' cat show is a riot of carefully groomed moggies, but for the non-cat lovers you'll also be able to see skating and singing dogs!

http://www.animal-expo.com/


Portes d'Or
On many weekends across the year, the artists of different districts of Paris open the doors of their studios to curious visitors. This weekend it is the artists of the Goutte d'Or, between Barbes and Montmartre, who will be showing off their creations - and their courtyards and apartments!

With the Vendanges de Montmartre also taking place this weekend, it will be a good opportunity to take in both events.

http://www.portesdor.fr/


Les Puces du Design
Fan of twentieth century design? For its 25th edition, the biggest design 'flea market' in Paris moves away from the Bassin de la Villette to take up residence in Bercy Village.

http://www.pucesdudesign.com/


If I have forgotten anything else, don't forget to add the event in the comments below!

Something for the Weekend (7th - 9th October)

With the end of the unseasonal weather, we can say perhaps that autumn truly begins this weekend. To cheer you up, here's a selection of interesting events around the city that should nevertheless encourage you to get out and about.

Activities

A Spider Show
Not a show for the faint-hearted perhaps, but one that may just help even the most extreme arachnophobic to see another side to our eight-legged friends. The "Au fil des Araignées" show at the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle tries to change the public perception of the spider as a terrifying little menace, by showing exactly the valuable role it plays in our eco-systems. On top of that, large-scale photos will also try to convince us that they can sometimes be beautiful too!

See the official website, complete with animated creepy-crawlies, here: http://araignees.mnhn.fr/

Daily (except Tuesday) from 10am to 6pm, entrance from €7 to €9
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle, 36 rue Geoffroy St-Hilaire, M°Gare d'Austerlitz/Jussieu
Until July 2nd 2012

Fete des Vendanges in Montmartre
This year's wine harvest in Montmartre is being celebrated under the theme of 'the islands', bringing a distinctly carribean feel to the butte. Apparently this is the third most widely attended event of the year in Paris after Paris Plages and the Nuit Blanche, so expect big crowds, especially for the parade on Sunday at 3pm.

Until Sunday 9th, at various spots around Montmartre
http://www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com/

Paris Burlesque Festival
Viva Las Vegas is the theme of this third edition of the festival, meaning an ambience of casinos and caberets at the Bellevilloise venue. As well as the traditional performances and 'burlesque' lessons for willing amateurs, there will also be a series of conferences. Most interesting amongst these will be a walk around the caberets of Montmartre on Sunday morning with the coolest historian/DJ in the city, Sylvanie de Lutèce! Places are limited, but you can try your luck by reserving via histoiredeparis@yahoo.fr

http://www.parisburlesquefestival.fr/

Paris - proche et lointain
Photographer Patrick Faigenbaum, born in Paris in 1954, has long had a passion for the city. Proche et lointain (near and far), his exhibition at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, describes both his personal and geographical links to Paris.

Including family shots, views around the city, snaps of the suburbs to the east, west, north and south, and pictures of the city taken from a distance (Saint-Germain-en-Laye), it's a pictorial love affair with Paris - displayed in the most 'romantic' spot in the city!

Until February 12th
Musée de la Vie romantique
Hôtel Scheffer-Renan 16 rue Chaptal, 75009

L'hôtel particulier - une ambition parisienne
This new exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture in the Palais Chaillot (Trocadero) aims to tell the history of Paris by tracing the development of large townhouses across the various districts of the city. On Saturdays, the exhibition is enlarged with film screenings on the theme of 'la maison de ville au cinema'. First up are short documentaries about some of the featured houses, and these are followed by a different film each week, including The Magnificent Ambersons, Reversal of Fortune and Dangerous Liaisons.

