Paris in October – what’s on?
It’s October and the red and gold tones of falling leaves and the slight chill in the air mean autumn has come to Paris. Now that the high season is over, it’s the perfect time to explore the French capital like a local.
What’s on in Paris this month? Take a look at our suggestions and your emploi du temps will soon be full to the brim!
Taste the wine at Les Caves du Louvre
What is it?
Head
over to Les Caves du Louvre, a new wine tasting bar created by entrepreneurs Oliver Magny and Nicolas Paradis, the team behind the well-known Ô Chateau.
Visitors can taste a selection of delicious wines and learn a little more about French wine culture, guided by Olivier and Nicolas, who are experts in wine education.
Where: 52 rue de l’arbre sec, 75001 Paris.When: From 11 October 2015.
Métro: Louvre – Rivoli.
Spend a Nuit Blanche in Paris
What is it?
For one night a year in Paris, people partake in the observance of night during the White Night. Many cafés, bars, restaurants and entertainment services stay open throughout the night to help keep people awake. This wonderful tradition is an opportunity to explore Paris, eat out, visit museums free of charge and meet the locals.
The White Night is a celebration of human culture and communication, encouraging people to take the time to do the little things the hectic daytime hours do not allow for – like having long conversations, enjoying drawn out dinners, and playing games.
This year, it will take place on the first weekend of October and is definitely worth staying awake for – just make sure you have a sieste beforehand!
Where: All over Paris.When: 3 October 2015.
Speak your mind: languages and the European Union
What is it?
The European Union has 24 official languages, yet 75% of texts are published in English, leaving only 25% of space for the other 23 languages.
How to re-establish the linguistic rights of the Europeans and allow all to express themselves whatever their native language? You can be part of this debate at Espéranto Paris Ile-de-France! Entry is free of charge.
Where: 4 bis rue de la Cerisaie, 75004.When: 3 October 2015.
Métro: Bastille or Sully – Morland.
Les entreprises are opening their doors
What is it?
Businesses, industrial sites, laboratories and workshops are all opening up to invite you to observe the work that goes on behind closed doors. Discover traditional techniques and learn about production and other aspects of the work of these people, who are waiting to share their savoir-faire.
This October, guests can visit an urban beer brasserie, explore Luc Besson’s La Cité du Cinema (62 000 square metres of space dedicated to the art of film) and attend a historical and architectural tour of la Gare du Nord.
Where: Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or, 28 rue de la Goutte d’Or, 75018 // Cité du Cinéma, 20 rue Ampere, Saint-Denis 93200 // Gare du Nord, 112 rue de Maubeuge, 75010.When: 3 October 2015 2pm – 3pm // 14 October 2015, 1.30pm – 3pm & 28 October 2015, 3.30pm – 5pm // 15 October 2015, 10am – 12pm.
Métro: Barbès – Rouchechouart // Gare du Nord // Carrefour Pleyel.
Artwork in the garden of the Musée Curie
What is it?
A hundred scientific images created in laboratories were given to 15 French, American and Dutch artists, allowing them to glean from them whatever inspiration they could.
Each artist chose a selection of these images and made them the foundation of their work, using the materials and dimensions they wanted to create a work of art. The results of this stand in the gardens of the Curie Museum.
Where: 1 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75006.When: Until 31 October 2015, Wednesday – Saturday from 1pm.
Métro: Place Monge.
A chance to indulge at Le Salon du Chocolat
What is it?
A dream come true for Francophiles and chocoholics alike, Le Salon du Chocolat, situated beneath the Louvre, will feature tastings and chefs’ demonstrations at a huge variety of international chocolatier stands.
There will be opportunities to taste and buy chocolate that is not found anywhere else, admire chocolate fashion, sculpture and art, and learn recipes from cocoa experts.
Past exhibitions have included the history of chocolate, books on chocolate and desserts, and an antique collection of ‘teapots’ used exclusively for hot chocolate.
A Chocoland for children will also be available, where children will be given their own aprons and chef hats and take part in all sorts of mouth-watering activities.
Where: Viparis – Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 5, 1 place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015.When: 28 October – 1 November 2015, everyday between 10am – 7pm.
Métro: Porte de Versailles or Balard.
What do you like to do in Paris in October? Let us know if we’ve missed anything!
Image credits:
1. Paris in Autumn, by Olivier Letellier, via Flickr.
2. Les Caves Du Louvre, via Les Caves du Louvre Facebook page.
3. Fountain on Place de la Concorde in Yves Klein’s blue, by Sveta Bogolomova, via Flickr.
4. Flags, by Hans, via Pixabay.
5. Gare du Nord Interior, Paris, France, by Diliff, via Wikimedia Commons.
6. Salon du Chocolat Exhibition, by Keven Law, via Wikimedia Commons.
7. Entrance to Musée Curie, Paris, by Lacek2, via Wikimedia Commons.
About the Contributor
Judy MacMahon
