Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles
Womb to Tomb
After years of closure for renovation work, the Grand Palais finally reopened the space under its monumental glass dome last summer for Olympic events and this winter for an enormously successful ice-skating rink during the holiday season. Now its first … Read More
Au Trou Gascon Restaurant
Lighten Up!
All Posts The name of this restaurant, Au Trou Gascon, might lead you to expect a nice heavy southwestern meal of foie gras, duck confit, etc., and a decor dominated by red-checkered tablecloths and wood paneling. If that’s what you’re … Read More
Surréalisme
Sisters in Surrealism (and Some Men)
The Centre Pompidou couldn’t pass up a chance to celebrate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Surrealist manifesto for one of its last blockbuster exhibitions before it shuts down for a major renovation (from summer 2025 to 2030). The museum has … Read More
Trois Amies
What's Love Got to Do With It?
As Tolstoy famously wrote at the beginning of Anna Karenina, “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Perhaps the same principle could be applied to happy and unhappy couples. In any case, Emmanuel … Read More
Notre Dame Gets New Priestly Garb for Its Rebirth
The Archbishop’s New Clothes
On December 7 and 8, Paris will celebrate the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, now restored to glory by a host of gifted artisans after the 2019 fire that nearly erased the iconic 800-year-old landmark. One revelation will be … Read More
The new Notre Dame lights up the Parisian sky. Photo: Ron Fox
What's Happening in Paris This Week
For full details about an event, click on the title to visit the official Web site (in English when available).
Throughout December and into January
Festive activities
Magical châteaux, ice skating and family fun: a comprehensive list of Paris’s Christmas events. The big hit of the season is the ice-skating rink at the Grand Palais (through Jan. 8), but beware of long lines and hig prices.
Various locations, Paris
January 7
French movies with English subtitles
Lost in Frenchlation presents Les Visiteurs (The Visitors), directed by Jean-Marie Poiré.
L’Epée de Bois, Paris
January 9
French movies with English subtitles
Lost in Frenchlation presents En Fanfare’ (The Marching Band), directed by Emmanuel Courcol.
Luminor, Paris
Through January 18, 2025
Emerging artists
The Île-de-France department presents “FoRTE #6,” an exhibition of creative projects by emerging artists who received regional funding.
Frac. Romainville
Through January 19
Illuminated Jurassic
This year’s festive illuminations in the Jardin de Plantes take nighttime visitors back to the Jurassic Era.
Jardin de Plantes, Paris
January 23-26, 2025
Literature live
The theme of this year’s Nuits de la Lecture, with readings set to music and other events, is patrimoines (heritages).
Various venues, Paris & online around the world
Through January 26, 2025
Contemporary arts festival
The Festival d’Automne presents leading international talents in art, dance, film, theater and more.
Various venues, Paris & Île de France
Through January 31, 2025
Dance festival
The Fondation EDFs Dans(e) la Lumière festival presents dance performances and art exhibitions inspired by light.
Fondation EDF, Paris & Île de France
January 8-February 4
Bargain hunting
The official government-sanctioned winter retail sales period.
Paris & most of France
January 20-February 15
Dance festival
Performances by dancers of all ages, professional and amateur, all over Paris and its suburbs for Faits d’Hiver.
Various venues, Paris & suburbs
Through April 6, 2025
10 women directors
The festival Elles Sont Là pour Rester spotlights the films of 10 French women directors of the same generation.