More details : http://www.citechaillot.fr/exposition/temporary_exhibitions.php?id=180


Take a Break from Paris

Barcelona in Bibracte

Bibracte, in the Burgundy region of France, is an ancient Gaullois capital which is today something of an archeological theme park. Every two years a festival, Réperages, is organised which aims to celebrate the culture of a major European city. After Prague, Budapest and Istanbul, this year Barcelona is the chosen city, which means music, dance and cinema, as well as tapas and a giant paella! A good opportunity to explore this interesting site.

Although not especially far from Paris, it can be tricky to get to on public transport. For the weekend of the festival though, buses will ferry passengers to and from the nearest train stations. Full details at the address below:

http://www.bibracte.fr/fr/magazine/festival-reperages-barcelone_01_03.html

Residency looking for willing artists

VINGT Paris, a curious mix between real estate and arts listings based in Paris, is attempting to combine the two spheres by offering artists the opportunity to live and work in Paris for a month rent-free in one of the company’s managed apartments.

Until October 19, 2011, candidates, artists of all mediums, are asked to submit portfolio, written motivation and proposals to residency@vingtparis.com to be considered for the project. The goal is to encourage artistic creation in Paris by offering residencies throughout the year in a paid‐for Parisian apartment as well as the opportunity to showcase work at a final event as defined by the artist, and profiled in the VINGT Paris Magazine.

For this launch residency, the artist will stay in the 15th arrondissement in a 15m2 apartment from November 20th to December 20th, and will work closely with the VINGT Paris Presents curator to create the final event. However, it should be pointed out that the artist will need to pay for other expenses including travel, food, and supplies.

If you are interested or know somebody else who may be, full details on the application process and an overview can be found on www.vingtparismagazine.com.

Something for the Weekend (30th September - 2nd October)

A few ideas for what promises to be a busy weekend in Paris.

Nuit Blanche or Black Nights?
The Nuit Blanche is the big event of the weekend (see my suggestions here), but for those who prefer something quieter and more reflective after dark, the Jour de la Nuit offers a series of events across France that will seek to reclaim the night from noise and light pollution.

Potato Days
Although there may be a debate about how the night should be, there is no debate about the potato - everyone loves them don't they? Apparently they still need a promotional day though, but if that means tastings in the Jardin des Plantes of the recipes of renowned chefs, I'm all for it.

White Yoga Session
After a sleepless night and an overdose of potatoes, you might need something to help you refind your shape. What better than a Sunday morning yoga session? Here - at the Champs de Mars - you'll be surrounded by 2000 other people, but you'll also have the Eiffel tower to focus on. Apparently its already fully booked, but I'm sure they won't notice another couple of people joining in to one side - just remember to wear white!

If you're looking for something a bit more sporty, there are two options;

Une Journée sur l'Eau
On the Basin de la Villette this Sunday you'll be able to discover the world of water sports. The French Olympic kayak and rowing teams will be present to demonstrate their disciplines, and of course you'll be able to get in the water and have a go yourself!

http://www.unejourneesurleau.com/

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The biggest horse race meeting in the French calendar, and one of the biggest in the world, is actually a rather short sprint. Nevertheless, although the race itself, at 4.15pm on Sunday, is quickly over, the event spreads over two days. Go on Saturday for the sport, Sunday for the spectacle.

http://www.prixarcdetriomphe.com/

La Nuit Blanche 2011

Good news for this 10th edition of the Nuit Blanche event - the current prediction is for a warm and dry weekend. Although many of the installations are inside, very often you'll need to queue outside for long periods, so it's always better if it's not raining!

The event is divided across four zones, loosely linked to the lines 12 and 14 of the Metro (both of which will therefore be running all night). Below you'll find more information on these zones (the limits of which are not always very clear) as well as some of the highlights in each.

For full information, see the official website: http://nuitblanche.paris.fr/en

Hotel de Ville
(M° Hotel de Ville/Saint Paul/Rambuteau)

Purple Rain
Artist Pierre Ardouvin has taken inspiration from the Prince song and film to create a surprising installation in the courtyard of the Hôtel d'Albret. Whilst listening to snippets of the song, you can walk around the set under a fine sprinkling of purple water carrying a purple umbrella!

