What Is Going On In Paris
Christmas Nativity at Notre Dame
Nearly one million people visit the soaring spires of the Notre Dame cathedral during the holiday season; and with good reason. The church displays a beautiful Christmas nativity during the holidays were people can pray and leave a personal message near the manager along with hundreds of thousands of others.
The Christmas Nativity runs from December 1 through February 2. Please visit Notre Dame Cathedral for more details.
Healthy Living Expo
The Salon du Bien-Etre, Medecine Douce et Thalasso, which translates to the Healthy Living Expo, is making its way to Paris’ Porte de Versailles from February 7 – 11. Opening hours run from 10:30am – 7:00pm. Tickets are 8EUR, concessions 5 and 12 unders are free. On display are the latest healthy living products, innovations and creations, including thalasso therapy and alternative medicine solutions. Please see the Healthy Living Expo and Porte de Versailles websites for more information.
Numicarta
Can’t get enough of collector postcards and old coins? Than the Numicarta collectors’ fair is right up your alley! Specialists on the likes of these old collectables and then some will be on hand to answer any questions and assist your purchases.
Numicarta is located at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, February 1 – 2 from 10:00am – 7:00pm. Tickets are 8EUR while concessions are 6EUR. Please visit Numicarta for details.
Open Gaz de France
The Open Gaz features some of the most brilliant female tennis players from around the globe. Played on the indoor courts of Stade Pierre de Coubertin, this tournament holds one of the biggest purses in tennis; $600,000 in prizes! Costs and times vary. For more information please visit the Sanex WTA Tour, Open Gaz de France and Stade Pierre de Coubertin websites.
Orphee et Eurydice, Pina Bausch
In combination with the Balthasar-Neumann Ensemble and Choir, conductor Thomas Hengelbrock seeks to revive this dramatic opera, which was first seen in Paris in the late 18th century. The opera is brought into the present day with the addition of more animated and extravagant layers than ever before.
This rendition runs from February 4 – 8 at the striking Palais Garnier. Opening hours are 7:30pm; 2:30pm on Sunday. Tickets range in price from 7 – 160EUR. Please see the Paris National Opera and Pina Bausch websites for more details.
Planetes Musiques
Planetes Musiques is just as the name states; some of the most excellent traditional musicians from all over the world sharing their craft at this annual festival. This year the festival tour makes its harmonious debut in Paris, from February 8 – 10, before taking over the rest of the world from March through June. The Parisian portion of the festival will be held at the Maison de la Musique de Nanterre. Tickets are 7.50EUR and times vary with the events. Please see the Maison de la Musique de Nanterre and Federation of Traditional Dance and Music websites for more information.
Six Nations Championship
Sports lovers abound at the Six Nations Championship; the oldest rugby tourney in the world. This year France will skirmish Ireland on February 9 at the Stade de France. Players will be suited up and situated on the field by 4:00pm; let the battle begin! Please visit the Six Nations and French Rugby Union websites for more details.
The Chinese New Year
Annually, the Chinese community in Paris hold New Year festivities on February 7. It has all the makings of a great party; giant dragons, firecrackers, music and traditional Chinese dance. The celebration floods the streets from the center of Chinatown all the way to Place d’Italie and Porte de Choisy; nearly taking over the 13th arrondissement! Please see the Chinese New Year website for more details.
The Fat Cow Parade
A tradition since its inception in 1274, the annual Promenade du Boeuf Gras or Fat Cow Parade, brings Parisians out in droves to cheer on this delightful procession. The parade begins at Porte de Bangolet, and winds its way through the city, down rue la Vau at 3:00pm, until it arrives at the town hall around 7:00pm. Please see The Fat Cow for more details.
