The Paris Chapter: 19-25 June
Féte de la Musique, Greta Thunberg, Champs-Élysées Film Festival, roller jam, summer solstice, the future of luxury, yoga inversions and more...
It’s finally here, arguably the best night of the year: Fête de la Musique. Nearly 200 musical performances across Paris, the entire city becoming an open-air concert, an homage to creativity, joie de vivre and oh, those summer nights.
This is the moment to lean into your flâneur/euse sensibilities; plot a couple of anchor points, sure, but allow yourself to get lost in the between. The key pleasure of the evening is the discovery, the mish-mash of genres: electro one minute, classical the next, chasing the soft waft of a melody round this corner and that.
It’s such a pleasure to connect with those of you who’ve been reaching out, I truly love hearing from you and meeting like-minded souls (in Paris or beyond!). Don’t be shy - if you have a question, want advice on moving here or are simply keen to connect, drop me a line.
Equally, feel free to get in touch if you have an event you’d like considered for inclusion, or if you’re aware of one that you think other readers would love.
Art salve
Frank Horvat, Jeu de Paume (1e)
A detailed exploration of the renowned Italian photographer’s early career, when he was forging his identity equally as a photojournalist - capturing the streets of Calcutta - and a fashion photographer in demand by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Horvat was part of Magnum, alongside Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa, before his continuing instinct to mix genres led him to part ways with the agency, allowing him to follow his desire to capture the reality of the world (in particular the changing social landscapes).
“By trying many different approaches, you may slowly reach the point where you say more about yourself than about the objects or the landscapes or the people you photograph - and this is where photography really interests me.” - Frank Horvat
12€ full price admission, https://jeudepaume.org
While you’re in the ‘hood:
If you’re not arted-out just yet, head over to the neighbouring Musee de l’Orangerie for a petite pause with Monet’s Nympheas
Need a magazine fix? (I feel you). Smith & Son has the biggest English-language selection in Paris
For a beautiful bookstore with both French and English titles, swing by Librarie Galignani
Maisie Cafe has an all vegan, gluten-free menu: avocado toast, banana bread et al
French resource
Comedian Khan Khojandi spotlights the intricacies of French life - particularly the dating scene - in a series of super short videos, entitled Bref. Beefing up the French cultural references, one blague at a time…
Start with the highlight of the series.
What’s on
Tues 20
Festival Génération Impact, Ground Control (12e), 10am - 7pm
This full day event targets those wishing to enhance their eco commitments, featuring an Entrepreneur Village with over 100 innovations, and conferences on key themes such as happiness, media and responsible travel.
[FR] Free. Registration required
Champs-Élysées Film Festival (8e), until 27 June
Celebrating the best of French and American cinema, this year showcases premieres from the likes of Michel Gondry and Paul Schrader, with films from both sides of the pond competing in dedicated short and feature categories.
[FR/EN] Single screenings from 8€, festival pass from 49€. Grab tickets
Summer solstice ceremony, Uman Project (3e), 7.30pm
Mark the turning point of the year with a moment to reflect, find calm and connect to your body. The ceremony includes gentle movement, guided meditation and a soundbath, wrapped in an overall celebration of nature.
[FR/EN] 35€. Secure your place
Wed 21
Fete de la Musique! Throughout Paris, from 6pm til late
As noted, the magic is in the mystery, but if you’re looking for some big guns to build around: Afro Caribbean at Hotel de Ville, the Midsommar show at the Swedish Institute, electro at l’Institute du Monde Arabe, classical underneath the pyramid of the Louvre (reservation required), karaoke - in little boats! - on the bassin de la Villette, jazz and Brazilian batucada at l’Assemblée Nationale, Japanese drumming at Bastille and the 36h festival at Église Saint-Eustache.
Free. View the official guide or this much-easier-to-navigate breakdown by arrondissement
Thur 22
Joel Edgerton masterclass, Champs-Élysées (8e), 11am
The Australian actor (Thirteen Lives, The King, Red Sparrow), premiering Master Gardener with Sigourney Weaver at the festival, will be in conversation with Artistic Director Giulio Casadei on his long and varied film career.