Batignolles - Pigalle
(M° Rome/Brochant/La Fourche/Place de Clichy/Blanche)

Earth-Moon-Earth
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata was sent by morse code from earth, reflected from the surface of the moon, and then received back on earth. Afterwards, Katie Paterson took the result, including notes that had been lost in craters or deep shadows, and retranslated it into a new score. The result will be played on a mechanical piano at the Theatre Ouvert.

The Grande Finale
Spanish artist Karmelo Bermejo's installation - an video of a fireworks display financed by a bank and centring on the word 'recession' - may be amusing, but what is really interesting here is the opportunity it offers to discover the Lycée Chaptal.

La Nouvelle Athènes - Saint Georges
(M° Trinité d’Estienne d’Orves/Saint-Georges/Pigalle/Anvers)

Dance (All Night/Paris)
In another lycée, this time the lycée Edgar Quinet, Mélanie Manchot will set up a silent disco. Professional and amateur dancers, all equipped with headphones, will dance to a variety of different musical styles, with the results broadcast live on giant screens.

Black Cloud
A theme is possibly developing here - in yet another school, Carlos Amorales will fix 30,000 paper butterflies around the walls. What could be beautiful becomes slightly menacing, as all 30,000 are made from the same black paper.

Montmartre - Anvers
(M° Pigalle/Abbesses/Anvers)

Extra-Systole
France Dubois will reinvent the funiculaire that leads up to the Sacre Coeur, dressing it up in red lights that will beat like a heart. Expect queues at the top and bottom!

I will keep a light burning
If you do manage to make it to the bottom, take a trip to the Square Louise Michel where you'll find a glimpse of the future. Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil will present the night sky of October 1st 2111 in 500 candles!

Something for the Weekend (23rd – 25th September)

The autumn may begin on Friday, but the autumn season in Paris is already in full swing. A selection of some interesting events this weekend can be found below.

Activities

30 Years of the TGV
France's famous TGV train is 30 years old this September, a date which certainly merits a celebration. The Gare de Lyon, the first station in Paris to host the train, will be the scene for the festivities which will include a 'TGV experience' (four specially prepared carriages and a visit to the driver's cabin) and later on, the 'nuit de TGV' with music and video displays on the facade of the station.

See the official website for full details on the programme: http://www.30anstgv.sncf.com/

KIOSQUORAMA

Continuing from last weekend's event (bands and musicians in the city's bandstands with additional stands promoting local actors in sustainable development activities alongside), this weekend's concerts are taking place at the Square des Epinettes in the 17th (M° Guy Moquet) on Saturday 24th, and the Parc de Belleville on Sunday 25th.

Full details of events can be found here: http://www.kiosquorama.org/

Spectaculaire
Not sure what cultural events are planned in Paris in the coming months? For the fourth year running, the city of Paris is organising a special event to promote as many of these happenings as possible. This includes promotional stands, but also performances from some of the artists concerned and special offers for many of the shows and exhibitions.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th, Quai de Loire, 75019
http://www.spectaculaire.com/public

The Belgian new year
You need a good sense of humour to live in a country which has not had a government for nearly two years, but the Belgian sense of humour is particularly strange. Jealous of the Chinese and Russian new years that are celebrated across the world, a group of Belgian friends in Paris decided to create the 'Nouvel An Belge'. This event, organised across Montmartre, also includes a street procession, but it is above all a good excuse to drink beer and discover new Belgian talents.

Saturday 24th
http://www.nouvelanbelge.com/

Artists Open Days
Several artists open days are being organised in an around Paris this weekend. As usual, these events are as much about exploring normally unseen passageways and courtyards than discovering the creations of the artists, but you might make some unexpected discoveries.

