Le Prix de Diane
One of the most prestigious flat racing meetings of the year takes place this Sunday at the Chantilly racetrack, but the spectacle is much in the stands as on the track. The winner of the main race of the day will pick up the Prix de Diane (and share in a purse of 1 million Euros!), but there will also be a 'Prix de l'élégance mademoiselle' for the most elegantly dressed young lady in the crowd!
Note: Those coming by train will have free entry to the racetrack on presentation of their ticket. Free entry is still possible for those coming by car though - simply download an invitation for two people from Dimanches au Galop website.
For more information see: http://www.prix-de-diane.com/.
Belleville, a village 'en fête'
The Belleville district will see a series of events on Friday and Saturday, along the Rue de Jourdain, the Rue des Pyrenées and in front of the church. An artists' village will be set up, and shops in the area will also be joining in the party. There will also be plenty of events for children as well as live music on Saturday.
Artist open days in the Pré Saint Gervais
Not too far away from Belleville, artists in the town of Pré Saint Gervais district will also be holding open days this weekend. Several events are planned throughout the town and in the artists' studios over the weekend, and perhaps the best way to experience these is by taking one of the special buses that will be running regularly from outside the Porte des Lilas Metro station
See the official website for more information.
Digital Paris - Futur en Seine
Futur en Seine, an annual ten-day festival describes itself as a chance to display "the latest digital innovations to French and international professionals and to the general public". Although these installations are spread out across the Paris region, the festival opens this weekend with a special event at the 104 arts centre.
See the official website for more information.
Wanderlust
Alongside the Seine next to the Gare d'Austerlitz sits a strange-looking building with a green exterior. Nearly three years after the redesign (by architects Jakob + Macfarlane) of this industrial building was finished, it will finally start seeing a few visitors this weekend. After seemingly changing project and name every few months, the structure - a concrete hulk originally used as a warehouse - has been launched as the city's largest terrace and nightclub. Events are planned day and night from Wednesday to Sunday, mixing fashion, arts, leisure, food and music. Something for everyone - if the sun shines!
For basic information on upcoming events see: http://www.wanderlustparis.com/. A more complete site should be launched soon.
Paris Jazz Festival
This Saturday sees the launch of the annual jazz festival at the Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes. When the sun shines it's the perfect place in Paris for a picnic.
For more information see: http://parisjazzfestival.paris.fr/.
A walk under high-voltage power lines
If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary this weekend, how about a nature walk alongside a strip of electricity pylons? The walk is jointly organised by the electricity network and the museum national d'histoire naturelle, and aims to show the impressive biodiversity that exists in these corridors. The walk, on Sunday at 2.30pm, begins outside of Paris in the small town of Marolles-en-Brie, meaning that a car will be probably required to get there. Nevertheless, for those who do make the effort, snacks and a small gift are promised!
See the blog for more information.
Football - from a different perspective
The Euro 2012 football tournament begins this Friday, and although you'll be able to follow it in numerous bars around the capital (despite Al Jazeera buying the rights..), perhaps the most interesting experience will be at the 104 arts centre on Sunday. Organised by Tatane, the association of ex-international Vikash Dhorasso, the day will begin with a football tournament in the main hall, continue with film and music in the afternoon, then end with the Italy v Spain match on a giant TV screen. The main difference? Commentary for the match will be given by comedians and journalists - and even by controversial ex-manager Raymond Domenech (who Dhorasso has clearly forgiven now).
Entrance for all events is free, but note that you should reserve your places for the match in advance by sending an e-mail to contact@104.fr.
See the blog for more information.
A new month, warm weather, long evenings - plenty to feel inspired by in Paris this weekend!
Menil'Fest - a festival in Menilmontant
Running for a week from May 31st, the Menil'Fest event in the Menilmontant district of Paris (20th arrondissement, around the Père Lachaise and Menilmontant M° stations) brings together music, slam and artists in several locations, including an outdoor stage. Saturday and Sunday will be the busiest days with an 'allée des créateurs' and live music on the Boulevard de Ménilmontant.
For full information on the event, see here: http://leprintempsdemenilmontant.org/
Designer's Days
This four-day event is the chance for Paris to highlight the leading role it plays in the fields of design and architecture. Dozens of visits and happenings are scheduled across the city, which along with events in shops and galleries will also include the visit to an unfinished new Metro station that is normally strictly off-limits to the public.
One of the most interesting events could be the 'Portraits' exhibition at the Boutique Talents - Ateliers d’Art de France (1, bis rue Scribe - 75009 M° Opéra). Several creations (furniture, sculpture, textiles..) will be placed in a series of interactive scenes for you to investigate and touch. Additionally - and most interestingly - a photographer will be present at each 'scene' ready to take your photo with the object concerned - a photo that you will be able to take home as a souvenir!
For more information see: http://www.designersdays.com/. I'm not sure if it's just my browser or if it's a temporary problem, but the person who designed this site certainly doesn't deserve an award.
Jardins de l'Essone
If you're looking to get out of Paris for the weekend, the best option could be to escape to one of the dozens of gardens taking part in the annual 'Rendez-vous aux jardins' event in the Essonne department to the south of Paris this weekend. Activities range from simple visits to 'picnic spectacles' with theatrical performances, so there should be something for everyone.
Click here for more information on the gardens and their locations.
A few ideas for things to do in what promises to be a warm weekend in Paris.
An affordable art fair
Advertised as an event for those who don't dare to push open the doors of a gallery, the Grand Salon d'Art Abordable, held at the Bellevilloise this weekend, will feature over 200 creations from more than 40 artists - all available at 'bargain' prices. Ok, maybe the investment will still be quite substantial, but at least you'll know that the money goes directly to the artist, and if you choose carefully, you never know how that investment could grow in the future.
