Something for the Weekend (17th – 19th June)

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

Activities

Skateboard Culture
For its first major summer theme, the new Gaité Lyrique centre has chosen skateboard culture. Although the links between a 'sport' and a place with a mission to explore digital culture may not be immediately obvious, organisers point out the many artistic spheres skateboarding has influenced, including music, graphics, cinema, photography, fashion and video games. All of these will be featured in one way or another over the summer, and there will even be a mini-ramp in the park opposite for those who want to learn or practice their skills!

For more details on the exhibition (which begins this Saturday), see the official website: http://www.gaite-lyrique.net/en/programmation/theme/public-domaine

Salon Emmaus
Emmaus is a charity that seeks to help the poorest and most vunerable members of society. As a means of fundraising it often organises auctions and sales. The biggest of all is held this weekend at the Porte de Versailles where thousands of bargains (and no doubt thousands of bargain hunters too) will be ready to be snapped up.

Full details can be found here.

More Jazz
Following the launch of the Paris Jazz festival (mentioned last week), two more jazz festivals begin this weekend. At La Defense, the term 'jazz' is used loosely, but the large-scale free events are desgined to attract the largest number of people possible (up to 20,000 people at each concert). The festival begins this weekend with a show by drummer Manu Katché, with guests including Sly Johnson and Finlay Quaye.

Full details here: http://www.ladefense.fr/agenda/concert/la-defense-jazz-festival-2011/

At Saint Ouen the jazz is 'manouche' and on a smaller scale, but can be found across the town in the 'puce' markets, in bars and on street corners.

Full details here: http://www.festivaldespuces.com/

Visits with Architects
Each year, A Vivre, an architecture magazine, organises a series of visits to private houses and apartments that have been redesigned by architects. The visits are run by both the property owner and the architect concerned, giving an insight into the reasons behind the design and how it works in practice. Around 20 properties can be visited in Paris (both this weekend and the following weekend), but the reservation system does seem to be a little complicated. Good luck!

The full list of places to visit in Paris can be found here: http://www.journeesavivre.fr/JAV11/TC_GeneRegion.asp?T=visit&ST=visit&R=PARIS-75

Bar of the Week

Curio Parlor
This week I discovered a new bar in the city thanks to an invite to an evening organised by Kim at I Heart Paris. A good time was had by all in a nice (but hot!) space just slightly off the main tourist trails. The Curio Parlor claims to be a modern-day speakeasy, but it actually looks more like the kind of place that was probably a swingers club not so long ago, but that's cool!

Curio Parlor, 16 Rue des Bernardins 75005

Restaurant of the Week

Pink Flamingo Pizza
The Pink Flamingo is more a take-away joint than a restaurant, but that's perfect because this Sunday it is being used as the feeding station for a 'Pizza picnic' by the Canal Saint Martin to celebrate the first year of the Paris by Mouth website. Get yourself a slice and join in the fun!

Full details here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136255876450745

Take a Break from Paris

Provins – Les medievales
Although just an hour from Paris, a trip to Provins is like a voyage back to the middle ages. At no time is this truer than during the 'Medievales' festival, where the whole town is taken over by minstrels, jousters and hog roasts. Balls and banquets are also organised, as well as presentations and displays of medieval arts and crafts.

Full details here: http://www.provins-medieval.com/

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/

Something for the Weekend (3rd - 5th June)

A long weekend for many Parisians as Thursday is a Public Holiday and Friday becomes a 'pont'. Expect to find the city quieter than usual, but still with plenty of things to do!

Activities

Rendez-vous aux jardins
Across France, 2,200 gardens will be opened up to the public, most offering a special series of events over the weekend. In Paris, the Palais Royal will be home to a 'jardin nourricier' over the period displaying fruits and vegetables, and there will also be rare opportunities to visit the gardens of the Hotel Matignon (Prime Minister's residence) and the mini forest at the heart of the Bibliothèque nationale. For a suggestion outside of Paris, see below.

For the full programme, see the official website: http://www.rendezvousauxjardins.culture.fr/?-Accueil-

Les Nuits Photographiques
Les Nuits Photographiques is a new festival held each Friday evening until June 24th in the wonderful surroundings of the Buttes Chaumont park. Join others at the Pavillon du Lac for a 'before' drink, then - when the sun goes down - enjoy projections of a selection of photo projects from around the world accompanied by DJs and live music.

