Midsummer Fireworks Ile Saint-Louis
June 2009 t.b.a.
Gather around the Quai Saint-Bernard as the city pays homage to Saint John the Baptist and also the shortest night of the year.
Free of course. A link below
www.istc.org
Montmartre Wine Festival
First weekend in October, the popular quarter of Paris, celebrates its past and present wine-growing history. With vines growing here since the 10th century locals wine buffs and growers from all over France gather for a weekend of song, dance and well lots of wine-tasting. Parades held in the afternoon. Entry free: 3 days of events 2008 dates start 10 October till 12. 2009 to be posted but early October, toujours!
www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com
La musée du Parfum - Fragonard
For lovers of French perfume this museum is housed in a ‘bel hôtel particulier’, in the style of Napoléon III. You can discover all the different production processes, from design, manufacture and promotion of this famous french brand. Their plantation is situated in Grasse and boasts some of the country's (France) most beautiful flowers. Afterwards, you can sample on small slips of paper, there was no sales pressure when I visited, just an enjoyable visit.
Metro: Opéra Bus: 3, 7 & 8
More photos and information at their site, see Scribe Museum.
www.fragonard.com
9 rue Scribe, 75009 (9th)
Bibliothèque Forney
Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Paris (built between 1475 and 1607) it was once home of the archbishops of Sens. Now a library containing important material about art and industrial technology. You can request a guided tour upon entry.
Closed Mondays. Metro: Pont-Marie
Hôtel de Sens 1, rue du Figuier 75004 t : 1 42 78 14 60
Grand Palais
This most famous Paris monument reopened in 2005 after an extensive 12 years of renovation. It is nothing less than one of the most majestical spots in Paris. There are several entrances, depending on which gallery or exhibition you wish to visit. Closed Tuesdays then daily 10am – 8pm (later Wednesdays) Closed 1 May.
M: Champs-Elysées or Clémenceau
www.grandpalais.fr
Avenue Franklin-D Roosevelt, 7th, 75008
Le Mur des je t'aime
This is wall is dedicated to all the different ways to say 'I Love you', over 300 languages and dialects are displayed on the tiled wall created by none other that a french composer of love songs, Frederic Baron.
Located behind the entry point to the metro Abbesses.
www.lesjetaime.com
Square des Abbesses, Montmartre 18th
Fresh Food Markets
Anything about food can be found at this wonderful, popular site. If you're staying in an apartment and wish to cook, visit this site for a full list of markets across Paris and some great 'recettes'.
I've not visited all of them but there are some great markets at Saint Quentin every Sunday morning that attract Parisian from all arrondissements.
www.chocolateandzucchini.com
Cimetière du Montparnasse
The burial site of many famous French poets, politicians, singers and other renowned people such as Samuel Beckett, Man Ray. Pictured is the tomb of Honoré Champion an Editor in 1874 you can find the full list of deceased buried wikipedia. It is divided up into many divisions and there are many interesting headstones and many are visited daily such as Serge Gainsbourg. I don't have a website to recommend but this one has a great pics to five you an idea.
Metro: Edgar Quinet, or Raspail
www.parispassion.canalblog.com