Exhibits
February 5 – March 8
Artist Marcus McAllister exhibits the pages of his famous sketchbooks at Galerie Entre (111 rue St-Honoré, 1st). The vernissage from 6pm on Feb 5th. Open Tues-Sat 2-7pm (Wed until 9pm). Free entry.
Through February 7
The French are pioneers in vertical gardens. Have you seen the one on the Quai Branly Museum? The Pavillon de l’Arsenal is hosting a free exhibition and public experimental space on the use of “bio-facades” in construction, called AlgoCultures. Open Tues-Sun.
February 10-March 10
The historic Grand Serre greenhouse of the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement is hosting an exhibit of thousands of flowering orchids from around the world, including many rare varietiies brought in from other greenhouses. Open every day but Tuesday from 10am-5pm, entrance €6. Enter the gardens at 18 rue Buffon if the main gates are shut.
February 12 – November 3
The Grand Galerie d’Evolution at the Jardin des Plantes (Natural History Museum) is hosting a fabulous new exhibition, Nuit, an exploration of the night in all its aspects from scientific to imaginary, presented in four sections: the night sky, noctural life in the natural world, a night of sleep, and myths and monsters of the night. Open daily except Tuesday from 10am-6pm (nope, not open at night). Entry €9, €7 for kids and students 4-24 years.
February 28-March 29
The Mairie of the 20th arrondissement is holding an exposition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Les Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville – on display are over 200 works of art by 91 different artists. Swing by for a look at the pavillon Carré de Baudouin, 121 rue de Ménilmontant, Paris 20 and follow the Facebook page for more events through March.
March 6 to 16
American-born artist Marcus McAllister (whose work is being displayed at the Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville event as well) is having an exhibition of his own, entitled “Chasing constellations”. Running from 3 PM-8 PM on all days, this expo includes tea with the artist on the two Sundays, March 9 and 16. A must-see at the Galerie 43 (43 rue Vandrezanne Paris 13).
Through March 29
Brassaï, Pour l’Amour de Paris is a free exhibition about Paris as seen through the black and white photos of Brassaï, one if its most famous photographers, at the Hôtel de Ville (entrance at 3 rue Lobau, 4th), Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm. It was originally supposed to finish March 8th, but has been extended through the 29th.
Through March 16
Novel of a Wardrobe: The Parisian Chic from the Belle Epoque to the 1930s is the current exhibition at the Carnavalet History of Paris Museum. “Imagine stepping into one of Paris’s top Haute Couture houses in the early 20th century: Alice Alleaume, chief saleswoman from 1912 to 1923 at Chéruit, 21 Place Vendôme, welcomes you and offers to fulfil your wildest dreams.” On public display is the remarkable wardrobe of Alice Alleaume herself. Dresses by Chéruit, Worth and Lanvin, evening shoes by Hellstern, hats by Alphonsine, Marcelle Demay, Madeleine Panizon and Le Monnier, evening headbands by Rose Descat, jewellery, etc. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm, entry €4.50.
Through March 30
For the inaugural exposition of the newly-opened Institut des Cultures d’Islam, Ici Là et Au-Dela features four artists who explore Islam and the spiritual identity of the Goutte d’Or district of Paris: Abbas, Yazid Oulab, Patrizia Guerresi Maïmouna and Bruno Lemesle. Free entry, open Tues-Thurs 10am-9pm, Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday noon – 7pm.
Through June 15
For those looking for events commemorating WWI (1914-1918), the Galerie des Bibliothèques de la Ville de Paris (Municipal Libraries Gallery, 22 rue Malher, 4th) is hosting a fascinating exhibit, Paris 14/18, la Guerre au Quotidien. It includes over 200 photos and films, never shown in public before, documenting the life of Parisians during the war years, and how the city and the country were forever changed. Watch the trailer for the exhibit here (en français). The expo is free, open Tues-Sun 1-7pm (Thursdays until 9pm).
Food & Entertainment
January 27-February 15
It’s the Year of the Horse! The Chinese New Year starts in January this year, with concerts, shows and exhibitions at the Mairie of the 13th arrondissement (Place d’Italie), home to the city’s largest Chinatown. The traditional parade with over 2000 participants will take place on February 9th starting at 1pm from 44 avenue d’Ivry, 13th. For the full schedule of events see the official website. Other Chinese New Year events will take place in the 3rd and in Belleville.
February 6
Join the Popcorn Project for a screening of the Marilyn Monroe classic “Some Like it Hot” at the ciné-restaurant La Bobine (84 Rue René Boulanger, 10th) for their latest Ciné-Apéro, 8-11pm, €15 (film and apéro). After the film is a buffet with food and drink. A great atmosphere and a fun way to meet the locals (film is in English with French subtitles).
February 4-11
The 31st annual International Environmental Film Festival (FIFE) is a free film festival presenting 140 films from around the world, from shorts and documentaries to features and fiction in eight different cinemas in and around Paris. Check out the website for the full schedule of events, screenings and locations.
