Thursday, June 7. 2007Neighbourhood Atmosphere
Some areas of Paris are like self-contained villages. People know each other, chat in the local shops and meet up in the local café. For an experience of real Paris life, there is nothing like a close-up look at the capital’s arrondissements. Many local fetes take place throughout the year, particularly in summer. Convivial and often full of fun, they usually include refreshments, music and dancing. The arrondissement fetes and themed fetes are the best ways of having a good time with the locals. Among our suggestions are: the last weekend in June, Canal en fête takes place around the canal Saint-Martin and features musical events, street theatre, car-boot sales and games for children, in an in vogue ‘green’ and alternative life-style atmosphere. At the end of June-beginning of July, the Goutte d’or art festival celebrates the ethnic diversity of this neighbourhood adjacent to Montmartre. Not forgetting the French national holiday on 14 July with its many celebrations throughout France, and of course in Paris. On the evenings of the 13 and 14, popular dances, organised in all neighbourhoods, have the crowds dancing to the sound of retro orchestras or on big stages with amplified sound… Paris is big enough for everyone to find a dance to their taste! Among other famous animations, a big traditional dance takes place annually at the Bastille to celebrate the anniversary of the French Revolution and the values of the Republic. This year, the Paris Council and Radio France Internationale are joining together to offer an evening of African music, in tribute to numerous Parisian artists with African roots. They have made a great contribution to the cultural creativity of the capital. On stage, a large orchestra, some fifteen internationally-renowned artists, percussionists, dancers… for a rich musical programme. On 14 July, military parades and commemorations take place in all of the communes in France. The parade in Paris is particularly impressive: regiments, schools and battalions march in quick time to the “Marseillaise”, from the Arc de triomphe to the place de la Concorde. Thousands of admiring spectators watch them parade down the ChampsÉlysées and then in front of the official tribune housing the president of the Republic, the government, officially invited French or foreign personalities… The festivities are rounded off in the evening with fireworks throughout France. In Paris an unforgettable fireworks display lights up the Eiffel Tower. Finally, for a greater immersion into Parisian daily life, what better than the web site “Peuplade”. Residents of the same street, neighbourhood or even city meet up in cyberspace and are thus for example, able to find a neighbour to look after their cat, people to have a picnic with on Sunday, put the world to right with over a coffee, and thus spend some time making valuable discoveries. Information on local fetes and events for 14 July This information is provided by the Paris Visitors and Convention Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Picnics with a difference
Several outdoor picnics and dinners are organised during the summer. From the most chic to the most popular and the trendiest, these meals are the ideal occasions to mix with the Parisians. Original, is the picnic at République, held on 14 July, for the French national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison. At lunch or dinner time, those taking part exchange a meal; it is a convivial moment that reaffirms Republican values: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. An even more unusual concept: the wifi picnic. The principle is simple: a meeting is arranged for people who might or might not know each other and who have a laptop with a wifi card. Everyone connects on a local network that is autonomous and temporary (no wire, no electricity and not linked to the internet). Open to everyone, in public areas, this network has a range of around 30 metres. Those who are connected are physically present in the perimeter. The first contact takes place in a communal ‘chat room’ (compatible PC/Mac). It’s the place to meet, and have fun mixing the virtual and the real – speaking and writing, exchanging photos, being creative, thinking about things, etc. –, intermingling physical and symbolic geography. Enjoying a drink, a snack, and conversation also takes place for real. As for the association Expats Paris (which regroups expatriates from all parts of the world living in Paris), it often organises dinners and picnics in typically Parisian venues: an occasion to meet a crowd of different people and find out information, even insights and tips on Parisian life. Finally, for a totally out of the ordinary dinner, make a reservation with Jim Haynes. For over 25 years, this extravagant American has been inviting perfect strangers to dinner every Sunday in his beautiful artist’s studio in the 14th arrondissement, at 8pm on the dot! The atmosphere is very friendly, and one leaves with a list of new acquaintances. An international public vies to take part in this weekly happening; it is necessary to reserve well in advance. Take note: Jim goes away for two or three weeks in August. PIQUE-NIQUE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE PIQUE-NIQUE WIFI EXPATS PARIS JIM HAYNES This information is provided by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Lunch or dinner on the grass
