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

Stuck for ideas for things to do this weekend in Paris, or just want to step slightly off the beaten track? Try these suggestions...

Shopping
Affordable Art
For those dreaming of becoming art collectors, but who lack the finances to do so, the Salon d'Art Abordable may offer a solution. Featuring the work of up-and-coming artists from many different disciplines, prices begin from around €150

Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd
La Bellevilloise, 19-21, rue Boyer 75020, M°Gambetta, Menilmontant
http://www.labellevilloise.com/2012/01/16/grand-salon-dart-abordable-7/

Visiting

La France en Relief
In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the French produced a series of relief maps of its fortified towns for military purposes. These very large-scale plans later passed into the hands of private collectors, but several of them have now been brought together for a unique exhibition at the Grnad Palais.

Until February 17th, Le Grand Palais, Avenue Winston-Churchill, 75008

More information can be found here.

Illusions
28 cultural installations in towns across the Hauts de Seine department that neighbours Paris will be participating in a series of scientific events that produce some form of 'illusion'.

Click here to download a press dossier that gives full information on activities and participating sites.

Giant flowers in the Tuileries
Although the exhibition of the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama at the Centre Pompidou ended on January 9th, three of her works can still be seen in the Jardin des Tuileries. Baptised 'Flowers that bloom at midnight', these monumental creations add a big splash of colour to a park currently wearing its dark winter clothes!

Until March 1st
Jardin des Tuileries


Eating
Paris des Chefs

 
You know when an event is verging on the pretentious when you struggle to understand what the event actually is. Paris des Chefs is one of these, but even if it does turn out to be a graniloquent but slightly futile event, there will still be the recently refurbished Maison de la Mutualité to admire.  

Labelled 'the festival for creative international culinary encounters' (no less), it aims to demonstrate the 'bridges emerging between the art of cooking and the differents fields of creation'. It's principal attraction during the three days of the event will be a series of 'duos', performed in the main auditorium, and featuring encounters between chefs and personalities from other disciplines including architecture, design, acting and music (for example, Anne-Sophie Pic and Carole Bouquet). 


This being a culinary event though, there will of course be a number of stands offering tastings!


Note: the event begins on Sunday and runs until Tuesday.


http://www.parisdeschefs.com/en/accueil/

Something for the Weekend (January 13th - 15th)

Paris seems to be making a sleepy start to the year,weighed down by over-eating at Christmas followed by endless slices of the galette des rois in January.Expect calories to be burned off though this weekend at the sales, the twice-yearly battle for bargains!

Shopping
Les Soldes
The winter and summer sales are very strictly controlled in France, with official start and end dates that all shops must respect. The winter sales began this Wednesday and will continue until February 14th (how romantic...), but you can expect most bargains to be gone after this weekend. To profit from this period, most major shops and shopping areas will be open all weekend, Sunday included.

Visiting
Damien Hirst - the complete spot paintings
Artist/businessman Damien Hirst launched this Thursday an exhibition of his spot paintings simultaneously in the eleven Gagosian galleries around the world, one of which is in Paris. If you can prove that you have visited all eleven shows, you may even win a spot painting of your own!

Continuing on a business theme, concept store Colette will be selling official spotty merchandising including t-shirts, dresses, mugs and even iron-on spots!

Until February 18th, Gagosian Gallery, 4 rue de Ponthieu 75008

Colette, 213 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001

Ahoy, an Island!
Staying on a British theme, and in the same arrondissement, eleven young British artists have been grouped together in one exhibition to show the possibilities of an island.

Au loin, une île !
Until February 11th
Fondation d’entreprise Ricard, 12 rue Boissy d'Anglas, 75008
http://fondation-entreprise-ricard.com/en/exhibitions/au_loin_une_ile/pres/

Cartexpo - postcards from another age
Claiming to be the largest vintage postcard show in Paris, Cartexpo brings together hundreds of postcard dealers under the same roof. An excellent opportunity to find interesting and unusual snaps of Paris and other places around the world.

