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American-born travel journalist and guidebook author Heather Stimmler-Hall created the Secrets of Paris in 1999 to share the hidden side of the City of Light. Discover what you've been missing:

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Calendar of Paris Events

June 2-3
This weekend is the Portes Ouvertes at Les Frigos! Check out the artist studios in one of the most famous former squats in Paris. In the 13th (near the Bibliothèque Mitterrand, just off Rue de Tolbiac), ree entry, Saturday (2-10pm) and Sunday (2-8pm).

June 8-10
Nearly 6,000 feathered and sequinned costumes, designed and made in the workshops of the Folies Bergère, one of the world’s most prestigious music-halls, are going on auction at the Palais de la Bourse (Place de la Bourse, 2nd) over three sessions (two catalogued sales on Saturday 9th at 6pm and Sunday 10th at 4pm, one non-catalogued sale of costumes, accessories, notions and supplies). To this magnificent set of lots will be added a hundred posters and programmes recounting a century of revues, original musical scores composed for Folies Bergère revues and drawings by famous fashion illustrator Erté. Public exhibition of the collection from 2-6pm on Friday, 10am-5pm on Saturday, 10am-3pm on Sunday.

June 17
It's time yet again to don your most fashionable hat and a picnic basket and head up to Chantilly for the annual Prix de Diane at the Chantilly Hippodrome. It's Ladies' Day at the races, and the fashions might overshadown the horses, but overall it's a fabulous day out for free (well, if you can get out there by train or car or helicopter). Check out one of my posts from the 2010 event with photos.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL CALENDAR

Heather's Lady's Guide to the Sexy City

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Monday
Apr182011

Shops at Le 104 CentQuatre 

I wish Le 104 CentQuatre wasn't all the way up in the northeast corner of Paris, because I'd love to stop by this place more often. The 19th-century building used to house the Municipal Funeral Services (1905-1997) and now is a multi-purpose arts center hosting theatre, dance, music, and artist exhibitions in its immense series of halls and former stables.

But if you're looking for something unique in Paris, come for the shopping. There's an Emmaüs charity thrift shop that's adorably decorated, a book store with special sections dedicated to arts and kids, and pop-up space for temporary shops such as the current SAWA-Made in Africa boutique and the ETHOS PARIS organic clothing shop. 

The Emmaüs Boutique

SAWA- Made in Africa

There was a very special carousel installed over the holidays at Le 104 CentQuatre called the Manège Carré Sénart. It looks like a creation right out of a Tim Burton film, with space for 49 kids or adults to ride on the poetic, whimsical metallic buffalo, insects, fish, and other odd creatures. Happily, its residency has been extended through June 26, so if you haven't yet been, you still have time! The cost is €4, and it's open April 1-24 on Wed-Fri 2-6pm, and Sat-Sun noon-8pm; open April 30-June 26 Wed 2-6pm and Sat-Sun noon-8pm.

Manège Carré Sénart

Le 104 CentQuatre also has a restaurant, a 1950s-style café, and even a pizza truck. Every Saturday morning there's a small organic market (particularly cheeses and fruits/vegetables).

Le 104 CentQuatre
104 rue d'Aubervilliers & 5 rue Curial, 19th
M° Riquet
Tel 01 53 35 50 00
Open Tues-Sun 11am-8pm (later for shows)

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