February 8
Slow Drinking, an initiative for drinking responsibly, is holding an atelier that teaches you how to mix (and taste!) a good cocktail. Learn the art of drinking from a Slow Drinking ambassador and professional bartender: buy tickets on the Lavinia website for only €10 before they run out.
February 8
Yoyo, the club at the Palais de Tokyo, is having a “Fantaisie” party, featuring DJs Reboot, Marwan Sabb and Max Yolin. Check the Facebook page for details on how to buy tickets and reserve a table today!
February 8 and 9
The biannual Paris Manga and Sci-Fi show comes back to the Porte de Versailles this weekend. An event à ne pas manquer!
February 9
Looking for a good Sunday brunch option? Consider Peniche Marcounet at the Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, a Sunday brunch complete with live music, a €22 menu for adults and a €14 for children. In addition, they have various events running all month, ranging from classical music concerts to late-night soirées.
February 12, 26 (and every other Wednesday through June)
From now until June, theatre company The Improfessionals is staging The Improfessionals Show: a set of fast-paced, witty, improvised sketches promising a “unique experience” at every show. Playing at the Essaïon Théâtre, 6 Rue Pierre au lard, Paris 75004 at 9:30 PM every other Wednesday. Find discounted tickets at Billet Reduc, or make reservations online or by calling 01 42 78 46 42.
February 12, 19, 26
Every Wednesday this month, Club Raye at 26 Rue Dussoubs, Paris 75002 is having Ladies Night! With specials on champagne and tunes from the Jazz Age, it seems like it will be a good one. Follow their frequently updated Facebook page for more details.
February 14
Celebrate this Valentine’s day by taking your loved one(s) – lovers, best friends, stuffed animals, n’importe qui – to Wikilove’s launch event. This online cultural encyclopedia proposes a kiss (or hug, or high-five!) flashmob at the pyramide du Louvre this February 14 at 14h14 (2:14 PM). Watch their video to find out whom other Parisian anglophones are kissing this Valentine’s day, and follow the Facebook page to remain up to date.
February 14, 17
Solidays, a summer music festival whose posters this year pay hommage to Nelson Mandela (sponsored by Solidarité SIDA), has ticket sales going live this February 14 at 1 PM. You can buy 3 day passes at only €39: but act fast, because once these run out, they go up in increments of 10 up until €89. If you’re interested in other offers, on February 17 at 10 AM you can start buying passes 2 day passes as well as Day, Night and Camping passes. Buy tickets through the Billetterie on their website.
February 16
Free Baroque concert by Arte Pomposa Ensemble playing Vivaldi, Monteverdi and Frescobaldi at the Chapelle St-Louis de la Salpêtrière (the chapel is inthe Hôpital Salpêtrière gardens) at 4pm (they will pass a basket for donations).
February 22
The monthly bal populaire Le Bal Pop’ takes place this evening at Le CentQuatre. Never been to a bal populaire?It’s a traditional community dance party open to families, people of all ages, with a mix of ballroom, chanson française and pop music to get everyone on the dance floor (imagine a wedding…). From 9-11:30pm. Free entry, casual dress, snack stands open.
February 23
This month, get excited for the Femmes Fatales version of the Popcorn Project! For only €30, this cinema club meeting once a month offers you not just a movie screening, but also champagne and popcorn beforehand and drinks and a DJ set afterward. Cast your vote for one of five movies featuring five wonderful actresses, and buy tickets at the online billeterie.
March 2
Register now to participate in the monthly hosted dinner, Once Upon a Table, at the Latin Quarter cooking school Le Foodist. More than just a gourmet French meal hosted by a professional sommelier and chef, there’s also a storyteller who takes you through the history and anecdotes behind each iconic French dish. You’ll even learn the French sabering technique for opening a bottle of Champagne (and yes, you get to drink it, too). A true cultural education, you’ll have plenty of great anecdotes for your next cocktail party! The full 5-course dinner including wine pairings and Champagne is €130/person.
March 6 and 7
Should you have any interest in classical music, be sure to drop in to Sinfonietta Paris Chamber Opera’s Cocktails and Conversation recital series at the Institut Finlandais. This organisation showcases the work of young professional musicians, so follow them on Facebook for updates on their work. Don’t forget to reserve places for the event – tickets are €25 and will probably sell out fast!
March 19-29
Barbès Cafe 2014, presented by Cabaret Sauvage, brings you ten days of music from Maghreb region that narrates the history of immigration from the region to France through song and dance. Even though this event is coming up in March, you should probably buy tickets now before they run out! Tickets range from €22 to €32, and are only €12 for children.
Through March 29
Le Burlesque Klub is performing their retro brand of “glamorous and funny” burlesque performance every Saturday night at La Nouvelle Seine (a péniche boat moored outside 3 Quai de Montebello, 5th). An entertaining show with plenty of feathers, sequins, and laughter, a great alternative to the touristy Moulin Rouge and Lido! Tickets €21 (€13 on BilletReduc.com). Show starts at 10:45pm.
