SEE & DO
Paris Plage
— Don't miss the 'sand and sun' along the Seine, from mid July to end of August finishes 21 Aug 2008) from the Hotel de Ville to Pont Neuf, you can play, dance and sing in the sand (man made of course) and catch a little Parisian sun.
Many of the locals head south for their holidays so it can be a great time to see the city. Three locations in 2008:
Voie Geroges-Poompidou, the Bassin de la Villette and the Quai de la Gare.
www.news.bbc.co.uk
Fête de la Musique — The streets of Paris become ever more lively with musicians and their preferred instruments, taking to the streets for live and often impromptu performances. All over Paris, musicians play their favourite tunes to an appreciative crowd. As many streets are closed by makeshift stages, it might be wise to walk around ‘the city of lights’. There is a formal program I’m told. Each Year in June, 2009 dates to be posted.
The Paris Opera House
— A once in a life-time experience if you’re not a resident of Paris. Getting tickets is not easy but it’s a night to treasure in one of the most beautiful baroque buildings of our time.
Their program can be viewed online. The latest production is ‘La Femme sans ombre’, Richard Strauss’s opera in German from 21 Jan-14 Feb.
www.operadeparis.fr
Montmartre Wine Festival
— First weekend in October, the popular quarter of Paris, celebrates its past and present wine-growing history. With vines growing here since the 10th century locals wine buffs and growers from all over France gather for a weekend of song, dance and well lots of wine-tasting. Parades held in the afternoon. Entry free: 3 days of events 2008 dates start 10 October till 12. 2009 to be posted but early October, toujours!
www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com
La musée du Parfum - Fragonard
— For lovers of French perfume this museum is housed in a ‘bel hôtel particulier’, in the style of Napoléon III. You can discover all the different production processes, from design, manufacture and promotion of this famous french brand. Their plantation is situated in Grasse and boasts some of the country's (France) most beautiful flowers. Afterwards, you can sample on small slips of paper, there was no sales pressure when I visited, just an enjoyable visit.
Metro: Opéra Bus: 3, 7 & 8
More photos and information at their site, see Scribe Museum.
www.fragonard.com
9 rue Scribe, 75009 (9th)
Bibliothèque Forney
— Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Paris (built between 1475 and 1607) it was once home of the archbishops of Sens. Now a library containing important material about art and industrial technology. You can request a guided tour upon entry.
Closed Mondays. Metro: Pont-Marie
Hôtel de Sens 1, rue du Figuier 75004 t : 1 42 78 14 60
Walk in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette
— A special tour that covers either Paris or Paris and Versailles. You can retrace the life of Marie Antoinette with the aid of a specialist guide who will take you to visit her own personal 'chocolatier', a tailor who has retained the records of fabric ordered for famous gowns and also her boulangerie.
Ensuite, a guided tour of her prison cell at the Palais de Justice and then to the Basilica of Sanit-Denis. If time permits, the Versailles tour will continue with historical buildings and 'back door' rooms, normally unseen by the public.
Advance notice is required to Rachel Kaplan (kaplan@club-internet.fr)
www.frenchlinks.com
Musée du Vin
— A wonderful, charming museum dedicated to one of France's most important products, wine! Explore caves, understand methods and techniques listen to the history of some of the more famous brands. After your visit you can either wonder towards the 'Tour Eiffel' where there are numerous bistros or enjoy lunch in the museum's restaurant or stroll the shop in this lovely area.
If you would like to plan an class in English for a degustastion, several are run during the year. check their website for exact times and dates.
www.museeduvinparis.com
Rue des Eaux, 5, square Charles Dickens, 75016 (16th)