Le Millenaire – Shopping Heaven Near Paris

The Paris suburb of Aubervilliers is officially open for business. The Millennium Mall (Le Millenaire), a fantastic example of urban renewal, houses 140 retail stores and eight restaurants, one of which is a river barge and six that boast waterfront terraces. It’s France’s biggest commercial project in more than a decade and built with optimum green design. Stores include such popular favorites as Carrefour, Guess, Yves Rocher, Zara, Bershka, Swarovski, FNAC, ConfoDECO, Alcott, and H&M. Located along the Canal Saint-Denis, the mall project undertook renovation of old warehouses and dockyards and constructed matching architectural styles to create a “town-like” effect, complete with public green spaces and paths along the canal.

Chocolate Eggs, Bells and Fish (oh my!)

In the week leading up to Easter (Pâques), the windows of patisseries and confiseries (candy shops) brim with colorful cakes, candies and an amazing array of masterfully decorated chocolate eggs that are almost too beautiful to eat. Where we Americans gobble up chocolate rabbits (and yes, bunnies–chocolate and otherwise–are a French favorite as well), in France the tradition focuses on le poisson d’Avril—chocolate fish, which start appearing in sweet shops on the first of the month and are consumed through the Easter holiday. The other ubiquitous favorite, chocolate bells—cloche volant—are a symbol of the resurrection and of celebration, and a most delicious part of the Easter feast. Vive le chocolat!

Celebrating 800 Years at Reims Cathedral

Spectacular Reims Cathedral—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the church where most of the French kings were crowned—is celebrating its 800th anniversary. The official celebration begins on May 6 and continues for six months until October 23, 2011.

Event highlights include concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and special church services. Visitors to the Cathedral will have access (on guided tours) to the thermal baths and the baptistry. And, at the city’s Opera House and the Palais du Tau, special concerts include the sublime Gregorian choir of Champagne, organ concerts, and music by performers from around the world. Reims is located 81 miles an hour and 45-minute drive) east of Paris.

DON’T MISS...The dazzling light projection show, Dream of Colors, on the Cathedral’s facade, which offers a fascinating glimpse into how the church looked in its original form. The 20-minute displays begin May 6.

TIMES
•May: Friday – Sunday at 10:30 p.m.
•June: Thursday – Sunday at 11 p.m.
•July: Tuesday – Sunday at 11 p.m.
•August: Tuesday – Sunday at 10 p.m.
•September: Thursday – Sunday at 9 p.m.
•October: Friday – Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Paris Marathon

If it’s April, it must be marathon time around the world. Always a front runner at monumental events, the Paris Marathon has hosted an average of 35,000 runners annually since 1977. More than 250,000 spectators cheer them on! The course is, well, magnifique... This year on Sunday, April 10, it all begins in front of the Arc de Triomphe. Runners head down the Champs Elysées and past fabled icons such as Notre Dame, the Bastille, the Pompidou Centre, and the Eiffel Tower and follow the Seine to the Finish Line at the bottom of Avenue Foch. More than 70 music venues provide suitable accompaniment en route and, should you forget you’re French for the day, there will be wine and cheese at the 20th mile marker.

Details

When: Sunday, April 10, 2011
Start Time: 8:45 a.m.
Start Line: Top of the Champs Elyseés (Arc de Triomphe)
Finish Line: Avenue Foch