The Paris Chapter: 10 - 16 July

Fireworks, the famous fireman's ball, Japanese calligraphy, powerpoint dating, Latin dancing, science workshops, Italian folk music and more.

Jul 10, 2023

On courage, and creativity. The common narrative couches creativity as a finished form: an exquisite painting, bold sculpture, charismatic design. We confuse it with skill or talent (one earned, the other given), hubris and the heavy cloak of creative angst proliferating in the process.

Elizabeth Gilbert tackled the notion in her luminous TED talk (14 years old but ever-relevant): reviving the ancient belief of someone not being a genius but having a genius, and the world of difference that lies between the two.

A musing to start the week: What if creativity was simply a process of softening, allowing more in, letting more out?

Ourselves, less a mighty creator and more a conduit, in a manner not dissimilar to Rumi’s timeless refrain, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

Art salve

Musée Carnavalet (3e)

One of Paris’s most beautiful museums, Musée Carnavalet is the oldest in the city, a fitting home for its storied history. The collection winds from the way way back (pre 9000 BC) through to the present day, with an entire level dedicated to the French revolution. Need to cram some facts for an upcoming OFII appointment? This be the place.

Only temporary exhibitions require a ticket; honestly, the current showing, Philippe Starck’s Paris is Pataphysical, will likely leave you more puzzled than persuaded. Spend the extra time in the Fabula terrace cafe with a locally-sourced bite (book a spot to avoid disappointment).

Free. https://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/en

French resource

Seeking a summer adventure un peu plus sauvage? Les Others, a fabulous responsible adventure / ethical travel magazine, has rounded up 52 nature documentary films ranging from quick hits to full-length features.

The list is tout en français, while the titles are a mix of languages. French ones of note: Enfer & Paradis and Earn Your Turn.

Start browsing

What’s on

Ateliers Scientifiques / Jazz on a Summer's Day

Mon 10

Culture & Tech, Station F (13e), 5pm
“Technology creates a thousand futures — culture determines which one we choose”. INSEAD is diving into the topic with two visionary thinkers, Misan Harriman (photographer, entrepreneur, social activist and Chair of the Southbank Centre, Europe’s largest cultural venue) and Lars Hemming Jorgensen (Executive Chairman of Culture3, previously Chief Commercial Officer at VICE Media).
[EN] Free. Reservation required
Jazz on a Summer’s Day, Reid Hall (6e), 6.30pm
The first in a three-part series exploring the role of jazz in the documentary genre. Curated by Columbia University Professor Richard Peña, the films examine the task of capturing improvisation, with Jazz on a Summer’s Day showcasing Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Chuck Berry, Chico Hamilton et al across two 1959 performances.
[EN] Free. Registration required

Share The Paris Chapter

Tues 11

Ateliers Scientifiques, Les Étincelles du Palais (15e), through 25 July
Two weeks of 60min science-specific workshops, from the clever minds at Palais de la Découverte. Topics span from biology (how the senses trick the mind) to chemistry (visiting the scene of the crime) to astronomy (the Mars frontier) and beyond.
[FR] From 4.50€ per workshop. Book now
Pitch Dating, Fitzroy (11e), 7.30pm
Sick of the standard approach to dating? Get your friend to make a powerpoint presentation of why you’re a prime catch, and pitch you to a crowd… but really. Pitch Dating gives the stage to three minute displays, with each candidate then fielding questions from the audience. Drinks, mingling, and possible match-making follow the show. Single or not, this sounds like excellent fun.
[EN] Free. Full details

Wed 12

Bal des Pompiers / Calligraphie japonaise

Calligraphie japonaise, Musée du Quai Branly (7e), 2.30 - 5.30pm
Jardin d’été, the museum’s summer-long line-up of festivities and free cultural activities, is offering 30min calligraphy classes in collaboration with Espace Japon.
[FR] Free. Full details
Felfel, Institut du Monde Arabe (5e) and the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain (14e), through Fri
A new festival celebrating North African culture, marking the 40th anniversary of the march for equality and against racism. On the cards: concerts, picnics, debates, screenings, workshops and more.
[FR] Free. Full details
Summer au Sommet, Philanthro-lab (5e), 6-10pm
Philanthropy-focused networking with a rooftop view of the Notre-Dame. Philanthro-Lab provides an incubator and coworking space to help people make a positive impact, from project leaders to those looking to take the first step.
By donation (15€ recommended). Secure your spot

Thur 13

Grande Vente de Plantes, quai du BHV Marais (4e), through Sun
Looking to expand your plant family? Head to this mega market for a grand array of species at special prices, helpfully categorised by their survival aptitude.
Free. Reserve a ticket
Princess Mononoke screening, Musée du Quai Branly (7e), 7.30pm
Every Thursday night until the end of Aug, the museum will be honouring Japanese animation with a free film screening. On tonight: Princess Mononoke, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
[FR] Free. Full details
Bal des Pompiers, various locations, 9pm til 4am
Sexy French firemen serving you drinks (rein in the fantasy slightly, there’ll be a few hundred other people there also). The annual institution is held at multiple locations across the city; don’t let the name fool you, it’s less ball - sorry Cinderella - and more standard nightclub vibes.
Free. Find a location

Fri 14

Brocante, Pont Louis-Philippe (4e), 6am - 7pm through Sat
A smaller showing, but with an excellent view. Grab a coffee at Noir following, or pull up a pew on Place Louis Aragon.
Bastille Day
France’s Fête Nationale, known by locals simply as “le quartorze juillet”. If you’re counting down to the fireworks, Champs de Mars gives the best view (traded off with being squished like a sardine and sans toilettes). Alternatively, grab a spot along the Seine (earrrrrly, obviously), pay handsomely for a ticket to a rooftop bar, or head to the hills (Montmartre, Belleville).
Bal latino, 88 Ménilmontant (19e), from 5pm
Want something a little different for your 14 July celebrations? Go to this vibrant terrace for an evening of cumbia, salsa, bachata and reggaeton.
Free. Full details

Sat 15

Concert @ICarbonari, L’Atelier du Climat (4e), 8.30pm
Take a sensory visit to southern Italy, with tarantella and tamurriate folk music brought to life by guitars, tambourines, violins, mandolin, flute and cello.
Free. Full details

Sun 16

FLOW, Le Centre Element (3e), 1-4pm
Reignite your creativity, receptivity, and flow. Led by Dufflyn Lammers, an American coach trained in attachment repair, tantra and creative writing, the session employs a mix of meditation, movement and heart-centered exercises.
[EN] 45€. Reserve your spot