Dec05

Klimt at the Atelier des Lumières

by Paris Weekender
Posted In: Must Do in Paris

The good news is that the Gustav Klimt/Hundertwasser show at the Atelier des Lumières has been extended!

The bad news is that tickets are selling out quickly and you only have through January 6, 2019. You can purchase your tickets here.

So what am I talking about? This “Studio of Lights” show in the 11th arrondissement is the latest digital art or “immersive art” rage in Paris. Some call it incredible and some call is cheezy. It may be somewhere in between. But at 14 EUR per ticket I think it’s well worth a visit. The two shows back to back (the longer Klimt program and shorter Hundertwasser program) take just under an hour total.

     

During this hour of spectacle, as the official Paris Visitor’s Website says: “Using 140 video projectors and a spatialized sound system, the highly unique multimedia equipment will cover a total surface area of 3,300 m2, extending from the floors to the ceilings and over walls up to ten meters high.” I bet you’re still confused. Well, I think it’s one of those things you have to experience in person to understand. I went last month and enjoyed marveling at the engineering more than anything else. How do you project from 140 cameras on all surfaces of a room with people walking around everywhere and yet there are no shadows?

But if you miss the Klimt show, I am sure there will be more shows to come. This does seem to have been a real success judging from all the sold-out weekends! The gift shop at the Atelier also appears to be a success. Not a bad place to pick up some unique holiday gifts.

Tip: If you’re looking for a quick and ridiculously reasonably priced meal before or after the show, drop by the new Chez Ugo for a plate of pasta or some tiramisu. It’s just a block or two away.

Atelier des Lumières
8 rue Saint Maur
75011 Paris

Chez Ugo
95 rue du chemin Vert
75011 Paris

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Nov28

TakeLessons & the French Accent

by Paris Weekender
Posted In: Everything Else

Last year, I shared a $20 off code for TakeLessons, a website that helps match students with teachers….

This promo code for readers of Paris Weekender is still active! Use promo code GETLESSONS and new students will save $20 on their purchase of lessons, whether it’s French lessons or any other language of their choice.

$20 Off Language Lessons

This year, TakeLessons started creating tutorials for learning French on YouTube. Take a peak at this one on how to “sound more French” when you speak. You can subscribe to their YouTube channel here, so you’re sure not to miss any helpful videos! And you can follow them via their Facebook page.

 

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Nov21

Still No Plans for Thanksgiving?

by Paris Weekender
Posted In: Paris Restaurants & Bars

If you’re in Paris and still aren’t sure where to get your turkey on Thursday, 52 Martinis has a few great suggestions for where to find that special meal.

Some options are traditional, some offer a French twist on the classic American dishes and one is calling itself “epic”. From casual to chic, 52 Martinis has you covered.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

 

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Nov14

France for the Holidays

by Paris Weekender
Posted In: Getting Out of Paris, Must Do in Paris

A number of people have asked me over the years what to do in Paris or elsewhere in France if visiting around Christmas and New Year’s. These are generally family holidays in France. Many businesses will shut down and Paris is not known for its New Year’s nightlife. But there are still some great options to make a winter visit worthwhile.


Notre Dame at Christmas

My favorite part of winter in Europe is the Christmas markets. Strasbourg and Colmar can be very cold but these small cities are beautiful with all the holiday lights and other decorations. And the plentiful vin chaud or hot spiced wine can help with the cold…. Strasbourg is now only 1h46 hours from Paris by train. So it’s doable as a day trip, though spend a night if you can. There are wonderful hotels, such as Les Haras, and world class restaurants. I also recommend renting a car and exploring some of the smaller towns of Alsace.

Lille has a nice Christmas market, though not quite as atmospheric as the Alsacian options. I have not visited the Christmas markets in Provence (Avignon and Aix-en-Provence for example), but this link has some more information on this and other intriguing markets. If you have time to venture 3 hours or so by train into Germany, Cologne’s market is world famous and well worth the trip.
Finally, if you’re staying in Paris, you can still hit up a Christmas market or two! Find out more here.
Here are a few more sources for planning your winter holidays in France:
Sick of traditional Christmas cards? Here’s an idea!
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What are your favorite things to do in Paris and further afield around the holidays? I’d love to hear from you!
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Nov07

November 11th

by Paris Weekender
Posted In: Must Do in Paris

This Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice after World War I. Secrets of Paris has provided us (here) with a great summary of the events commemorating this centennial.

Be sure to read my post about visiting Compiègne, the town just outside Paris where the armistice was signed at 11am on November 11, 1918.

 

 

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