SEE & DO
Hôtel national des Invalides
— There are numerous buildings and museums to visit, including the Musée de l'Armée (see our separate listing) Musée des Plans-Reliefs, Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the L'Eglise de St-Louis-des-Invalides.
A former soliders’ hospital and retirement home, it is also famously known as the place where the mob stole most of the arms to attack the Bastille. The tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte lies in the dome.
M: Varenne, 7th
www.invalides.org
129 rue de Grenelle, 75007 PARIS
Paris Haute Couture
— Spring-Summer Fashion week will be held 30 Sept to end Oct and although all shows are by 'invitation only' this year promises some exciting new designers including Yohji Tamamoto's daughter and two Indian designers Manish Arora and Amamika. The recently refurbished 'Carrousel du Louvre' will stage several shows in different salons.
2009 Fashion Week dates will be 26 -29 January and 6 - 9 July. Now how to get a ticket!
www.modeaparis.com
Paris Garden Tours - Parc André-Citroën
— These free, english and french tours are also available at the Parc de Bercy and the famous Pere-Lachaise Cemetery created by Napoleon. Wonder the park with an expert and learn about the history and culture of these famous fields.
Held during July and August.
Call (33) 40 71 75 60 for more information
www.paris-walking-tours.com
Love seats at a French cinema
— What can be better than watching Gerard Depardeau in French in France? If not, there are a number of English speaking theatres around Montparnasse however much more fun to head to modern Paris in the 13th and visit the 'Bibliotheque Nationale', opposite is the The Mk2 where you’ll find a 14-screen cinema (go on...book the love seats) the complex also has a number of restaurants and shops. Other theatres and programs can be found at
www.premiere.fr/premiere
Don’t forget the recently renovated Cinema Du Pantheon the way to see a French film 'a la Catherine Deneuve' (the famous actress assisted in the design)
www.whynotproductions.fr
www.mk2.com
International Paris Film Festival
— A selection of feature and short film entered from all corners of the globe. If you love film, there's sure to be one or two great hits to come out of the festival.
30 June - 11 July 2009.
Special Entry: €5 per film
www.pariscinema.org
Cité de la Mode et du Design
— Opening October 2009. This is a much anticipated building, over 441m2 of exhibitions and special events relating to fashion and design.
Event details to follow.
Free Night at a Paris Museum
— Several museums across Paris (and also Europe) are free for the evening. Usually held mid May and on a Saturday (Paris 17 May 2008) including the Louvre.
Many provide poetry and musical entertainment. The museums stay open until 1am and it’s a great way to pass the evening away after a wonderful meal. If you want to know more try the link below for 2009.
www.nuitdesmusees.culture.fr
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
— Yes, of course you know to visit this most famous ‘église’ but why not during a world-class orchestra or choir?
The acoustics are, well, heavenly! Plan your visit to get the most of this most magnificent church. You can either go with the crowds or be seated and take the time to admire the architecture, soaring ceilings, objects d’art and much more. See their website. If you can't translate, email we'll help you out.
8.30am Sunday mass.
www.cathedraledeparis.com