In July, the pleasant climate of the French capital is an invitation to enjoy the urban outdoors, and eat in the open air, like the Parisians. The trend continues and eating outside is considered the thing to do. A stretch of water is usually an idyllic setting for a successful picnic with a good bottle of wine, crusty baguette, cheese, charcuterie, quiches and salad – a whole array of French produce in your gourmet picnic basket. In Paris, there are some lovely waterside spots for picnickers; for example, the ornamental lake in parc Montsouris (to the south), the lakes in bois de Vincennes (to the east) and bois de Boulogne (to the west), and also the lake in parc des Buttes-Chaumont (to the north) which as well is quite hilly with a wonderful view over the city. The Seine riverbanks are also a perfect spot for picnicking, especially those on the île de la Cité and the île Saint-Louis. Finally, the banks of the canal Saint-Martin are also a great favourite; they extend as far as the parc de la Villette. If you enjoy listening to music while you eat, the parc Floral in the bois de Vincennes is the place to go, where Paris Jazz Festival and the festival Classique au vert are always a great success. Picnic and a musical siesta are also possible at the parc André-Citroën and jardins d’Éole, on the occasion of the festival Sous la Plage, which organises several outdoor concerts, in parks and gardens. The warm ambience of the pont des Arts, the footbridge that links the Louvre to the Institut de France, attracts quite a number of picnickers both in the day and evening time. And the multitude of parks and gardens in the capital are of course ideal spots to spread out your picnic cloth. A few suggestions: the peaceful jardin du Palais-Royal, the classicism of the jardin du Luxembourg, the elegance of the Jardin des Plantes, the historic atmosphere of the garden in place des Vosges, but also the parc de Bercy, the esplanade des Invalides, parc Monceau, the Champ-de-Mars, and the wonderful perspective of the jardin des Tuileries. JARDIN DES TUILERIES JARDIN DU PALAIS-ROYAL SQUARE DE LA PLACE DES VOSGES JARDIN DES PLANTES JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG CHAMP-DE-MARS ESPLANADE DES INVALIDES PARC MONCEAU PARC FLORAL DE PARIS PARC DE BERCY PARC MONTSOURIS PARC ANDRÉ-CITROËN JARDINS D’ÉOLE PARC DES BUTTES-CHAUMONT PARC DE LA VILLETTE Festivals in the Parks of Paris Paris Jazz Festival and Classique au vert Sous la plage This information is provided by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Stop Press
In addition to its impressive selection of beauty products and perfumes, the new Sephora in Saint-Germain des-Prés offers a veritable well-being space, the Sephora Studio: face and body treatments to pamper you from head to toe // On the corner of rue de Sèvres and rue Saint-Placide, the new Lacoste store displays clothes and accessories for women, men, and children in a white, luminous designer atmosphere // The biggest Max Mara store in France has opened on rue Saint-Honoré; 550 m2 over three levels, entirely devoted to this jewel of Italian fashion // On the restaurant scene, new in Saint-Germain-des-Prés: with a warm and friendly atmosphere and welcome, small separate rooms and sunny terrace: Le Bistrot de l’Alycastre is pleasing in all respects // Looking for an elegant gourmet stop-off? The Fauchon summer terrace, of the delicatessen of the same name, will delight gourmets with its “Fresh Collection 2007” created for fine weather (16 April to 30 September). SEPHORA SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS LACOSTE MAX MARA LE BISTROT DE L’ALYCASTRE L’ÉPICERIE FAUCHON This information is provided by the Paris Visitors and Convention Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Elegance a l Italienne
Giorgio Armani made his return to avenue Montaigne on 23 January this year. The famous Italian brand now opposite the Plaza Athénée with a luxury space, is a short walk from his recently-opened showroom on avenue George-V. For his second French shop the Milan-born designer, who has brought elegance to ever greater heights since 1975, has chosen an intimate atmosphere, similar to a cosy apartment with a boudoir edge. Designed with the aid of minimalist architect Claudio Silvestrin, this illustrious showcase also conveys its great architectural affection. Laid out over 400 m2, this new address is devoted to ready-to-wear men’s and women’s fashion with accessories and a new made-to-measure and hand-made service for men. Glass lift, onyx walls (the doors of sumptuous wardrobes), wall murals hung with brushed grey silk: a luxurious, but welcoming decor, both simple and timeless. The ceiling, in glossy black Plexiglas, highlights this refined simplicity and recalls the famous Armani blue, a navy blue that is almost black. This information is provided by the Paris Visitors and Convention Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Glass Origami on the Champs Elysees
Just opposite the Häagen-Dazs shop, number 42 avenue des Champs-Élysées was a window on the Citroën brand from 1928 to the 1980s, before being given over in part to a restaurant chain. The importance of the role of this spot, as much on a historic level as on a symbolic level, is beyond question. That’s why the brand has decided to take its place again on the world’s most beautiful avenue, like the other major car makers Renault, Peugeot and Toyota. After an international architectural competition launched in 2002, Citroën chose French woman Manuelle Gautrand to build this new setting to exhibit its vehicles, present new innovations and celebrate major events. The architect has designed a glass structure showcasing the vehicles in a spiral made up of eight platforms one on top of the other. The project symbolizes a link between the past – reflected in the flat surface of the original building, and the future – reflected in the chevrons which ‘take flight’. This veritable origami in glass incorporates the red chevrons – the car maker’s internationally-known motif – in a clever play of transparencies which fold the surface of the building like paper. This information is provided by the Paris Visitors and Convention Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Deluxe Ice Cream
