The Paris Chapter: 4 - 10 Sept
Jazz concerts, the cheapest French classes in the city, a murder party, medieval festival, garden readings, international art fair, Paris Design Week, and more.
Hello again! Happy September :)
If you’re new here: I’m Jenni, an Aussie with Paris as my adopted home. I spend hours each week researching and exploring the city, and this-here is my curation: Intimate events, art salves, nature escapes and neighbourhood guides, along with tips and resources for mastering French. You can learn more about me and the making of the newsletter here.
The Paris Chapter will now be coming to you each Friday, to give you more time to make plans for the week ahead.
Art salve
In lieu of a new recommendation, I want to highlight several great exhibitions closing in the next couple of weeks. Top priority: the magnificent Elliott Erwitt retrospective at Musée Maillot - check out my guide for what to do in the area.
Also of note: Uchronie at Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, and Frank Horvat at Jeu de Paume.
» View the round-up of art salves published to date
French help
The cheapest way to study French in Paris? Hands-down, the Cours d’Adultes municipal program, with classes working out to just 2,50€ / hour.
They offer general courses, along with specialities such as written or oral expression, phonetics, theatre-based learning and university preparation. Applications close this Monday, 4 September for the semester commencing 2 October.
Entry is competitive; the advice I’ve heard is to be effusive with “why this will benefit you”. You can apply for up to three courses (but check the FAQ guidelines).
Events
Mon 4
Dialogues on the Circular Economy (16e), 9am - 6pm
A full-day dive into how to prevent food waste across the EU, with roundtables, interviews and interactive workshops. Open to experts and enthusiasts alike.
[EN] Free. Reservation required
L’apéro French beginner, Place de la Bastille (4e), 6.30 - 8 pm
Threw your French practice out the window over summer? Get back to it in this small group class.
[FR/EN] 15€. Secure your spot
Jazz à la Villette (19e), 8pm, through Sun
The renowned jazz festival continues with a concert each evening this week; the ‘Under the Radar’ selection of emerging artists is also worth a listen.
From 14€. Learn more
Tues 5
Parcours des mondes, various locations (6e), through Sun
An art fair showcasing the cultures furthest from Europe, back for its 22nd edition. Over 50 galleries are participating, with both traditional and contemporary fare.
Free. Full details
Wed 6
Meditations on Life, Politics, and Journalism, American Library (7e), 7.30pm
The New York Times Paris Bureau Chief, Roger Cohen, will be reflecting on 40+ years devoted to on-the-ground reporting, in celebration of his new book.
[EN] Free. Reservation required
Murder party, Jardin21 (19e), 7 - 11pm
Cluedo, come to life… can you figure out who did in the Colonel? Assemble a team and get to work in this giant role-playing game.
[FR] 15€. Full details
Orchestre de Paris, Philharmonie (19e), 8pm, Thurs night also
If you’ve been considering a visit to the Philharmonie, or could do with a little classical music to ease la rentrée, these are the cheapest tickets you’re likely to find.
From 20€. Book now
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Thur 7
Paris Design Week, various locations, until 16 Sept
The city’s annual celebration of interior design: pop-ups throughout, and a professional showing (Maison & Objet) at the Paris Nord exhibition centre. A series of talks exploring everything from creative communities to culinary design will take place each day in the Marais.
[FR/EN] Free. Full details
Jardin des Arts, Musée Delacroix (6e), 6.30 - 8.30pm
An elegant invitation to enjoy the sounds of fine words and music in the museum’s gorgeous garden. This month focuses on George Sand and readings to the theme of nature.
[FR] 7€ (includes museum access). Book your spot
Fri 8
Cultural Festival of Tibet, Lac Daumesnil (12e), through Sun
A celebration of all things Tibet, with a diverse line-up of dance, live music, roundtables, tastings and meditation sessions. A fusion of electro dj sets and tantric tradition is promised.
Opening concert 10€, otherwise free. Full details
Grande vente des plantes, Atelier Basfroi (11e), through Sun
Whether your plant babies didn’t survive the summer, or you’re simply feeling the need for more greenery in your (city) life, now’s the chance to stock up.
Free. Full details
Sat 9
Mixtura, La Palmeraie (15e), 11am - 10pm
Take your tastebuds on a Peruvian journey, with exhibiting chefs presenting specialities such as ceviche, torta 3 leches and Pisco sour. The festival also features jewellery, textiles, local delicacies (yes, chocolate) and Latino dance shows.
12€. Buy a ticket
Césure, c'est ouvert! (5e), 11am - 11.30pm
100 designer market stalls, plus sports classes, a tea party and plenty of live music.
Free. View the program
Vivre en stoïcien, Espace Falguière (15e), 5.30 - 8.30pm
What advice would the wise ancient ones have for our modern age? Dig into practical exercises taken from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus.
[FR] 8€. Buy a ticket
Paris vaut bien une fête, Place Saint-Sulpice (6e), through Sun
A medieval festival bringing 1,500 years of Parisian history to life. There’s a banquet, parade, a ball and more, all in full costume.
Free entry, banquet seat 70€. Full details
K-Street Festival, Parc André Citroën (15e), through Sun
As befitting the name: concept stores, workshops, performances and a food market honouring Seoul street culture.
Free. More details
The New Well, Carreau du Temple (3e), through Mon
Three days of LA-style wellness, with all the usual suspects: cacao, kombucha, sound baths... The program includes free workout classes, face yoga and plenty of product demos.
[FR] From 20€. Grab a ticket
Sun 10
Cosmic Dance, La Caserne (10e), 5 - 7pm
Close out the week with a good ole boogie: barefoot, sans alcool, no phones at hand. See a sneak-peek of the vibe.
18€. Grab a spot
Pay it forward
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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