NOMADIC INSPIRATIONS

LE LABORATOIRE - FROM 22nd TO 12th JULY 2010

On the dividing line between art and science, Le Laboratoire is not done surprising us. True to its objective of remaining open to the creative process as a whole, this unique venue explores a new galaxy of sensations.
The most inspired scientits and culinary creators of our time work together to offer visitors taste experiences that are each more original than the next.

See your next Paris apartment rentals in the 1st district near this exhibition.

VOYAGES - VIEW OF THE WORLD BY JAPANESE PHOTOGRAPHERS

MAISON DE LA CULTURE DU JAPON À PARIS - FROM 14th OCTOBER 2009 TO 23th JANUARY 2010

Kôji Onaka, Toshiya Momose, Naoki Ishikawa, Takeshi Dodo, Sayuri Naitô, Hiraki Sawa. There are six of them, they are Japonese, and their view of the world is multi-faceted, just like their conception of travel. From the singularity of the Japanese archipelago or an insider's take on Lison; from Mount Fuji as you have never seen it before to a strangely empty urban India... These photographers transport visitors to real yet sometimes endangered worlds, but also alright to the heart of imaginary lands. They present a panorama between past and present, between realism and fantasy.


Look at these Paris holidays apartments and choose the apartment for your next trip in Paris.

New Year's Eve in Paris

There's possibly no better time to enjoy the benefits of a wonderful apartment rentals in Paris as during the New Year.

After all, New Year's lasts an entire month in Paris, roughly speaking. The French celebration of "Saint Sylvestre" begins January 1st, with cries of "bonne annee" beginning at midnight and lasting until the 1st of February.

New Year's Eve in Paris means flowing champagne, vin chaud (mulled wine) and hot cider. Fireworks are common throughout the city, so watch your eyes and get ready for a fun night out.

Major draws during other times of the year are certainly no exception on this exciting night, with the Champs Elysées being the hot-spot for locals and tourists alike, the equivalent of Times Square in the U.S. Not for those who hate crowds, there are firework displays along the avenue and occasional pickpockets, so do exercise normal caution.

It never needs mentioning that the Eiffel Tower is a "must-see" attraction, as this is perhaps never more so than on New Year's Eve, as the light show goes into overdrive at the stroke of midnight.

There are several long- and Paris short term rentals that let you take in the show, whether with a glorious view or simply by letting you live in central Paris, near the fun and excitement.

Food-lovers should consider exploring special holiday menus offered at various restaurants around the city. You may want to check in advance to see if any special dress codes apply (and the same is true of any parties you plan on attending). It's a special night, and as a result politeness suggests finding out what each event may require or suggest. Whatever you choose in terms of restaurants, book as early as possible in advance.

A Seine cruise is another wonderful way to soak up the excitement of the night, in a somewhat more leisurely fashion, and there are several companies to choose from. Bateaux Parisiens is an established Seine cruise company, as are Bateaux Mouches, Yachts de Paris and several more. Many cruises include dinner, music, champagne, and other amenities. Reservations are almost always required in advance.

Sometimes it's the little pleasures that make holidays special.

So while in town for the holidays, head to a Paris supermarket and look for papillottes.

Papillottes (which originated in Lyon) are chocolates or fruit jellies which contain a message in the wrapper. When opened, they pop like small firecrackers. Papillotes are classic Christmas treats in France, with the same iconic importance as the candy cane in the U.S.

According to legend, they were created by a young man working in a candy shop, in love with a girl downstairs. He wrapped loved notes around the candies and tossed them into her window, causing sparks to fly (figuratively and almost literally). The rest is history.

New Year's Eve in a magical time wherever you are. Whether you choose a mystical night in the Montmartre, a quiet walk by the Seine, or losing yourself amongst the crowds of the Champs Elysées, there's quite possibly no better way to ring in the New Year than in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

ISADORA DUNCAN - A living sculpture

Musée Bourdelle - From 23 2009 to 7 march


A pioneering figure in the world of modern dance, Isadora Duncan, whom Bourdelle had the opportunity to meet and see dancing, was amongst the sculptor's sources of inspiration, notably when he decorated the théâtre des Champs Elysées. The life - particularly the parisian years - and career of this exceptional woman are at the heart of this ambitious exhibition wich assembles, for the first time since the 1960s, paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and costume.

Please visit our list of Paris short term rentals for your next paris stay.

Gay Socializing and Fun: A Different Set of Rules

Those who know Paris, know that France has its own set of social customs, some so small they may seem “invisible” to you at first.

Small things like always saying “bonjour” whenever you enter a restaurant café, and realizing the French come from a much more formal tradition than the United States: so don’t take the frowns or stern manners personally! While you’ll find the French slower to “warm up” than Americans, you’ll soon learn French bonds of friendship run very deep.

When it comes to gay socializing in the French capital, you may well find the rules changed in this regard, as well. While in the United States someone interested in someone else may feel perfectly at easy using the “direct approach,” be aware that French customs still apply!

Some of these customs may seem odd to you at first, but a little investment in learning them will go a long way. For example, in the United States it is extremely common to smile at a stranger, to show you mean no harm. In France, however, the rule is flipped. Smiling too early in a conversation can be seen, culturally, as a sign of insincerity, superficiality or falseness. (After all, you don’t really know the other person yet!)

Your best bet is: a) to display impeccable manners in saying “bonjour”; b) keep a dignified expression (save the smiles for when something humorous is discussed or happens; it will happen soon enough!); and c) make an honest effort to speak French. These are the “golden rules” insofar as how the French see visitors, so stick to them and you stand the best chances of warming the person you’re speaking with to you.

That being said, relax and be yourself! Parisians tend to socialize in groups, so feel free to bring along friends, as well.

However, if you find the prospect of flirting with the French a little daunting (and please remember it’s the same for everyone in France: please don’t feel that any chilliness is somehow directed at you, personally!), remember there are many wonderful international gay clubs in Paris, where you’ll find visitors from all over the world congregating to have cheerful fun.

Two gay clubs in Paris with friendly, unpretentious reputations include Le Tango (la boite a frissons) at 13 rue au Maire. Metro: Arts et Metiers, and Le Club 18, at 18 rue du Beaujolais. 75001 Paris, Metro: Palais-Royal.

Of course, there are many wonderful, friendly clubs all over Paris, particularly in the vicinity of the Marais.

Yet another of these clubs, with a great reputation for having a fun-loving, international clientele is Open Café at 17 rue des Archives (Metro Hôtel de Ville or Rambuteau).

To stay near the fun, we recommend taking a look at the great selection of available Paris apartments at http://www.MyKeysToParis.com.

And stay tuned, as next time we’ll be exploring the many NON-clubbing ways to get out and enjoy Paris, the City of Lights!