Friday 13th and Saturday 14th January
Espace Champerret, 6 rue Jean Ostreicher,75017 (M° Porte de Champerret)

Half price tickets available if you download this form: http://www.cartexpo.fr/c58_demi_tarif.pdf


Eating and Sleeping
Jules et Jim
Jules et Jim is the name of Truffaut's classic film, but also now the name of the hippest new hotel in Paris. Centrally placed in the rising 3rd arrondissement, it has been much spoken about - and much delayed - but is now open for business. I'm not sure if you will find Catherine at the hotel, but you will find a bar which is open to everybody, including at breakfast time.

http://www.hoteljulesetjim.com/

Le Camion qui Fume
Marketing itself as Paris's first gourmet food truck (does this mean the burger vans near the Parc des Princes on match days don't count?), Le Camion qui Fume has managed to convert Parisians in little over one month to become consumers of hamburgers on street corners.

That said, according to all reports these are particularly good burgers, using freshly sourced ingredients, which has got people looking online to see where the van will be parked up each day. If you are in either of the places below this weekend you will probably be tempted to give it a go, but note that at the Point Ephemere in particular, people have reported a one-hour wait to order, then a further hour before getting the food!

Saturday
Porte Maillot, 11am - 2.15pm

Sunday
Point Ephemere, 7pm - 10.30pm 

Paris in 2012: what not to miss this year

For those living in the city, or for those just planning a short visit, here is a list of some of the most interesting cultural events of the year, and some of the key dates.

Art Superstars
Once again, Paris will be hosting plenty of big name exhibitions this year. Book in advance if you want to avoid long queues!

Debussy, la musique et les arts
How Debussy was influenced by poetry and the visuals arts.
Musée de l'Orangerie
21st February - 11th June

Matisse
The first major show of the year shows how Matisse influenced modernism.
Centre Pompidou
7th March - 18th June

Degas et le nu
First major retrospective on Degas in Paris since 1988 focusses on his nudes.
Musée d'Orsay
13th March - 1st July

Edward Hopper
Grand Palais
10th October - 28th January 2013

Salvador Dalí
The year finishes with a major retrospective on the work of the Spanish surrealist.
Centre Pompidou
21st November - 25th March 2013

Paris the Superstar
Paris will also be the star of several exhibitions, notably photographic, this year.

Eugène Atget
A unique opportunity to discover some previously undisplayed work from one of the city's most famous eyes. Also the opportunity to discover Emmanuel Pottier, a contemporary of Atget who is still almost unknown.
Musée Carnavalet
18th April - 29th July

Doisneau, Paris les Halles

Doisneau exhibitions are relatively common, but this one features just his pictures of Les Halles when it was still the 'belly of Paris', including many later pictures in colour.
Hotel de Ville

8th February - 28th April

Paris vu par Hollywood

How Hollywood has featured Paris, from early recreations in US studios to more recent filmings on the city's streets.
Hotel de Ville

16th May - 25th August

Other Superstars  
Two other exhibitions promise to be quite spectacular, without any particular star names.

Phares (lighthouses)
Over more than 1,000m², the history and life of lighthouses, and how they have influenced literature and the cinema.Musée national de la Marine
7th March - 4th November

Beauté animale
An exhibition in which only pictures of animals feature, with over 130 materpieces from the renaissance to today.
Grand Palais
21st March - 16th July

Events 
Here are the key dayes for the major events in the city this year. 
 

Paris Face Cachée
A new initiative aiming to show the hidden side of the city, through a series of events and activities across one weekend. More information on this event soon on Invisible Paris.

February 4th and 5th

La Nuit des musées
The European Nuit des Musées, when museums across the continent open their doors late into the night, will be held this year on May 19th. 

Journées du Patrimoine 
The country's heritage days will be held ove the weekend of the 15th and 16th September.

Paris Plage
The eighth edition of Nuit européenne des musées, where museums open their doors until late into the night, will be held on Saturday 19th May. 

Nuit Blanche
The Nuit Blanche 2012 will be held on the night of Saturday October 6th. Expect more information on themes and featured districts later in the year.

Paris Plage will run once again alongside the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette in July and August. Exact dates will be communicated later in the year.

Something for the holidays

Although I will be one of the hundreds of thousands of Parisians to leave the city over the holiday period, for others the holidays will be an opportunity to visit the city. Luckily for them, there are plenty of special events organised, many of which are aimed specifically at the international visitor.

If you are in Paris on Christmas or New Year's Day, you will note that the city doesn't stop like certain other cities (London..). It is possible to take a Metro, go to restaurants, the cinema or the theatre and even visit the Eiffel tower. However, most of the large museums are closed on both days.