More details can be found here: http://www.lesnuitsphotographiques.com/site/

Les Musicalles de Bagatelle
Staying on a bucolic theme, but with a rather more sedate event, les Musicalles de Bagatelle is a four-day classical music festival at the Bagatelle gardens in the Bois de Boulogne.

See the full programme here: http://www.fnbp.fr/-Programme-2011-.html

Bar (and Restaurant) of the Week

Le Floreal
A non-descript neighbourghood bar that suddenly became flavour of the month when a new team took over, Le Floreal has reopened this week following extensive renovations. It is much cleaner now with a more defined identity, but will it succeed in bringing back the crowds or have they all moved on elsewhere now? Several people reported that the house burger was one of the best in Paris, which should bring back some of the more curious, but the best looking addition to me is a corner of the bar that sticks right out into the street. Paris's first walk-through bar?

73 rue du Faubourg du Temple
75010, M°Goncourt

Take a Break from Paris

A midsummer night's dream
The Loire valley is an easy trip from Paris, and the Rendez-vous aux jardins event gives you an excellent reason for getting out and exploring. Amongst other locations, the spectacular gardens of the Chatonnerie castle near Tours will be hosting a performance of a Midsummer night's dream on Saturday evening.

See the website for full details of the event and the gardens.

Something for the Weekend (27th – 29th May)

Once again, not just a few suggestions for weekend activities in Paris, but also a 'restaurant and bar of the week' based on suggestions I have found around the web, and a 'Take a break from Paris' idea you might like to try.

Activities

Les Artistes de Belleville
The artists open days in Belleville is probably the biggest such event in Paris with upwards of 250 artists opening up their studios and galleries across four different arrondissements. The art may not always be particularly interesting, but the hidden courtyards and passageways that this event gives access to are never less than fascinating. Pick up a map at the event HQ then see where it takes you!

For the full programme, see the official website: http://www.ateliers-artistes-belleville.org/

La Fete des Marchés
Perhaps a rather pointless event which involves little more than live brass bands and the chance to win baskets of goods, but then anything which encourages us to go and explore a new market must be a good thing.

The full list of markets and the activities taking place can be found here.

Vive la Commune!
As part of the events celebrating the 140th anniversary of the commune in Paris, an interesting free event will be taking place alongside the Alexandre Dumas Metro station at 4pm on Sunday. Although the theatrical show involves just two actors and minimal sets, it soon grows into something much larger as members of the audience are also roped in to play key parts in the story. An interesting and interactive way to learn about the commune!

More details: http://lacommune-spectacle.fr/.

Jardins, Jardin
Few people in Paris actually have a garden, but most dream of one. The annual Jardins, Jardin show at the Tuileries gives those without the opportunity to explore their fantasies, and those with the opportunity to buy some of the latest products and creations.

Perhaps the most interesting event of the weekend though will be a conference and workshop with Richard Reynolds, the leader of the Guerilla Gardening movement. All those taking part will leave with a sachet of seeds and instructions on how they can turn the city green. Perhaps we don't need individual space to become gardeners.

More information here http://www.jardinsjardin.com/ (in French).

Restaurant of the Week

Bistro Volnay
Tom Reeves at Parisien Salon recommends this particular restaurant, and although I haven't tried it myself, I would tend to agree with him based on two simple criteria. Firstly, finding a decent restaurant in the Opera district can be a tough ask, and secondly, the two managers do look rather pleasant!

Bar of the Week

La Miroiterie
More of an artistic squat than a bar, but this Friday evening it is offering a mini-music festival featuring four different bands and beer at €2. Sounds good to me...

More details here: http://www.madcatfestival.com/ (check out those eyes...)

Take a Break from Paris

Fontainebleau - a history of art festival
A new initiative beginning this weekend and destined to become an annual event, the history of art festival taking place in Fontainebleau is a series of free events exploring how a particular theme has been treated by artists, as well as an invited country. This year the theme is 'madness' and the country Italy, and in the shadow of the castle you'll be able to see paintings, books and reviews and films amongst many other happenings.