[EN] 12€. Buy tickets
Manifesto, Espace Niemeyer (19e), through Sat
Kaleidoscope magazine is holding its annual arts and cultural festival at the French Communist Party headquarters (an architectural treasure typically closed to the public). Expect installations, videos, performances, talks and live music. Of note: a talk between Dan Colen, artist and founder of Sky High Farm, and Jon Gray, cofounder of Ghetto Gastro, today at 3.30pm.
[FR/EN] Free. Registration required
Activism Works, Théâtre du Châtelet (1e), 4pm
Headlined by Greta Thunberg and featuring climate activism leaders such as Isabelle Ferreras, Clover Hogan and Dan McDougall, this event explores the changing dynamic between climate activists and leaders, the different ways that activism can be integrated into society and economic sectors, and the forms of activism we need to ensure a secure and equitable future.
[EN] 18€. Buy your ticket. Thanks Lori for the tip-off!
Les Nuits en Or, UGC Odéon (6e), from 5.30pm
Organized by the Académie des César, this program brings together short films that have won the equivalent of the Cesar in the cinema academy of their country (Oscar, Goya, Bafta, David di Donatello, Magritte…), with sessions presenting 5-6 films at a time.
Free (dependant on availability). View the program
Transitional urbanism, Césure (5e), 7pm
What can be done with all the empty office space (approximately 4.4 million square metres in Paris alone)? Plateau Urbain brings project leaders from a wide range of countries and sectors together in conversation, with the aim of shaping the future of cities. This panel features representatives from Belgium, Bilbao, Geneva and Quebec.
[FR] Free. Reservation required
Fri 23
The Future of Luxury, La Defense, 5.30pm
A roundtable discussion and networking event examining the topic through the lens of fashion tech, sustainability and luxury hospitality. Hosted by ESSEC business school, panelists include Jonathan Siboni (CEO of Luxurynsight), Rodrigo Bazán (executive director of Thom Browne) and Alfonso Pacifico.
[EN] Free. Registration required
Lost in Frenchlation premiere + drinks, Champs-Élysées (8e), 6.30pm
Mingle with the film crew from La Bête dans la Jungle and fellow Lost in Frenchlation enthusiasts, view the film’s premiere at the Champs-Élysées Film Festival, and partake in a Q&A with the team. Access to a swanky rooftop overlooking the Arc de Triomphe is part of the evening’s package.
[FR/EN] 35€ (ticket includes drinks). Buy your ticket
Sat 24
Yin/Yang Flow + brunch, Lafayette Anticipations (4e), 9.45am
Slide softly into the weekend with a 75-minute blend of movement and meditation, exploring yoga and the energy arts. The class is followed by a communal healthy brunch in the courtyard; be sure to check out the (free) contemporary art exhibition following.
[FR/EN] Class 23€, brunch an additional cost. Reserve your spot
Inversions Workshop, KIND Yoga (2e), 2pm
Always wanted to get upside down in yoga, but been craving dedicated guidance? This bilingual workshop focuses on safe approaches for different body types, with all levels welcome. Both inversions and arm balances are on the menu, with props available to best support and challenge your body.
[EN/FR] 60€. Secure your spot
Sun 25
Cours de roller jam, 104 (19e), from 12pm
Get your skates on, literally, with an introductory workshop to roller skating. Those wanting to upgrade existing skills have a range of ateliers to choose from, and there’s a free-for-all roller jam party to close out the day. The event highlights the African-American origins of roller dance culture.
[FR] Intro workshop free, ateliers 20€. Full details
Get in early
An outdoor cinema in the courtyard of the Louvre? Yes please. Festival Paradiso takes place 6 - 9 July, with films from Scorsese and Fellini on show, alongside other classics. Throw your hat in the ticket lottery now; the next draw’s on Wednesday.
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Thanks for being here,
Jenni