Today, the fun begins! 5 days of chocolate wonders, and the opportunity to stock up on the most varied selection of chocolates. Don’t miss it and we may see you there! (Yes, we will be there at some point – you don’t think we’re going to miss it, do you?) ;)

Salon du Chocolat (pictures from 2007 & 2008 editions)

You can buy your ticket ahead at Fnac Spectacles, where dated tickets (seem to be available only for weekdays) are €12 each and open tickets (for Saturday and Sunday) are €14 each. You may also buy tickets at the door although queues may be long. Since the website of the Salon du Chocolat indicates the ticket price to be €12 each, I’m assuming that’s the price you’ll be paying regardless of the day, so long as you buy it at the door.

The event runs from 14th October (today) until 18th October (Sunday) and opens daily from 10pm to 7pm, with extended opening on 16th October (Friday) until 9pm, at Porte de Versailles.

Last month, we briefly mentioned a mark-your-calendar for Salon du Chocolat and the days are drawing closer – it’s starting on Wednesday 14th October and will run until Sunday 18th October. This 15th Edition is bigger than ever, and running longer than before too. There are more demos and shows for your watching pleasure, and the ticket price hasn’t change from the last couple of years either, at €12 each.

But of course, as big as chocolate can be, this week in Paris is not all about the dark stuff. This week also marks the 20th anniversary of La Semaine du Goût!

La Semaine du Goût

The week kicked off on Saturday 10th October and will run until Sunday 18th October, and for a solid 8-days period, plenty of foodie events to keep everyone happy. Perhaps with exception the folks who have just wrapped up the Paris Fashion Week and still lingering in town, but too self-conscious to eat more than they normally dare to? (Just kidding. No one can be in France and not take advantage of the culinary smorgasbord on offered!)

Some restaurants are running special menus in conjuction with the week, there are chefs that are opening the doors to their kitchens/workshops for demos, classes or tours, and to encourage children to appreciate the joy of food, there are specially designed workshops for children as well. Check out the full programme of the restaurants and the workshops.

Of course, this week-long celebration is not confined to just Paris and Ile-de-France region. It’s nationwide, rightly so because everyone can do with a nice foodie treat now and then.

And oh, before we sign off, tomorrow (Monday 12th October) morning at around 9am, about 500 chefs will assemble at Trocadéro for a photocall to celebrate the 20 years of la Semaine du Goût. If you are in the area, why not join the festivities and play “spot-the-celebrity-chef” or something similar? ;)

Bon appétit!

Ps: for something a little different, check out la Balade du Goût in Ile-de-France on Saturday 17th October and Sunday 18th October. Nothing like the present to understand better the origin of the delicious morsels of food that we’re savouring everyday, right?

So, have you seen the Turkish-colour version of Eiffel Tower? What do you think? Do you like/dislike it? Anyway, here are a few links that caught our attention last week that we’d like to share. And until the next edition, have a good weekend!

• La Fête des Vendanges is back for a 5-days festivities in Montmartre and this year’s theme is “Cabaret – Montmartre celebrates Les Trois Baudets”. The harvest celebration runs from 7th to 11th October (i.e. from a couple of days ago until this weekend). Here’s a nice write-up in English for non-Francophones.
• Guimet Museum is currently hosting “In the land of the Dragon : Sacred Arts of Bhutan.” Not only religious items will be on exhibit, there are also two monks who perform their daily rituals on site, in a specially created space. The exhibition runs until 25th January 2010.
• A new exhibition opens tomorrow at the Grand Palais, entitled “From Byzantium to Istanbul“, and will remain open until 25th January 2010. Like all exhibitions at the Grand Palais, one piece of advice – buy your tickets ahead if you don’t want to queue forever.
• The Arts of Islam : Masterpieces from Khalili Collection is currently underway in Institut du Monde Arabe. About 470 pieces are on exhibit for the first time in Europe, until 14th March 2010.
• Wee fashion news. While celebrated designers showcased their collections during Paris Fashion Week, fashionistas not in attendance flock to the shiny and brand new Uniqlo flagship in Paris. With names like Jill Sanders and Gilded Age, but at a reasonable price, it’s a bargain one wouldn’t want to miss!
• Is Chase Emery Davis one of the youngest bloggers of Paris? Here’s his adventures while Chase’n Paris.
• The circus village is back! A month full of fun and entertainment for families and kids in particular, head to Pelouse de Reuilly and clown about. ;)
• A couple of weeks ago, we asked for help to locate the Cool French Dude. We’ve just found a site that helps “missed connections” like this – courtesy of Invisible Paris – known as Croisé dans le métro.
• A slight diversion but this could be helpful to new residents of Paris. With the healthcare debates ongoing in the USA (have you heard all the crazy things, like “the reform will kill your grandma” etc) Julie Getzlaff is taking a look into healthcare in France, and has so far written Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.
• The 20km of Paris run, in its 30th edition, will be taking place this Sunday, 11th October. The registration has closed but nothing is stopping you from going out and cheer the runners along! It starts at 10am, Pont d’Iena.