The famous Häagen-Dazs ice-cream house, which has been delighting our taste buds since 1921, reopened its shop on the Champs-Élysées, on 16 May. With this total makeover by Saguez & Partners, the three floors (1,200 m2) constitute the new international showcase for the ice-cream maker, noted for its authenticity, the exclusive use of natural ingredients (products guaranteed to have no colourings or preservatives) and a large range of gourmet flavours and unctuous textures. Designed as a showcase, the shop is organised around the different moments of the day and thus offers the perfect tasting opportunity, in an original, cosmopolitan venue. This winter, chefs will even be giving lessons in making dessert, and iced cakes will be sold. Outside, a 200-seater terrace, the biggest on the Champs-Élysées, recreates a chic and refreshing summer garden with the emphasis on wood and flowers. At the entrance, The Collection offers the whole array of the 24 Häagen-Dazs flavours, from the classic (“Vanilla Pecan”, “Cookies & Cream”) to the latest (“Cappuccino Caramel Truffle”, “Caramel Apple Crumble”), to eat on the spot or take away. The cosy atmosphere of the Daily Café (sofas, leather armchairs, wifi and daily papers) are a great place to enjoy one of the many coffees: cappuccino, affogato, etc. For a gourmet breakfast or snack with a view on the Champs, the Gold Room is a subtle mixture of different styles – modern and baroque – and the atmospheres – outgoing at the communal tables and more intimate in the alcove. Finally, the Ice Bäar on the top floor offers amazing ice-cream-based cocktails, to sip all night long to DJ sounds. N.B. the panoramic view of the avenue, to admire a beautiful sunset as you enjoy a drink. HÄAGEN-DAZS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES This information is provided by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007Reopening of the concorde site of the Jeu De Paume
The Concorde site of the Jeu de Paume in the Tuileries gardens, undergoing renovation work since April, is set to reopen this June. This counterpart to the Orangerie, built in the 19th century, started hosting exhibitions in 1909. Since 2004, the Jeu de paume – Concorde and Sully sites – has been a place of reference for exhibitions on photography and the image, with an open and cross-disciplinary approach, from a chronological perspective (from the 19th century to the present day), as in terms of the different art forms, photography, cinema, video and installations etc. The flooring of the Concorde site exhibition galleries has been renewed and the audiovisual room modernized. The extension of the book shop and new layout of the reception hall also gives visitors a direct and pleasant access to the Petit Café as well as free access to the exhibitions of the Atelier. The work was carried out by project manager Antoine Stinco, the architect who undertook the renovation of the building between 1989 and 1991. The reopening of the galleries is planned for 25 June, with the inauguration of the exhibition “Pierre et Gilles”, which will celebrate 30 years of collaboration between the two artists. Some 120 works will be on show and for the first time the ensemble of their self-portraits. Their paint-enhanced photographs have created a singular JEU DE PAUME, CONCORDE SITE This information is provided by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 2007A new art venue at the Madeleine
Announced in the autumn of 2003 with the exhibition “Picasso intime” (a temporary installation at 30 bis rue de Paradis), the Pinacothèque de Paris (art gallery) will open on a permanent basis on 15 June with the exhibition “Roy Lichtenstein: évolution” (exhibition organizer: Jack Cowart, executive director of the Lichtenstein foundation, New York). Right in the heart of the prestigious Madeleine district, with 2,000 m2 over three levels, this new art exhibition space (designed by the architect Laurent Guinamard-Casati) will be entirely given over to modern and contemporary creation and will complete Paris’s offer on the subject. Marc Restellini is the director and he organized the exhibitions “De Fra Angelico à Bonnard” in 2000 and “Modigliani” in 2002 at the Musée du Luxembourg. The Pinacothèque de Paris seeks to make the work of an artist or an artistic movement accessible to a new public and to address new themes from a contemporary perspective. This free understanding will be complemented by admission to mainly private collections. The memorandum of events organised by the Pinacothèque will be listed in published catalogues, available in the ground-floor bookshop. PINACOTHÈQUE DE PARIS Free: -12 yrs, journalists, RMI and basic old age pension, qualified lecturer guides and teachers having a group reservation, disabled visitors and person accompanying them. Groups with a lecturer (from 10 persons): 7€ per person (hire of audiophones included). This information is provided by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thursday, June 7. 20079 July Tourism Day 2007
The first Tourism Day, an initiative of the Paris City Council, will take place on Monday 9 July. Its main objective will be to devote a day to celebrating the city’s visitors and making Parisians more sensitive to the importance of tourism for Paris. This symbolic and festive day will be the opportunity for Parisians and visitors to interact and for everyone to get a taste of the world of tourism. The day will feature a major event and a range of other activities in different areas of Paris: guided visits, walks, encounters. This information is provided by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. |
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