September in Paris

CHCOLATINE SAYS…
WE LOVE PARIS IN THE FALL!





The autumn months offer a huge variety of events, exhibit openings and eclectic happenings in the City of Lights. Among them:

HERITAGE DAYS (Journées du Patrimoine)
September 19 & 20, 2009

IMPORTANT: There are 15,000 sites throughout France that will be open during these two days for free. You clients will likely experience long lines, so if you have the chance to alert them to this, it would be a good thing. Versailles, for instance, is one of the busiest places during this celebration.

A countrywide celebration of all things French occurs this coming weekend and Paris rolls out the royal welcome mat to the world. The event is a veritable showcase of culture and tradition, architecture, history and the arts. Every notable building, museum and monument throws open its door to the public for free.

Visitors who happen to be in Paris this Saturday and Sunday can explore the French President’s residence (the Palais de l’Elysée), the Senate, the National Assembly, City Hall, City Archives, almost every museum (including the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay), Ste. Chapelle and Notre Dame, plus view performances at theatres and music centers in every arrondissement (neighborhood). There are also specially mapped routes – Architectural Heritage Trails – for anyone exploring the city on foot.

The idea for the national celebration dates back to 1983 when the Ministry of Culture held the first monuments “free open house.” Using this concept, the European Council reinstated Heritage Days in 1991.

(If you want to see a list of everything that’s open and free this weekend (and you can manage a little bit of French), the Web site “cityzeum.com/blog/paris” lists everything by arrondissement.


RENOIR IN THE 20TH CENTURY
Sept 23, 2009 – Jan. 4, 2010
Grand Palais, Paris

Approximately 100 of Renoir’s last decorative paintings, drawings and sculptures have been assembled from international collections for a major exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. Some of the portraits, large nudes and studies of models were once owned by Matisse and Picasso and, in parts of the exhibit, their own work – along with that of Bonnard and Maillol – is shown side by side with Renoir’s to visually illustrate his profound influence. This is not only the chance to see the last and boldest of Renoir’s work, but a unique opportunity to witness the artistic perspective of a 19th century master who set the bar for some of the 20th century’s most important artists.

Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

---------------------------------

CHOCOLATINE provides a wide range of tailor-made touring arrangements for couples, families and friends exploring France together, or on their own. Whether on holiday, celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a honeymoon, or simply relaxing in a favorite city or town, we take care of all the details.

Contact us for special arrangements, tours and personalized services for your clients. www.chocolatine.biz • 1-866-200-8122
Florent Maillet, owner • florent@chocolatine.biz