Fiery red and icy white. That’s the colour order of the day for Eiffel Tower.

The special illumination runs every evening between 6th and 11th October, in conjunction with La Saison de la Turquie. It’s time to go out and take a few pics, if not a short video or two. It’s gorgeous!

And oh, if you look careful enough, with the top antenna being blue, you’re getting the French colours too! ;)

Eiffel Tower in Turkish colours (Photograph by Jean-Philippe Baltel)

There are eyes and then there are eyes. In Paris, these eyes are the windows to the souls of tens of women from all over the world.

Eyes on Ile St Louis by JR

JR’s outdoor instalment of Women are Heroes is nothing but inspirational, as they tell not only by image but also through stories narrated by the women behind the scene themselves (with a little help of a local-rate-call audioguide).

The outdoor exhibit (from 3rd October to 2nd November) around Ile St Louis is complemented with a secondary exhibit at the Pavillon de l’Arsenal at 21 boulevard Morland (4ème) (from 3rd October to 23rd October) which showcases JR’s stint for the Women series in Rio earlier this year.

Both exhibits are free.

Ps: I wonder what project he’ll be working on next. His works are story-telling of life and emotions. They move me. I would love to get involved.

Louvre Visitor Guide by Cathy Wilcox

Somehow this escaped my attention until today – a new McDonald’s restaurant and McCafé due to open in the Louvre next month! It will be housed at the rather dashing Galerie du Carrousel (du Louvre), which I must admit to find hard to imagine how the McDo fits in, as claimed by museum spokeperson.

According to London Telegraph :

… the museum told the Daily Telegraph it had agreed to a “quality” McCafé and a McDonald’s in place by the end of the year, which it said was “is in line with the museum’s image”.

“The Louvre welcomes the fact that the entirety of visitors and customers, French or foreign, can enjoy such a rich and varied restaurant offer, whether in the museum area or gallery,” the museum said in a statement.

The McDonald’s would represent the “American segment” of a new “food court”, and would be situated “among (other) world cuisines and coffee shops,” it wrote.

It added that the franchise owner “has taken the utmost care in ensuring the quality of the project, both in culinary and aesthetic terms”.

Riiiiiiiight.

How?

Seriously, how does a fast-food restaurant fit in the image of a world class museum AND a former palace? This is not just about McDo. Had this been Quick or any other fast-food chain, I’m still going to think along the line “goodness, this is blasphemous!”.

For so long, the boutiques at the Carrousel du Louvre have been mainly home and beauty products, newsagents, watch shop and the likes. The divergence into fast-food is pretty stretched, in order to have common ground. (I have never been all that pleased with Autogrill that’s currently there either but that’s another story.)

Moreover, why would fast-food be promoted in this day and age within a cultural centre when obesity is a global problem? The bottom-line is profit margin I guess. Feed the masses, herd them in and out quickly, make it self-service so less employees are needed (I believe premium space like Louvre should be awarded only if there are job created and maintained) etc.

I can’t help but feel, this is a dark day for arts and culture, and well-being.

“There is but one Paris and however hard living may be here, and if it became worse and harder even – the French air clears up the brain and does good – a world of good.” – Vincent Van Gogh

• Do you know about the scheduled change of colour of the illumination of Eiffel Tower as part of the programme of Saison de la Turquie? The event will take place between 6th-11th October.
• In honour of Brigitte Bardot’s 75th birthday, a special exhibition is running from 29th September 2009 to 31st January 2010 at the Espace Landowski (Boulogne-Billancourt).
• Some of the best chefs of Paris were at Le Fooding event in New York last week. Wish we were there.
• I adore the books of Petit Nicolas and the movie Le Petit Nicolas is now in the theatres! Follow the film trail in Paris with this PDF guide (French/English bilingual).
• Will the presence of a Windows Cafe (and free internet) generate enough buzz to market the upcoming Windows 7 in the city of light?
• Foodbloggers house-swap! Heidi (101 Cookboks) and Clotilde (Chocolate and Zucchini) move to each other’s gaff for 10 days, and this is the account of Heidi’s adventure in Paris.
• 5 day trips from Paris recommended by Viator Travel Blog.
• An innovative idea to get to know Paris, and to see it from a new perspective. See some of Ami Sioux’s Paris by map recommendation.
• The Paris Cycle Show 2009 takes place this weekend at Porte de Versailles. Unfortunately the Paris Motorcycle and Scooter show for this year will not take place and have been rescheduled to next year.
• Last but not least, don’t forget, tomorrow is Nuit Blanche 2009. Check the full programme and plan for a long cultural night out. You can even tour Paris with famous French actresses! ;-)

In this cultured city, the abundance of exhibitions that one could attend can be rather overwhelming. But if you have some time and money in your hand, your effort will be richly rewarded, for the curation of these exhibitions means dispersed work of arts are shown together for a short period of time. The window of opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Marguerite Gérard : Artist, 1789 in the Workshop of Fragonard
(10th September 2009 – 6th December 2009)

Over 60 portraits and drawings, from a female artists revered in her time, the works of Marguerite Gérard are on exhibit at the Musée Cognacq-Jay. Living in Louvre during the period, her works feature portraits of her family, friends, and people of consequences.

Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese – Rivals in Renaissance
(17th September 2009 – 4th January 2010)

Rivals these artists may be, but the competitive streak between them resulted in some of the most amazing works of Venetian Renaissance. Inspiring each other to push their talents to the maximum, hundreds of years later, the world still marvell at their genius and appreciate the beautiful pieces that they’ve created and presented.

Renoir in the 20th Century
(23rd September 2009 – 4th January 2010)

This is an exhibition that one must NOT miss. In fact, book your tickets ahead because the queue at the National Galleries of the Grand Palais will be insanely long. Exploring the works of this Impressionist artist in his later years, this collection comes from both public and private loan, including paintings, drawings and sculptures.

Bruegel, Memling, Van Eyck… The Brukenthal Collection
(11th September 2009 – 11th January 2010)

Exhibiting at the Musée Jacquemart-André is a wonderful collection of Flemish arts, by the grand masters of 15th to 17th century. The fifty pieces on loan from Muzeul Naţional Brukenthal of Romania are shown for the very first time in France, and you can even download the podcast (in French) prior to your visit.

Another week, and with a blink of an eye, it’s the end of September. As autumnal weather sets in, amusingly enough (at least for a non-fashionista like me), it’s the Spring Summer 2010 Ready-to-Wear collections that will be showcased in Paris Fashion Week (30 September 2009 – 8 October 2009). So how about some links that caught our attention in the last week? (See, we don’t plan seasons ahead) ;-)

• Vogue on Champs-Elysées! 90 years of Vogue covers, some 80 chosen to be exhibited, from 1st October to 1st November 2009. See how fashion evolved, admire the iconic figures gracing the covers and the photographic talent behind them.
• Some 18-19 months after the release of the movie “Paris” in France, it is quite strange to read that the film had just opened in USA on Friday 18 September 2009, with limited release no less. Have you seen it? (I did, and I loved it.)
• Richard Nahem has some recommendations of what to do, when you find yourself with some one hour to spare at a train station in Paris.
• Do you have a question about the French? Ask a Frenchman! And last week his round of bonus answers laced with wonderful wit and tongue-in-cheek responses made my day.
• We love Paris and we’re all for showcasing the city to the world. EnjoYourParis aims to do that, but for visitors to the site to not be able to see anything unless a registration is completed is rather cumbersome in our opinion. What do you think?
• Did you get any free milk on last Tuesday? A rather unusual way to try to win public support by the dairy farmers, but definitely better than just taking to the streets and have a demonstration/strike.
• It’s Fête des Jardins this weekend (26-27 September 2009) so check this interactive map on this portal page and take advantage of the mild autumnal weather to stroll the parks. Take a tour, enjoy free concerts, get gardening tips, etc.
• From 22nd September to 22nd November, let’s honour Iranian photographers among many others from all over the world. Photoquai is exhibiting at Quai Branly (free, open daily) and other galleries around the city (check information here, some are free, some are ticketed).
• Tori Amos and Emilíana Torrini are playing gigs in Paris next week and they shouldn’t be missed. (Links are to FNAC ticketing)
• Last but not least, do you know this Cool French Dude? The search started 7-8 months ago, to no fruition (for now). Can you help? Please pass on the words!

N’oubliez pas ! Plein d’endroits sympathiques et / ou culturels sont accessibles au grand public !

Quleques photos d’une visite passée au Palais du Luxembourg / Sénat…

Salut! We return a little early this week with a few more links that caught our eyes in recent days. From “user guide” to Parisians (yes, Parisians) to dining in the sky to kissing intervention (except for the girl who didn’t get the memo).

• Financial Times published an article, sort of an “user guide” to understanding Parisians. Do you agree/disagree with their points?
• The privilege to dine in the air over Tuilleries Garden is €924 per person. Great for the view, terrible for freedom of movements. And great for l’Alliance Maladies Rares that receives a slice of the monies.
• Still keeping to dining with a view, another unusual alternative is to head to Nomiya at the rooftop of Palais de Tokyo. This temporary restaurant will be in place until 1 July 2010, each time (lunch or dinner) seating only 12 person max. The price is more affordable at €60/80 per person for lunch/dinner respectively, wine included. Reservation (do it here) within a month’s time period is essential, and unless you book out all 12 places, expect to share the communal table. You may also book for tours/workshops on the same website.
• No more la bise until the H1N1 flu clears up? The folks are not happy with this recommendation.
• A Taiwanese girl, Yang Ya-ching, however, didn’t receive the no-kissing memo as she’s half-way through her project to kiss 100 men in Paris. She also said on her blog that she wants to write a book, assuming she’s hoping this unconventional project of hers will be published as “Around Paris in 100 Kisses”. Or something like that. On a positive note, the photos look editorial. She has a good photographer.
• During a Dublin-Paris flight, an error made in a turbulence announcement when the cabin crew accidentally played an emergency landing clip prompted panic among French passengers (who either didn’t pay attention or didn’t understand the English announcement). Ops.
• Think of a black and white photograph in post-war Paris, usually of lovers or the theme of life and joy. Chances are, it was the work of Willy Ronis, who sadly passed away last week, at the age of 99.
• For anyone who’s still reminiscing about the 90’s, here’s a party that’s for you! (FB announcement here)
• As Journées du Patrimoine are coming round (19-20 September 2009), Adam (the Invisible Man) recommends the following places to visit.
• Last but not least, some muppets broke into the catacombes and destroyed them, and therefore the place is now shut for the foreseeable future.

The name Tiffany is synonymous in popular culture as the great jeweller. From Holly Golightly with her Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to Marilyn Monroe’s best friend – the diamonds, to Ugly Betty’s Daniel Meade who loves to shop at Tiffany’s & Co., this reputation has long been sealed.

However, one must also not overlook the marvellous works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of the founder of Tiffany’s & Co., whose life was that of a celebrated artist, innovator and glass designer. His renowned art nouveau panel of glass window The Four Seasons won a gold medal in Paris during Exposition Universelle 1900, and to this day, is still much admired (although it is now in several panels instead of one magnificent piece). And if you’ve heard about Favrile iridescent glass, well, it was something that he had patented.

The Morse Museum in Florida houses the most comprehensive collection of his works.

Now though, you get a chance to take a closer look at some 160 pieces of his works, in an exhibition entitled Louis Comfort Tiffany : Colors and Light at Musée du Luxembourg.

Window of Bella Apartment

The exhibition is divided into several themes, exploring his early career and his interest in the art of glassmaking (as opposed to his family trade of jewellery and silverworks making), the recognition of his works in Europe, the stained glasses, the Favrile pieces, and the expansion into decorative art pieces including lavishly coloured lamps.

It was his unique and innovative style of glassmaking, by incorporating various impurities to create a bloom of colours within the glass pieces, rather than merely painting stains onto transparent glasses, that brought the attention of the world to his genius. Is it any wonder then, till this day, his pieces are still coveted as collectors’ items and fetch great values.

The exhibition runs daily from Wednesday 16 September 2009 till Sunday 17 January 2010, with variable opening hours depending on when you plan to visit. Check out the reservation page for more details.

It’ll be techno madness and unbelievable crowd in Paris on Saturday 19 September! Oh yes, Techno Parade is back for it’s 11th edition, with special floats and showcases of electronic scene from Turkey and Reunion Island (for that extra zing of “electropical” festivity).

Starting at 12pm, from Place Denfert-Rochereau, the parade will move along the following streets to get to Bastille between 5pm-8pm.

• Avenue Denfert-Rochereau
• Boulevard Saint Michel
• Boulevard Saint Germain
• Pont de Sully
• Boulevard Henri IV

For the passionate technoids, this is your time to put your party shoes on! It will be extravagant, it will be loud, people will climb the poles and the bus shelters and whats not, but most of all, it’s a rave in the open broad daylight and there’ll be dancing aplenty!

Check out this video from the set of DJ Greg Cerrone last year.

[Update : We apologise for the date previously published in error. The information is now corrected.]

Welcome to the 2nd edition of Metlinks of the Week. Here are some tit-bits from the past week, as well as other general links. Enjoy!

• So he wears “man-heels” and stand on little podium and buses in shorter people. Nonetheless, there were – way – too – many – articles on the height of Nicolas Sarkozy. Does this really qualify as a “deepening row”?
• Having a bad day? C’est la Vie de Merde. Maybe, after reading, you day won’t seem so bad anymore…
• The staff at Le Figaro identified 9 buildings/monuments that are under threat. Do you agree?
• A delicious read for chocolate lovers.
• Better still, mark your calendar for 14-18 October. Salon du Chocolat is back for another chocolicious expo.
• David Lebovitz is having a book signing tomorrow, Saturday 12 September, from 2.00-3.30pm at A la Boîte (31 quai de Conti). Foodies should not miss this!
• This is perhaps unavoidable, as horribly kitschy as it could be. The rickshaw is now serving Paris too.
• If you plan to visit Paris, why not have your own personal greeter to show you around? If you live in Paris and know it well, why not consider volunteering as a greeter? For more information, check out Parisien d’un jour.
• In commemorating 50th anniversary of Cuban Revolution, a photography exhibition is taking place at the gallery of Brownstone Foundation (26 Rue Saint-Gilles).
• Admire the works of great Flemish artists at Musée Jacquemart-André from 11 September 2009 to 11 January 2010.

I’ve done it! I finally tried Velib!!

It’s surely very useful when it’s 3am , there’s no more metro running and you don’t want to take the night bus… Except that between 3am and 4am some of the station “reboot” during 15min…

Since that experience, I wonder if I should buy a bike… And then comes the good news : next saturday (12th september) a second-hand bikes sale will take place  near metro “Pont Marie”. Actually that will be the opportunity to see lots of animation around bicycle !

All useful informations are on the Mairie website.

Another exchange/sale of second-hand bikes will take place the week after (19th september) in front of “Mairie du XIV”, there again, go to their website for all informations.

See you on the bicycle lines!