Musée des Arts Forains
For what is now becoming a tradition, the fascinating - and fairly secret - musée des arts forains - will be exceptionally open to the public over the holidays. Inside you'll find a collection of 19th century fairground equipment, most of which you can actually play with and ride on.

Until Jan 2nd 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012, M° Bercy http://www.pavillons-de-bercy.com/


C'Magic
Over the holiday period, the giant 104 arts centre in the North East of Paris is running a special magic festival. Alongside the large-scale shows of illusionists and magicians, you'll also find smaller installations that can be explored at any time of the day.

Full information on the festival and access to the centre can be found here: http://www.104.fr/#/en/


Ice Skating (and other winter sports)
More and more ice rinks seem to be popping up around Paris over the winter period, although the main installation is still the rink situated in front of the Hotel de Ville. You'll find others on the Champs Elysées, at the Trocadero, at Montparnasse and even on the Eiffel Tower (see full list here (in French, but with clear indications on addresses, dates, times and prices) http://www.paris.fr/loisirs/les-grands-rendez-vous/noel/les-patinoires/rub_10064_stand_108497_port_25228).

Note also that the Stade Charlety in the south of the city will be once again organising free 'winter sports' activities for the under 16s (http://agenda.paris.fr/evenements/908).


Keeping children amused
The Jardin des Plantes could be the place to head if you're looking for activities to keep children happy. The exhibition 'Au fil des araignées', shining a light on the hidden world of spiders, is in both English and French. On top of the interactive features that will delight creepy-crawly fans, there are also a series of special events being organised over the holiday period.

The Jardin is also home to the city's zoo, and several other museums and galleries, many of which are organising events currently. Full details can be found here: http://www.mnhn.fr/museum/foffice/transverse/transverse/accueil.xsp?cl=en


Show Time
Each year, the Theatre de Chatelet produces a Broadway musical over the holiday period, which is generally performed in English. This year the show is kitsch classic 'The Sound of Music', which could offer the opportunity for the casual visitor to spend an evening in one of the city's most impressive theatres. More information here: http://www.chatelet-theatre.com/2011-2012/?lg=_en

If you are in the city with children over the holiday period, you may also be interested to know that Dr Seuss's 'The Cat in the Hat' is being performed (in English and French it says, although I'm not too sure exactly how this works in the show) at the Theatre de la Ville in Montmartre. http://www.theatredelaville-paris.com/spectacle-thecatinthehatkatiemitchell-345


Playing
Two exhibitions in the city offer the opportunity for family fun over the holiday period. The Grand Palais is marking the 40th birthday of video games (Pong first appeared in 1972) with an exhibition called Game Story. Although the French like to focus on the wider aesthetic and cultural history of the industry, expect also to be able to play the games (if the crowds are not too large). See the official site for more details.

Also at the Grand Palais, 'Of Toys and Men' presents the history of toys in the Western world with over a thousand toys from ancient times to the present day. More information here.


Eating
Although much of Paris remains open over the holiday period, it can sometimes be tricky to find a restaurant, and it should be noted that most that are open offer special menus at very high prices on the principal holiday dates.

This list on the Paris by Mouth website provides a complete list of what will be open when in the city.


Partying
For those planning to be in Paris to see in the new year, note that the Champs Elysées is very crowded, and not a particularly pleasant to be on that evening (on most evenings in truth...), and that there will be no official firework displays in the city. If you're looking for a venue therefore to party on that particular evening, you'll find a full list here: http://www.parisbouge.com/events/2011/12/31/

Something for the weekend (16th - 18th December)

The last full weekend in December, and the first weekend of the holidays in France. Shopping is still on everyone's minds, but the party season is now in full swing too!

Shopping

Noel vintage
Vintage Christmas for brings to mind the songs of Phil Spector, but I'm not sure that that's what you'll get this weekend at the Bellevilleoise. What you will find is 50s and 60s style clothes, furniture, discs and jewellery, as well as concerts and performances by the Filles de Joie burlesque group.

More information can be found here.

Christmas market at la Rotonde
The Rotonde, one of the last remaining of Ledoux's 18th century tax collection offices in Paris, is fast becoming one of the most interesting spaces in the city. Recently renovated, it now hosts a smart restaurant and bar, with upstairs spaces that are being used for a number of different cultural events.

This weekend, the Mampreneurs (an organisation of entrepreneurs who are also mothers!) are organising a Christmas market. Expect a mix of clothes, decorations, food and gifts, as well as massages and activities for kids.