For full information on the event, see here: http://www.salon-art-abordable.com/
Les Irisiades at Auvers sur Oise
With the weather promising to be warm (at last...) this weekend, what could be better than a trip to the village of the impressionists and Van Gogh, Auvers sur Oise? Always an interesting and pleasant place to visit, this weekend sees the annual 'Irisiades' festival, which is basically a large garden show at the Chateau d'Auvers.
For more information see: http://www.new-paris-ile-de-france.co.uk/events-paris/festivals/les-irisiades-295711.html.
Gare du Nord - an exhibition of Dutch photographers in Paris
Paris has of course been an inspiration to photographers from all over the world, and those from Holland are no exception. Featuring mostly pictures from a golden post-war age in the 1950s, it brings together work from over 50 photographers and includes portraits of some of the major stars of the period as well as ordinary scenes of the city itself. As an additional bonus, you can also discover two rare experimental films from the 1920s and 30s, one of which focusses on the life of the Les Halles market.
Click here to download the press release in English, which not only gives details on opening times and the location of the show, but also details on the photographers and their pictures: http://www.institutneerlandais.com/tentoonstelling/PDF/Gare_du_Nord/DEFPressreleaseGareduNordDutchphotographersinParis2012.pdf.
Photo top, from exhibition: Fred Brommet, Place de la Madeleine, 1956
A couple of ideas for things to do this weekend in Paris.
Nuit des Musées
The Nuit des Musées is another French idea which has now been largely exported across the continent and beyond (indeed, the event is now known as the nuit européenne des musées). In Paris, over 170 events are planned in the city's museums, most of which will open until midnight, and all of which will be offering free entry.
Highlights include theatre at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (which will be opening until 1am), a performance by automates and a treasure hunt at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, an artist's flea market at the Monnaie de Paris, a haunted photo walk for teenagers (called 'Oh my ghost'!) at the Petit Palais, a guided visit of the new Les Docks, Cité de la Mode et du Design and an evening of American folk music (in honour of Bob Dylan) at the Musée de la musique.
For full information on the museums particpating in Paris and the programme of events, see here: http://nuitdesmusees.culture.fr/ville/?q=UGFyaXM
Note: Paris smartphone app creators Urban Pulse have designed a special 'Nuit des Musées' app which includes a list of themed walks linking participating museums and events. Perhaps more importantly, they also promise live information on how long queues are at the various locations around the city, helping you to carefully plot your evening! Visit the site for information on how to download the (free) app: http://urbanpulse.fr/sortez-de-chez-vous/nuit-europeenne-des-musees/
Le Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris
This Sunday sees the running of the richest and most prestigious jumps race of the year in France, at the Auteuil race track in the Bois de Boulogne. Run over a distance of more than five miles and more than 20 hurdles, it was first organised in 1874 as the French equivilent of the English Grand National, and attracts thousands of race fans - as well as international jet setters to the hippodrome.
For more information see: http://www.grandsteeple.com/.
A few ideas for things to do on a very busy weekend in Paris.
Artist open days in Belleville
The daddy, of all the artists' open days, and now in its 23rd year, the Belleville event covers four arrondissements and over 200 artists. The interest is not so much in the art, but rather the opportunity it offers to explore the hidden corners of this most interesting district of Paris.
Note: For a rapid overview of the work of all the artists involved, visit the Galerie des AAB, 1 rue Francis Picabia, 20e, M° Couronnes.
For full information on the artists involved and their addresses, see here: http://www.ateliers-artistes-belleville.org/pg.php?p=4
A treasure hunt
This Sunday the streets of Paris will be the scene of a giant treasure hunt with the chance to win a weekend in Prague. Teams are limited to either two or three people, and you need to register your team in advance.
For more information and to register your team, click here: http://www.bonpied-bonoeil.com/crbst_4.html.
Urban Film Festival
A weekend of films, dance and live painting at the 104 arts centre and the Rotonde alongside the Bassin de la Villette.
Full information here: http://www.rstyle.fr/www.rstyle.fr/Urban_films.html
Nature days
Across France, people are being encouraged to redicover the nature they share their surroudings with. In Paris, the event is above all centred on the Jardin des Plantes, with a weekend of events including films for children, a specially created village, visits and shows. Star of the event this year - our feathered friends.
Full information on all events across France here: www.fetedelanature.com/
Les dimanches au galop
Last chance this Sunday for some free horse racing fun for all the family, with a final meeting at the city's most prestigious track, Longchamp.
More information here.
May is a strange month in Paris. With all the extra long weekends and people needing to use up their holiday entitlement before the counters begin again, you're never too sure what day of the week it is. Here are a few ideas to keep you busy though, whether you think it is a Monday or a Saturday.
Artists open days around Père Lachaise
Artists in the 20th arronidssement around Père Lachaise will be opening their studios this weekend. As usual, the event is less about discovering stars of the future, and more about discovering hidden courtyards and studios.
Note: For a rapid overview of the work of all the artists involved, visit the La Librairie Equipages bookshop at 61 rue de Bagnolet.
For full information on the artists involved and their addresses, see here: http://www.apla.fr/blog/
A Paris rugby derby
Paris is not one of the world's major sporting cities. Sure there is Roland Garros and other assorted world championships, but rarely is there a key match in any sport between two teams from the region. This Saturday, and for the first time in many years, the two main rugby teams in the area - Racing Club and Stade Français - will meet at the Stade de France in a crunch game that will go a long way to deciding which of them will progress to the end of season play-offs.
Tickets - starting from just €15 - are available here.
Intersquat festival
Last chance this weekend to discover the annual intersquat festival which features film shows, music, debates and even barbecues in squats across the capital.
Until May 6th. Full information here: http://paris.intersquat.org/
