Paris Events

Things to do in Paris - Events for February 2012

Soldes - February 1 to February 14, 2012

In one of the fashion and shopping capitals of the world, with some of the highest prices for clothes, sales only happen a few times each year. The centralized markdowns are government controlled and only authorized on certain days of the year. From the tiniest boutiques to the Grands Magasins, the winter sales (or soldes) will be going on all over Paris the first fourteen days of February, with discounts up to 70% on designer clothes, shoes and accessories. Take advantage of the low prices but be prepared to brave some intense crowds, as the quest for deals can get a bit competitive. You may want to upgrade your plastic to platinum, just for the extra protection!

Dance Your Life! - February 1 to April 2, 2012

Designed to explore the connection between dance and other forms of artistic expression, this exhibition at the Centre Georges Pompidou is an interesting journey through the development and creation of the various forms of dance and choreography from the 19th and 20th centuries. How dance has inspired and influenced artists of other media is examined through the works of painters, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers and, of course, with choreographed dance performances. Anyone interested in artistic expression through movement, or that just loves to dance in general will thoroughly enjoy this wonderfully creative and entertaining exhibition.

La France en Relief - February 1 to February 17, 2012

From the mighty reign of Louis XIV, who fought several wars of territorial expansion, to the ill-fated Second Empire of Napoleon III, many large and incredibly well detailed maps of France, Paris, and the surrounding territories were produced. Often designed for military or engineering purposes, these maps offer the viewer a glimpse of an older France as seen through the eyes of her rulers, their advisors and military planners. Anyone who loves maps and history will surely not want to miss this unique exhibit, on display at the beautifully majestic Grand Palais.

Nouveau Festival - February 22 to March 12, 2012

Once again the Centre Pompidou lives up to its reputation as one of the leading contemporary and modern art museums in the world, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression. Now in its third year, the Nouveau Festival invites artist of various media to explore new methods and ideas in the creation of art for display in exhibitions. Various disciplines will be showcased, with modern artist producing new material specifically for this exhibition, but the highlight of them all is the interactive film workshop exhibit put on by renowned French filmmaker Michel Gondry (Human Nature, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep). Exhibition-goers will have the opportunity to design, shoot, edit and produce their own short 3-minute film, with everything from props and costumes to sets and cameras available for them at the exhibit. I almost forgot the best part, the entire exhibition is completely free to enter!

Ice Skating - February 1 to March 4, 2012

What could be more fun or romantic than ice skating on an outdoor rink in the City of Light? For the rest of winter there will be rinks and skate rental set up at the Hôtel de Ville and at Montparnasse Tower. I can't think of a better way to work up an appetite for a hearty bowl of Cassoulet than a few laps skating in the shadows of the beautiful Parisian architecture.

Á la prochaine!

- Seth Valentine