More information, including dates, times and addresses, can be found here.

Noel en Auteuil
The chic quartier of Auteuil is also organising a Christmas market this weekend, but all for a good cause. Alongside the usual foods, gifts and clothing, there will also be a brocante and a series of concerts.

Link: http://www.sortiraparis.com/loisirs/articles/45261-noel-en-auteuil-les-festiv-solidaires


Les createurs ont du coeur
Twice a year, ARCAT, an organisation that works with HIV infected people, organises a weekend of sales of designer creations at exceptional prices. In the run up to Christmas, this weekend's event at the Bastille Design Centre could be the chance to find some bargains and support a good cause.

Full details here: http://www.arcat-sante.org/120/Les_Createurs_ont_du_C_ur_sont_de_retour_du_14_au_17_decembre_2011

Visiting

The Invention of the Savage
Earlier this year I organised a trip to the Jardin Tropical de Paris, site of one of the 'human zoos' organised in France and around Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. Certain traces of the 1907 colonial exhibition remain visible there, but the exhibition at the Musée du quai Branly looks beyond these specific events to tell the stories of the people who were exploited at them.

Through a wide range of exhibits, including film, photos, sculptures, postcards, posters and costumes, the visitor will get an insight into the scope of the phenomenon and the reasons behind its popularity as well as who the people were who were involved, and questions whether certain traces of the industry remain in existence today.

Musée du quai Branly
206-218 rue de l'Université, 75007
Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday : 11am - 7pm - Thursday, Friday, Saturday : 11am - 9pm


Partying

Bitter Sweet Xmas Party
For those interested in discovering French indie rock, this Friday will give you the ideal opportunity. Not only will you get to discover 10 bands on stage, but also food, drink, DJ sets and a few stands selling 'friandises sonores'! And all that for just €5.

La Fleche d'Or
Friday 16th, from 6pm
Click here for full information on the event.

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.

Something for the Weekend (December 2nd - 4th)

Now it's December, the Christmas period can officially begin (I refuse to promote any 'seasonal' events before that date!). However, there are also plenty of other interesting (and non-commercial) things taking place. Here's my selection...

Activities

Free museums
It's the first Sunday of the month, so a number of national and municipal museums will be offering free entry. You can find a full list of these museums here.

On Ice
The first Friday of the month during winter months is synonymous with the Born Bad organised ice skating evenings at the Patinoire Pailleron! This month sees a live set (in the middle of the ice rink) from Judo, with DJ sets from Bertrand Burgalat and Christophe Lemaire. Entrance is €10 which includes the rental of the skates. There is also a bar at the venue, but it's strictly alcohol-free...which is probably a good thing!

Full information here

Sept Fois Plus à l'Ouest
A curiosity at the always interesting Espace Fondation EDF, but one that is definitely worth investigating. Artist Yann Kersalé creates mainly light installations in 'dark' places, and this exhibition is a recreation of seven of his works that were on display in Brittany this summer. The gallery is plunged into darkness, leaving the visitors to explore the creations and 'imagine' (with the help of the sounds of the wind, burning fires, crashing waves...) them in their natural environment.

Full information here

A 'real' Christmas market
Ok, there's always the lights on the Champs Elysées (and the rather tawdry market that accompanies it), or the shop windows of the Printemps and Galeries Lafayette stores and the large crowds around them, but there are also 130 other places in the capital which will be illuminated (a personal favourite of mine is the area around the Jourdain Metro).

There are also several Christmas markets, but according to those in the know, only one 'authentic' one - the marché de la Gare de l'Est. Spiritual home to the Alsacians in Paris, it's the best place to find traditional food and wine from their region. If you're around on December 6th (Saint Nicolas day), you'll also find a 4.5m high gingerbread man, and be able to listen to traditional stories from Alsace at his feet!

Shopping ideas
Christmas shopping is always stressful, so its best to find somewhere that also offers a place to relax and a little culture. Two events this weekend might fit the bill:

• Le Marché de Noel au Point Ephémere: Young creators, cupcake classes for kids, hairdressers offering 'rock' hairstyling, live music...and all that in an interesting spot alongside the Canal Saint Martin.


• Take Me Out: 'Shopping, Music & Art' it says on the website. Add drinks and a tapas bar, and you have the recipe for a relaxing event far from the madding crowds.