Book events
February 26
The American Library in Paris is holding a variety of events this month, but keep an eye out for their Evenings with an Author event with Diane Johnson. Her memoir, Flyover Lives, describes her life and childhood in Moline, Illinois. Starts at 7:30 PM.
March 1 and 2
The American Library presents yet another used book sale! Held the first weekend of every month, here is a chance to find great deals on English language books in Paris. On March 1 from 10 AM-7 PM and March 2 from 1 PM-7 PM.
Outdoor Winter Fun
February 9
The Chinese New Year parade celebrating the Year of the Horse takes place today in Chinatown (13th) from 1pm along the following route: 44, Avenue d’Ivry – Avenue de Choisy – Place d’Italie – Avenue d’Italie – Rue de Tolbiac – Avenue de Choisy – Boulevard Masséna – Avenue d’Ivry.
Through February 16
At the Place de la Concorde is the Grande Roue Ferris Wheel (and the largest Christmas Tree in France). Each enclosed “car” holds six people. €10 for adult, €5 for kids under 10, open daily 11am-midnight (Fri-Sat until 1am).
December 20 – March 2
The Patinoire de Paris is a large ice skating rink in front of Hôtel de Ville. Free entry, €5 skate rental, gloves or mittens obligatory.
March 2
The 17th annual Carnaval de Paris “Boeuf Gras Parade” starts today at 1pm from the Place Gambetta in the 20th (near Père Lachaise Cemetery). The theme for 2014 is Fairies and Trolls, so it should be pretty fun to watch! The parade finishes at Place de la République at about 6pm, followed by a festival in the square until 9pm. For more info on the exact route or if you’d like to participate, check out the official site in French here.
March 29-30
Hikers and trail runners might still find a space open for the 7th annual Eco-Trail de Paris, which includes 80k, 50k, 30k, and 18k races (the last one isn’t timed, just for fun), as well as Nordic Walking and several group hikes for more relaxed treks through the Paris and the forests of Ile-de-France.
Shopping
January 8 – February 11
The annual Winter Sales, aka Les Soldes, take place beginning midnight in shops throughout France, particularly on clothing.
February 16
The House that Jack Built is hosting a jumble sale today at Le Mary Celeste (1 rue Commines, 3rd), featuring a book signing by cookbook author, pastry chef and star Paris blogger David Lebovitz from noon-3pm. He’ll have paperback and hard copies of his book A Perfect Scoop to sell, as well as a limited number of The Sweet Life and Ready for Dessert. There is a small entry fee for the jumble sale, which continues after the signing.
February 23
The latest Vide Dressing de Blogeuses (blogger closet sale) takes place at the boutique Cinq Sept (54 rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, 9th) Sunday from 11am-6pm, with gently used women’s clothing and accessories sold for “tiny prices” in a festive setting. There will also be snacks from Juice & Cakes for sale. Bring cash and a shopping bag!
Make a Difference
February 6-14
La Maison des Acteurs du Paris Durable (21, rue des Blancs Manteaux , 4th) are hosting six free events in February on the topic of sustainable development in Paris. Topics include: how to finance your “green” project, how to start a collective, and environmental projects that need volunteers. The events are open on a space basis, and you’ll probably need to understand French if you’d like to participate.
February 6, 8, 12, 13
“Inspired by Slow Food Youth Movement’s “Schnippel Disko” in Germany, Disco Soupe is a non-profit based in France that addresses issues of food waste through festive community events. We set up collective gatherings for people to peel, cut and prepare discarded fruits and vegetables … to music! We turn the produce into soups and salads, then redistribute them for free.” There are four dates in Paris in different locations, get more info (including the time it starts) on the Facebook site.
February 6
An exceptional concert tonight at the Salle Gaveau to cap off the 25th annual Pièces Jaunes Campaign (loose change drive for children’s hospitals in France), with a lineup of classical musicians and singers from around the world, brought together by the renowned pianist François Chaplin and hosted by Claire Chazal and Alain Duault. Tickets €10-€40.
February 8
Have you heard of the international Incroyables Comestibles movement? Learn more about it today at the Maison du Jardinage, Bercy Park, from 2:30-4:30pm, free entry (it helps to sign up so you have a spot, limited space!). It’s part of the Conference Main Verte Paris.
February 19
Paris’ first English broadcasting radio channel, World Radio Paris, is launching in June. In light of this upcoming launch, they are accepting donations until Friday. Consider checking out their fundraiser Wednesday night at 8 PM (complete with prizes to be won in a raffle) at the Brklyn Café, 58 rue Quincampoix.
Other Paris Calendar Links
- For literary events, readings, and classes: Monthly Paris Listing andAmerican Library in Paris.
- For indie/alternative music concerts see Gigs in Paris
- For art exhibitions, museum news and openings see Paris Muse.
- For mainstream events visit the Paris Office of Tourism.
- For naughty events, see the Naughty Paris Guide.
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