Monthly Archives: October 2022

How to Get Your Electronics Fixed in Paris – or Buy Discounted New Ones

It can be extremely frustrating to have issues with your laptops or phones, especially whilst in a foreign country and when these devises are essential to getting coursework done. Fortunately, Paris has a wide range of solutions to electronics woes. From repairs to good value replacements, here are some valuable resources if you find yourself in a tech bind in Paris. As a general rule, if you’re having something repaired, it’s always best to ask for a quote (devis) up front so that there aren’t any unpleasant surprises at the time of payment. 

Apple Genius Bar – Opéra

Apple Genius Bar

If you have Apple products, the best first step would be to make an appointment at an Apple Genius Bar (same name in French!). Their staff might be able to help you on the spot for free or provide repairs which could be covered by your warranty. The closest Apple Store to the school is in the Marché Saint-Germain and there are other stores at Opéra and on the Champs Elysées. You can make an appointment online here

WeFix / Facebook

WeFix

If you’re looking to get your smartphone repaired (broken screens or more), you can also try this tech company run by French electronics company FNAC/Darty. They are Apple certified and have reliable, professional service. They have a shop within the FNAC at Montparnasse, so very close to the school, as well as several other locations in Paris. 

L’Atelier du Portable

This shop on Boulevard Saint-Michel in the 5th (a short walk from the school), is specialised in laptop and phone repairs. What’s great is that they can usually assist you quickly, without an appointment and within two hours, plus their prices are rather reasonable. They also offer free diagnostics and quotes, so you can know if it’s worth repairing your computer or if it’s simply better to get a new one.

Atelier des Smartphones

L’Atelier Des Smartphones

Another repair shop nearby the school is this good venue on Boulevard Raspail in the 6th. They are especially helpful for quick repairs for any type of smartphone as well as tablets and computers. They can repair screens, replace batteries or motherboards in addition to selling cables and other accessories.

Another good repair shop is the I Repair Center – just a stone’s throw from the Apple Store at Opéra. For repairs, we recommend going in person to explain your problem and get a quote.

Back Market

If your tech has definitely gone kaput, you can get an affordable used laptop, tablet or smartphone via this online platform. What’s particularly useful is that they have an extremely wide range of items which are labeled according to their condition. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget you can make a quick switch without breaking the bank. They also have great customer service and different guarantee options. 

Rue Montgallet – Sortir à Paris

Rue Montgallet – Paris’s Tech City

This street in the 12th district (métro Montgallet line 8) is known as being a little electronics hub in the city. You can find anything from very good value used electronics to parts if you’re handy with repairs yourself. 

Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

Useful Terminology 

Luckily, a lot of tech terminology is similar or the same in French, however, there are a few differences. If you do need to have repairs or replacements done, this handy vocabulary can help ensure you get what you need done correctly!

Tech – Informatique

Computer = ordinateur

Laptop = portable

Cellphone / mobile phone = téléphone portable or mobile 

Repair = réparation 

Replace = remplacer 

Refurbished (used) = reconditionné

Good condition / Very good condition / Perfect condition = état correct / très bon état / parfait état

Unlocked phone (phones you can put your sim card in) = téléphone débloqué

Screen = écran 

Scratch (for screens) = rayure 

Charger = chargeur

Cable = câble 

Good Luck! Bonne chance! 

 

Top Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

 

How to Visit Current Art Studios in Paris

While Paris has some of the best museums in the world, the city also fosters the creativity of thousands of modern-day artists. A unique way to experience their work first-hand is to visit their studios. There are a variety of ways you can do this thanks to open days (portes ouvertes), artist association-run galleries, and events in artist squats. Discover some of the best opportunities below, including a few events in the coming weeks!

Cité International des Arts / FB

La Cité Internationale des Arts 

This City of Paris foundation in the southern Marais welcomes 1,000 international artists-in-residence every year. On Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm they host an “artist trail” through a selection of the centre’s 325 studios. They also have an art gallery displaying their artists’ work and host a range of other events, learn more here.

The foundation also manages another art studio centre on the northern edge of Montmartre. Opening in the early 1930s, La Cité Montmartre aux Artistes is comprised of 180 art studios. Some events are held throughout the year or you can also visit it on open days. The next open days are 9th to 10th February!

59 Rivoli (and top image) / FB

59 Rivoli

Since 1999 this colourful artist squat has occupied a former bank building on rue de Rivoli. You can freely wander through the various floors and studios of the space from 1pm to 8pm Tuesdays to Sundays (donations appreciated) or check out its revolving line-up of exhibits (and concerts) which take place in its official art gallery on the ground floor.

6b Saint Denis

6b Saint Denis

6b 

This artist squat is found within a massive formerly vacant building in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis. Today 200 artists of varying genres contribute to the vibrant cultural ambiance of the venue. They have an active agenda of events from exhibitions to short film screenings. They are host an open house twice a year.

L’Impasse

This hybrid creative space and bar in the 11th has monthly artist-in-residence. Called the “Aquarium”, the studio is found underneath the venue’s impressive atrium (created by Gustave Eiffel!). You can stop by to see what the artist is up to and you may want to plan to come Thursday to Saturday night to also take in a concert or film screening. 

Ateliers de Belleville

Ateliers de Belleville / Paris Info

Ateliers de Belleville

The Belleville area is one of the most artistic in Paris. Its local artist association is made up of 250 members. They display their art in individual and group shows at the AAB GALLERY (1 rue Francis Picabia, 75020 Paris), located near the Park de Belleville which is usually open from 2pm to 8pm, Thursday to Sunday. Or better yet, if you’re here in mid-May, attend their open days event, the largest in Paris. While you’re in the area, take a meander around to discover the area’s great street art scene!

Ateliers de Menilmontant 

This collective of over 200 artists of the bohemian district of the 20th arrondissement date back to 1991. They organise a number of events throughout the year at their gallery, Galerie Ménil’8 (8 rue Boyer 75020 Paris), as well as a larger open house in late September. 

Les Frigos / Paris Info

Les Frigos

Originally built in 1920, this former refrigerated storage depot in the 13th district was first squatted by artists in 1985. Now legalized, it houses over 80 artists, ranging from painters to jewelry designers. Although their studios are usually closed to the public, visits can be requested via their website. Nevertheless, you can also visit its art gallery, Aiguillage, to see the work of the artists in residence or check out the venue’s website for occasional workshops, other events and updates on their portes ouvertes which takes place in mid May.

La Galerie Ouverte de l’Apla

This association of artists in the vicinity of the world-famous cemetery aims to make art more accessible and interactive to local residents by organizing seasonal open air exhibits in the Place de la Réunion. Meet the artists and get invited to come back to visit their studios on another day! The next event is 23 March 2024 then there will be other events in June, September and December.

Other Portes Ouvertes – Annual Studio Open Days

Various neighborhoods around Paris have associations bringing together their local artists. These are usually once a year and offer an opportunity to visit 50-100 actual art studios. Here are some great options, organised starting at the beginning of the academic year.

Ateliers des Artistes d’Anvers aux Abbesses: around 80 artists sprinkled in the streets surrounding Montmartre. Held mid November.

Le 6è: a collective of the artists of the 6th arrondissement hosts its open house event in mid May.

Ecole des Beaux Arts: If you’ve ever wondered what it was like inside the Paris Fine Arts Academy, you can take a meander through parts of it during its annual open days. The two day event displays the end of year projects of its students and is usually held at the end of June.

Looking for other original opportunities to discover art in Paris? See these other articles on our blog: