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Grand Steeplechase of Paris

May 18th, 2013 by Hilary Kay

Fans fill the stadium to cheer on race at the Grand Steeplechase of Paris

Paris is gearing up for one of the most exciting events in the horseracing world, the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. This highly anticipated race will take place on Sunday, May 19th at the Hippodrome d’Auteuil. The hippodrome, nicknamed the “temple of jumps” is located just across the western border of Paris in the 16th arrondissement. The race was first run by talented horses and jockeys in May 1874 and since then has been one of the city’s most prestigious spring events.

The Grand Steeplechase of Paris is the most acclaimed jumps race in France, and one that both horse trainers and jockeys dream of one day competing in. The race stretches over three miles and challenges the horses to leap over an impressive twenty-three fences. Audience members hold their breaths in excitement as the horses leap over each of the race’s jumps. Horses must be five years old to participate and clearly at the top their talent. This year fans will be watching to see if three-time winner, Mid Dancer, will be victorious once again and make history as the first horse ever to win the Grand Steeplechase four times.

The event will be enjoyed by attendees of all ages and even offers a merry-go-round for its youngest guests. For the full experience, visitors can sign up to walk the course before the race to see the event from the horse’s perspective and gain a deeper appreciation for their talent. Doors open at 12:00PM for the main event, but book a spot in advance to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Paris has much to offer throughout the spring season, but for a heavy dose of excitement, history and culture make sure to check out the Grand Steeplechase Race!

Website: www.grandsteeple.com
Find tickets for the race and pre-booking to walk the course here.
Entry: €8
Discounted entry for students and over 60s
Free for children under 18.

Hippodrome d’Auteuil- Route des Lacs- Paris XVI
Metro: Porte d’Auteuil (line 10)
Bus: Porte d’Auteuil (PC1, 52, 123, 241)
Car: Ring Road, Porte d’Auteuil exit
Parking: €2

Image credit: Grand Steeplechase by LALLA-ALI

Tags: Grand Steeplechase of Paris, Sport Events in Paris
Posted in Events, Paris Things To Do | No Comments »

European Museums Night in Paris

May 16th, 2013 by Hilary Kay

European Museum Night Musee l'Orangerie Paris

One could spend days perusing Paris’s museums, so how will you spend your night?

One of the many amazing features that draw travelers to Paris is its world-renowned museums. Visitors can see some of the most famous pieces of art in just a day, or, for the special event this Saturday, in a night. Paris will take part in European Museums Night on Saturday, May 18th when museums leave their doors open till as late as 1:00AM with free entry. There are roughly 250 museums in Paris and almost all of them will be participating in the event. Paris’s collection of museums is impressive not only in number, but in its rich history, diversity, and presentation. Part of what makes these museums so special is the beautiful buildings with strong historical significance that house them.

European Museums Night was created in 2005 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication and is now sponsored by the International Council of Museums, Council of Europe and UNESCO. France is accompanied by nearly 40 other participating countries with a total of 3,000 museums opening their doors for the night. Last year France alone welcomed two million visitors to its museums for the event. An amazing, but not surprising, turnout as the deep appreciation for art is a fundamental part of French culture.

Just some of the many special events that will be taking place at museums for the night.

To top off the extended opening hours and free admission, many of the museums will organize special installations, exhibits, and activities. Some of these cater specifically to families and children, while others will please a more mature crowd. Musée de l’Orangerie near Tuileries gardens will set the tone with jazz music played throughout several galleries. Musée d’Orsay will host choreographed performances by the Myriam Gourfink Company and will treat guests to free admission for its exhibitions. In the 7th arrondissement, Musée Rodin will welcome a surprise installation in its gardens. These are just a few highlights of the night’s program that will undoubtedly intrigue visitors to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

The Louvre exudes a magical aura at night, come experience it for yourself this Saturday.

Paris is a city of mystery and romance, and what better way to embrace this ambiance than to explore and discover its many fascinating museums by night. Find out more about all the events planned for this year’s European Museums Night here.

Photo credits: Musée l’Orangerie by fmpgoh, European Museum Night from Paris Musées, Louvre by Hilary Kay

Posted in Events, Museums, Paris Things To Do | No Comments »

Five Cafés Not to Miss in Paris

May 10th, 2013 by Paris Perfect

Coquelicot des Abbesses Montmartre Paris

Le Coquelicot des Abbesses in Montmartre

While wandering the streets of Paris, there seems to be an unlimited number of idyllic cafés that it can be nearly impossible to decipher which offers the best tasse du café in the city. Determining factors, such as the heavenly flakiness of a fresh croissant or the mellow rhythms of a live jazz trio playing in the background are all quintessential to the making of a classic Parisian café experience. To save you hours of listless wandering, below are five incredible cafes in Paris that will leave you longing to return.