Les Ateliers de Menilmontant: http://ateliersdemenilmontant.org/index.php

Ateliers d'artistes de Fontenay aux Roses: http://www.fontenay-aux-roses.fr/ateliers_artistes

Pleins feux sur Ivry: http://www.pleinsfeux.ivry94.fr/


Restaurant/Bar of the Week

The Fête de la Gastronomie
With French gastronomy now being recognised by UNESCO as an important cultural heritage, it seems logical that there is now also a day to celebrate this essential part of French life. This day is September 23rd, the first day of Autumn, and sees thousands of events organised across the country. In Paris, you'll find behind the scenes visits to restaurants, tastings and special offers in a number of locations.

Full details on the planned events can be found here: http://www.fete-gastronomie.fr/en/

Take a Break from Paris

The Hortillonages d'Amiens

Amiens, only an hour or so north of Paris, is always worth a visit for its cathedral and city centre recreated by Auguste Perret, but until October 15th you can also explore it through the 'hortillonages'. This festival mixes landscapes, art and performances, reinventing spaces in the city to better appreciate them. The event has two objectives; protect certain zones at risk of redevelopment, and promote young artists. A third objective, unwritten this time, is to entertain visitors to the city!

http://www.hortillonnagesamiens2011.com/

Something for the Weekend (16th - 18th September)

The main event this weekend is the Journées du Patrimoine (see my suggestions here), but there are plenty of other events happening if you find the queues too long at key heritage sites.

Activities

Parking Day
Started in San Francisco in 2005, Parking Day is an attempt to reclaim the city from the omnipresence of the car. This year's annual event is scheduled (worldwide) for this Friday (the 16th) and there are plenty of events happening in the Paris region. The basic idea is to take over a parking space somewhere in your town and city, and use it as a badminton court, picnic space or a guerilla garden! Amongst other initiatives in Paris, you'll find a 'Kar Window' in the Rue Notre Dame des Victoires (a large mirror in the place of a car, reflecting the image of the pedestrian back onto himself) and a green parade from 9.30am at the Cité internationale universitaire.

See the official website for more details on the planned events: http://www.parkingday.fr/

KIOSQUORAMA
Continuing from last weekend's event (bands and musicians in the city's bandstands with additional stands promoting local actors in sustainable development activities alongside), this weekend's concert is taking place at the Square d'Anvers (M°Anvers) this Sunday 18th.

Full details of events can be found here: http://www.kiosquorama.org/.

Tattoo Art Fest
One of the more alternative events of the weekend is the Tattoo Art Fest show near the Stade de France. Featuring many of the world's leading tattoo artists, it will also include BMX competitions, circus acts and burlesque performances, all inside a circus school!

Friday 16th to Sunday 18th
Académie Fratellini, rue des Cheminots, St Denis-La Plaine
http://www.tattooartfest.fr/TattooAF5_AccesENG.html

Tout baigne
Following last year's photographic exhibition of toilets around the world, the SIAAP, a public water treatment agency, has chosen the theme of the shower this time around. You'll find the large-scale photos all along the Boulevard de la Bastille.


Restaurant/Bar of the Week and Take a Break from Paris!

The Fête de l'Huma
Organised by Communist newspaper 'L'Humanité', this annual three-day event mixes debates, live music and...beer and sausages! Originally created in 1930 to raise funds for the newspaper, it has become a more popular event today that brings together upwards of 500,000 people each year. The musicians performing also reflect this duality - veteran protesters such as Joan Baez and Bernard Lavilliers alongside younger pop stars including April Lavigne and the Ting Tings. The music and conferences (and cheap prices) are the biggest draw, but the event also attracts a very wide range of independent caterers offering everything from lobster to kebabs, yassa to crepes!

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th
Parc Georges-Valbon,
55 av Waldeck Rochet, 93120 La Courneuve
RER Aubervilliers - La Courneuve

Full details on the line ups (and food!) can be found here: http://www.humanite.fr/fete_huma