Secrets of Paris Calendar of Events
February 4-April 28
Fills Monkey: the Incredible Drum Show. The name is rather odd, but the show is very entertaining. Fills Monkey is made up of two French comedians, Yann Coste and Seb Rambaud, who somehow manage to mix humor with actual musical talent. Just when you think, “Okay, this is interesting, but how can they keep it up for an hour?” it gets better. Oh, I should mention they never once speak any actual words, so it’s perfect for those looking to go see a show in Paris without knowing any French. A word of warning: it’s in a “cave”, a French cellar. They give you ear plugs, but be sure to bring something to fan yourself, because it gets hot down there! Get tickets at FNAC or at the venue itself, Le Sentier des Halles.
Through February 11
The latest exposition at the Hôtel de Ville is celebrating the work of Jean-Jacques Sempé, the beloved cartoonist whose characters have graced many covers of the New Yorker. The free exhibition, Sempé Croque Paris features his drawings of Paris, bien sûr. Expect long lines.
February 11-12
La Clique is hosting a weekend brunch extravaganza in the Marais at Le Garage (66 rue de Turenne, 3rd). Organic brunch, kids' workshops, second-hand clothing stands, music, dancing, fussball, etc. Entry €6 (€1 goes to the WWF). For more info check out the website www.brunchbazar.com
February 12
Paris Pastry Party & Book Signing in Paris Join David Lebovitz and Heather Stimmler-Hall for a fête at La Cuisine in Paris to celebrate the Paris Pastry App and eBook. David will also be signing books so if you'd like personalized copy of The Perfect Scoop, The Sweet Life in Paris, or Ready for Dessert, there will be copies on hand. No need to RSVP, but if you have a Facebook account feel free to "join" our party. We look forward to seeing you there!
February 25 - March 4
Cows, chickens, piggies and food, food, food at the annual Salon International de l'Agriculture, at the Paris Porte de Versailles conference center, 9am-7pm (March 2nd until 11pm). Entry €12. Celebrate the diversity of French agrigulture in over 1000 stands and 4500 animals. Not convinced? Check out the article from the 2009 show here.
Through March 4
Check out a very different exposition of alternative art at the Halle Saint Pierre (2 rue Ronsard, 18th, metro Anvers, open daily 10am-6pm; Mondays from 1pm). "Hey! Modern Art & Pop Culture" features over 64 international artists and works from three private collections, curated by the creators of the magazine "Hey!". Entry €8. The café is also quite nice, overlooking the leafy hill of Montmartre.
March 15-17
The très chic Plaza Athénée isn’t normally the kind of place you’d find beer-chugging Germans in lederhosen, but for three days they’re hosting a special Heure Bavarois (Bavarian Hour) at the Relais Plaza Brasserie. There will be Bavarian décor, a real Bavarian band (Zugspitz) and a special menu of Bavarian delicacies (with real Apfelstrudel of course) prepared by the guest chef Walter Leufen of the Bayernstube Restaurant at the Hotel Uberfahrt (not making that up at all). If you’d like to partake in the festivities, the cost is €95/person, drinks not included. RSVP at 01 53 67 64 00.
March 24 - 25
Writer Lisa Pasold offers a literary workshop on finding and unleashing your creative inspiration. Want to write? Keep meaning to start that project? Stuck at page 32? Don’t Just Sit There! In this weekend workshop, discover how inspiration is like breathing. Lisa Pasold has a decade of experience in teaching creative writing to writers of all levels. She has taught at the American University of Paris, at WICE, and has led workshops across North America, from the Yukon to Florida. Her first book of poetry was called ‘a masterpiece’ by Geist Magazine; her second book of poetry was nominated for the Alberta Book Prize. Her recent novel Rats of Las Vegas is “as satisfying as a winning hand at poker”. Sat March 24 (2pm – 5pm) & Sun March 25 (11am – 5pm). Fee: 80 euros for weekend (limited space, pre-registration essential) For a full outline of the workshop & to register, visit http://lisapasold.com
April 7-9
Fête des Plantes et des Poules at Château de la Bourdaisière, in the Loire Valley. The theme to this year’s popular gardening festival is « Create Your Sustaining Garden » with vegetables and chickens. Of course there will also be tomatoes from their famous tomato conservatory (over 700 varieties of tomatoes), and a poultry show. Open 10am-7pm, entry €7.50.
Other Paris Calendar Links
- For literary events, readings, and classes: Monthly Paris Listing.
- For indie/alternative music concerts see Gigs in Paris
- For art exhibitions, museum news and openings see Paris Muse.
- For mainstream events visit the Paris Office of Tourism.
- For naughty events, see the Naughty Paris Guide.
- Major sporting events and festivals can be found at WhatsOnWhen.
