Joan's Personalized Paris

As the end-of-year holidays approach merry-go-rounds sprout like weeds all over Paris (well, all over France really).  While you can always find a few that operate all year round, in early December they start to sprout everywhere!  And this year, to make sure that all children can have the opportunity to enjoy them, certain ones […]

Sainte Barbe is the patron saint of the artillery (it’s kind of a long and gorey story). Though December 4th is her saint day it’s being observed today and tomorrow, December 6th and 7th, by the Musée de l’Armée at Les Invalides.  Soldiers in uniforms from the past, artillery displays and of course, things that go […]

A beach vacation in the heart of Paris!  It’s really a lot of fun and you have until August 17 to wiggle your toes in the sand, sunbathe facing the Seine, run through the mister to cool off, play pétanque, get a bite, have drink, refill your water bottles, take a salsa dance class, read […]

Play Me, I’m Yours! is back!  Launched in 2007 by an English artist and held in various cities, 50 pianos decorated by 50 different artists have been installed in 50 locations around Paris.  40 mini-concerts of all genres are programmed.  And of course they’re ready for impromtu mini-concerts or just a few minutes of tickling […]

Thought you’d have to skip the Easter egg hunt?  No so!  Here are some Parisian options: Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower.  Run by the Secours Populaires there’s a 5 euro fee that goes to support their charity.  Colored eggs can be exchanged for chocolates.  10 – 5 Easter Sunday. The annual Easter egg […]

Cows?  Sheep? In Paris? Must mean it’s time for the Salon d’Agriculture!  Kind of like a state fair crossed with a food fair, this annual event showcases French agricultural production (cheese, sausage, etc.) and the animals they come from (plus dogs, cats, horses, donkeys…).  Oh, and wine (and beer) too!  Full information to help you […]

The big Chinese New Year parade is yet to come as celebrations continue in Paris!  After those of the 3rd and 4th, 11th and 19th arrondissements, now it’s the 13th arrondissement’s turn this Sunday, February 9th.  Recognized by many as the Chinese neighborhood in Paris, this parade draws thousands with its costumed dancers, dragons, firecrackers […]

Celebrations are starting early with Nuit de Chine in the Nef of the Grand Palais tonight (organized to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between France and China)!  While the first part of the event is by invitation only (unless you’re one of the lucky few you’ll miss the concert by Lang Lang) the second […]

Paris!  What a backdrop for ice skating!  Skating in front of the Hotel de Ville?  Or at Trocadero with a view of the Eiffel Tower?  Or along the Champs-Elysées?  There’s still time!  Though the rinks at Trocadero and the Champs-Elysées are open only until January 5th, the one in front of the Hotel de Ville […]

In Paris with kids today and tomorrow?  The Musée de l’Armée has programmed cannon firings and military bands at Les Invalides this weekend, December 7 and 8  to celebrate ‘la Sainte-Barbe’ (Saint Barbara for anglophones), patron saint of artillery from a story that goes back to 235 A,.  Free to all.  The program is as […]