The Paris Chapter: 11 - 17 Sept
Drink & draw, drama club, Le Festival du Monde, cinema karaoke, writers-in-residence, cardio flashdance, Journées Européennes du Patrimoine and more.
As much as Paris is the land of sensual pleasures - so much beauty, wonder and delight for the daily taking - it can also feel like much is off-limits: a city of tight networks, secret courtyards and “keep off the grass” signs.
This coming weekend provides an opportunity to go behind the rope, visiting some of France’s most venerated buildings, with special tours inside everything from the president’s official residence to Versaille’s secluded wings.
As we speed toward the last sector of the year, the leaves already prepping their fiery endgame, it’s a good moment to reflect on what you’d like the next months to bring.
What do you most wish to create for yourself, in this city renowned for fostering artists, writers and those channeling the creative spirit?
Art salve
Le Petit Palais (8e)
A top contender for ‘most beautiful museum in Paris’, Le Petit Palais features a diverse range of artworks, from Ancient Greek pottery to Art Nouveau jewels, alongside pieces from Rembrandt, Cézane, Monet, Degas and Delacroix.
More than half the space is dedicated to its permanent collection, which alone offers a tidy hour or two of viewing. Don’t miss the circular courtyard, a work of art in itself.
Free. https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/
Events
Mon 11
Noob night, Les Écuries (2e), 7.30pm
“Friends, drinks & strangers” is the tagline for this story-driven event where three attendees take the stage to share their passions.
[EN] Free. Reservation recommended
Tues 12
Futurs et migrations, Gaîté Lyrique (3e), 7pm
A panel discussion exploring scenarios for future migratory movements, aiming to better anticipate the needs of both refugees and host countries.
[FR] Free. Reservation recommended
Journalism under Siege, American Library (7e), 7.30pm
What is a forbidden story, and how can we protect free speech? Reporters discuss their work publishing the stories that journalists were silenced for writing.
[EN] Free. Reservation required
Club de théâtre en anglais (18e), 8pm
Frenchies seeking a playful approach to improving their English can try out this Drama Club, which makes use of movement, character and improvisational exercises. They’re offering a free trial this week.
[FR/EN] Free. Reservation required
Wed 13
Christian Blackshaw, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (8e), 8pm
The acclaimed British pianist - deemed the best of his generation - performs his first recital in France, opening the theatre’s autumn season.
From 10€. Buy tickets
Carte blanche, Le Consulat (11e), 8.30pm
Melodic delight from percussionist, pianist and singer Natascha Rogers and guests, as part of the Carte blanche series where artists devise a special program around their repertoire.
From 10€. Secure your spot
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Thur 14
Writer-in-residence, Sciences Po (7e), 5.15 - 7pm
To honour the passing of the writer-in-residence baton, Mohamed Mbougar Sarr and Karine Tuil will be discussing their inspirations, the relationship between politics and literature, and the latter as a force for social change.
[FR] Free. Reservation required
Inspi Talk (10e), 6.30 - 7.30pm
Provocative fictional scenarios designed to fuel debate and kickstart innovation. Eg: ‘What if our meat consumption was rationed? What if the internet was banned on Sundays?’ The discussion is followed by drinks and a design viewing.
[FR] Free. Reservation required
Drink & Draw (14e), 7pm
Explore your artistic side with a guided life drawing class. Equipment is provided, along with a drink, and all levels are welcome.
39€. Reserve your spot
Fri 15
Le Festival du Monde (13e), through Sun
The esteemed paper’s annual festival offers debates, workshops, performances and street theatre, capped off by a bal populaire. Also, a chance to meet with the various departments and dive into their roles, editorial choices and constraints.
[FR] Free access, with ticketing for the debates. View the program
Échelle Humaine, Lafayette Anticipations (4e), through Sun
An exploration of the relationships that move us, via art installations, film screenings, conversations, workshops and an ephemeral reading room.
[FR/EN] Free. Full details
Vintage Kilo Sale (11e), through Sun
“Over 8,000 pieces from the 70s to the present day”: a broad definition of vintage but sustainable shopping nevertheless, at bargain prices.
Free with reservation
Cinéma-Karaoké, Grand Rex (9e), from 6pm
Fans of Grease, karaoke, or doing something out-of-the-ordinary on a Friday night can partake in a costume competition (optional), 50s-style dance party and a sing-a-long screening.
[EN] 22€. Grab your ticket
Sat 16
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, various locations, through Sun
Now in its 40th year, the initiative aims to promote architectural and environmental heritage, offering the chance to discover venues typically closed to the public. Most museums drop their ticket prices for the weekend.
Some highlights:
Watch The Lion King rehearsals at Théâtre Mogador. Details
Tour the Sorbonne
Visit l’École des Beaux-Arts de Paris
Go behind-the-scenes at the Louvre. Free with reservation
Watch a high-wire performance at Musee d’orsay. Museum ticket required
Peek inside Hotel de Ville. Free with reservation
The official website of events is a pain to navigate; I recommend using this one.Paris New York Heritage Festival (15e), through Sun
A festival showcasing the diversity of musical genres derived from Afro-American origin. Gospel music, jazz and a breakdancing battle feature, along with roundtable discussions, vintage cars and skateboarding lessons.
Tickets from 18€. Buy yours now
Sun 17
Cardio Flashdance, Chez Simone (2e), 4pm
If you tend to hate cardio, try a little distraction courtesy of high-energy 80s tunes. Beginner-friendly choreography, leotard not required.
From 15€. View pricing options
Out & about
French artist JR brings his celebrated trompe l’oeil style to the Palais Garnier, obscuring its renovation with a rendering inspired by Plato's cave. On Saturday and Sunday evenings (9-17 Sept), it comes alive with projections and extracts from opera and choreography, in association with the Paris Opera. From 9.15 - 10pm.
The Paris Chapter is designed to help you have a deeper, richer experience of the city, as an expat, Frenchie or traveller. Feel free to tell me what you’re most looking for, and to send event details and tip-offs my way.
Help others have a better week in Paris
Thanks for being here,
Jenni
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