For those looking for a quaint respite in Montmartre, be sure to stop by Le Coquelicot des Abbesses. Le Coquelicot des Abbesses is a classic Parisian café that offers a variety of delectable items, from the irresistibly simple pain au chocolat to main menu items such as quiche Lorraine and crepes. The laidback atmosphere makes this café an ideal place to meet up with friends for a weekend brunch or for a quick treat before a day of exploration.

Café Charbon in Paris

Originally a coal shop, Café Charbon has embraced its industrial past in its hybrid design that beckons back to 19^th century France. The intimate décor and authentic vibe attracts a lively bohemian crowd throughout the day and into the night. Wednesdays through Saturdays the café transforms into a cozy nightclub as the lights are dimmed and DJ’s spin tracks for an easygoing dance scene. After dinner at Café Charbon, be sure to check out their sister bar, Nouveau Casino, next door for fantastic live electronic and experimental music.

Both sophisticated and vintage, Le Bar du Marché is a prime café to linger and people watch for an entire afternoon. This Parisian hotspot attracts a diverse clientele representative of the “bobo” sensation, a mixture of bohemian and bourgeoisie, through its old-city atmosphere and its great location. The simple, yet elegant, bistro fare and antique jazz posters beckon back to the times of the Golden Age, making this café a must for anyone in search of the iconic Parisian café.

Le Bar du Marché in Paris

La Palette provides visitors with a subtle and charming café experience with its rustic décor and menu comprised of classic French fare. Since its opening in 1905, La Palette has drawn a variety of clientele, ranging from Picasso to Harrison Ford, and continues to be popular with students from the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Although a majority of the customers are students, the crowd diversifies in the evening when young professionals venture in for an evening of cocktails and delectable cuisine. The year-round terrace also makes this café the perfect spot for warm summer evenings, where you can while away the hours with a great bottle of wine and friends.

Visiting the upscale Café de Flore has become a pilgrimage for those in the know of its bohemian history. Serving as a creative hub for French existentialists such as Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Café de Flore is the perfect place to savor exquisite hot chocolate while soaking in its intellectual heritage. Although relatively pricey compared to most cafes, Café de Flore provides customers with an unparalleled experience through its premium location and high quality offerings. Be sure to sit on the conservatory-like patio for an elegant experience sampling aperitifs and people watching rain or shine.

Le Coquelicot des Abbesses
24 Rue des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement
Metro: Abbesses

Café Charbon
109 Rue Oberkampf, 11th arrondissement
Metro: Parmentier

Le Bar du Marché
75 rue du Seine, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

La Palette
43 rue du Seine, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Café de Flore
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

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Guest post contributed by Party Earth – a global media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in major cities around the world.

Photo Credits: Le Coquelicot des Abbesses by Bruno! and all other photos by Party Earth

Tags: 6th arrondissement, Montmartre, paris cafes
Posted in Food & Drink, Paris Things To Do, Parisian Living, Restaurants & Cafés | No Comments »

An Early Spring Stroll in Paris

May 7th, 2013 by Martha Jackson

Spring buds about to burst open in the parks and gardens of Paris!

The romanticised archetype of Paris in spring is one that recurs frequently in films, literature and tourist guidebooks. Despite the rose-colored expectation of sun-dappled boulevards and dreamy strolls by the river, Paris really is a delight in the springtime! An icy hangover from the winter months still lingers, but the skies are clear and the sun hints at the prospect of warmer weather. This time of year is ideal for exploring Paris – the leaves are just budding on the trees and the city feels fresh, invigorated by the daubs of green and bursts of colors that reappear in its streets and squares.

Spring blossoms along the Seine in Paris

Wandering down past Notre Dame, ducks line the river’s banks, unperturbed by the throngs of tourists that pass by, and even the odd over-zealous photographer. The St-Germain-des-Près area just across the river is lovely in the spring; there are several little morning markets selling fresh produce, and of course a multitude of little cafés if the spring air gets a bit chilly.

Photogenic ducks sleeping along the Seine

Montmartre is also a bit of spring gem – the streets around the Sacré-Cœur are not quite as crazy as they get during the summer months and the views over the city are phenomenal when the clouds disperse. Leaving the well-trodden tourist track behind and exploring further afield in Montmartre is well worth the effort. This area has some really good places to eat, and if in doubt, just follow the French!

Beautiful signs of spring in Montmartre

The main attraction of springtime Paris is being able to comfortably wander around and discover the places that the guidebook doesn’t mention. The cooler temperatures of early spring mean that the big attractions aren’t quite as overwhelming as in high season, and it’s easier to navigate the metro and bus systems. For travelers who love to walk and explore, Paris at this time of year is undeniably lovely and a joy for all those who visit!

Image Credits: Notre Dame in the Springtime by sansplans, Spring blossoms in Montmartre by Paloma+Luismi, all other photos by author.

Tags: Montmartre, Notre Dame Cathedral, seine river photos, spring in paris
Posted in Paris Things To Do, Parisian Living, Sightseeing | No Comments »

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Grand Steeplechase of Paris

European Museums Night in Paris

Five Cafés Not to Miss in Paris

An Early Spring Stroll in Paris

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