Find the full programme here: http://festivaldelhistoiredelart.com/programme/

A Little Paradise in Paris

Also taking place this evening (26th May) is an event called 'Little Paradis' which hopes to draw people's attention to the burgeoning artistic scene around the Rue de Paradis in the 10th arrondissement.

Galleries, ateliers, studios and shops will be open until 11pm this evening, and naturally local bars and restaurants will also be taking part in the event.

For the full programme, see the official website: http://www.littleparadis.fr/

Accessibility Night: discovering just how unaccessible Paris can be!

Thanks to Mary-Kay for pointing out an interesting initiative in Paris this week. The 1st Nuit de l’accessibilité on Thursday May 26th,organised by the Jaccede association, aims to be a fun and festive event where volunteers will learn about the difficulties of life in the city for the disabled.

Meeting up at La Bellevilloise in the 20th (but hopefully not on the top floor via that rickety staircase), volunteers will then head out across the city in search of the good, the bad and the ugly, all the while sharing their findings via smartphones or live on the Jaccede website.

Finally, the evening will end back at La Bellevilloise with a free wine and live music!

Something for the Weekend (20th - 22nd May)

Now that Blogger seems to be working correctly again I can once more add a few suggestions for weekend activities in Paris. Over the next few weeks I'll also try to add a few more themes, including 'restaurant and bar of the week' based on suggestions I can find around the web, and a 'Take a break from Paris' theme which will suggest awayday destinations from the capital you might like to try.

Activities

Journées Nomades
The northern edge of the Marais definitely seems to be its cutting one today. How else can you describe an exhibition of drawings on pieces of toast using only Nutella? To celebrate the creativity of this part of the 3rd arrondissement, a weekend of events, called the Journées Nomades is being organised. Basically it is divided into three themes; visits to places of creation (galleries and showrooms), visits to places where things are made (ateliers and studios), and visits to places of culture and knowledge (museums, churches, bookshops).

For the full programme, see the official website: http://www.journeesnomades.fr/

Fete de la Nature
Every weekend seems to bring some theme to celebrate, with the subject this week being 'nature'. The focus this year is on forests, so for the major events you'll need to head out to the Bois de Boulogne or the Bois de Vincennes. For example, a visit is being organised at the Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale (tiens...) on Sunday, as well as a more general exploration of 'urban forests' starting from the Parc Floral on the same day.

The full programme can be found here: http://www.fetedelanature.com/

117 Hours of Chemistry
As part of a larger 'Science sur Seine' festival which runs until June 26th, this event, based on the 117 elements in the periodic table, will investigate the role of chemistry in our lives, through a series of exhibitions, theatrical events, visits to universities and laboratories, and walks, including one retracing the life of Marie Curie.

Full programme: http://www.anneechimie.upmc.fr/fr/les_evenements_aic/les_117_heures_de_la_chimie.html

Rooftop Tennis

The annual French Open tennis tournament begins this weekend, and to celebrate the event, a pop-up (clay!) tennis court has been set up on the roof of the Galeries Lafayette store. If you're lucky or time your visit right, you may get a free lesson and the chance to hit a few balls (but hopefully not down to the people below), otherwise you'll have to make do with the Rolland Garros themed shop selling t-shirts with crocodiles on them. At the very least though, it should offer an interesting photo opportunity.

More information here (in French).

Restaurant of the Week

Le Schmuck
Silly name, apparently good food.

(nb - I have small children which means that I don't get out to restaurants much, and when I do, they invariably feature kid's menus and play areas. For this reason, I can give no personal opinions on these suggestions - they just sound interesting to me!)

Bar of the Week

La Cave de Daron
Opposite Le Chateaubriand and Le Dauphin, this 'bar à vin' has friendly and helpful staff and a cool atmosphere in the evenings. More information here.

Take a Break from Paris

Chartres - Celebrating perfume and light!
Chartres - less than an hour from Paris by train - is having a double celebration this weekend; the beginning of a week-long Fête du Parfum, and the launch of the annual Chartres en Lumière initiative which lasts until September 17th. Visit the town by day and sample a 'fragrant' meal in a local restaurant, then stay until the illumination of the 27 buildings and sites in the town, where this weekend live music will also be played.

More information can be found here.