Category Archives: Paris Activities

Refractions: Paris Postgraduate Festival 2023 Full Programme

In a world of sensory stimulants, art is the prism through which we refract our experiences. This year’s Paris Postgraduate Festival takes on the theme of Refractions. Taking place from 5th-9th June, these 5 free events will disperse the prismatic visions of artists across multiple Parisian venues. Please see the festival website to sign up and RSVP.

Pop-up Exhibition. Agora.

Monday June 5, 2023: Festival launch and Pop-up Exhibition

The 2023 festival will launch with a pop-up exhibition featuring artworks, sounds, and, of course, wine. Visit us in the 11th district of Paris where we will exhibit the work of a range of emerging artists, based in Paris, accompanied by audio inspirations.

WHEN + WHERE: 5:30-9:30 PM, Mon Pop-up Paris, 14 rue Jean Mace, 75011

Peniche Cinema – La Baruda. Time Out.

Tuesday June 6, 2023: Sounds & Visions

We present an experimental event incorporating live jazz music from Antoine Karacostas, accompanied by a programme of exceptional short films. Experience a new form of silent cinema, an amalgamation of contemporary and archive.

WHEN + WHERE: 5:30 PM at La Péniche Cinéma – Le Baruda in La Villette, 75019 Paris

RSVP

Wednesday June 7, 2023: Featured Author – Rebecca Watson

We invite you to join Featured Author Rebecca Watson in an afternoon of literary discussion and workshops. Experience an experimental writing workshop and an exclusive reading from Rebecca’s debut novel little scratch.

WHEN + WHERE: 2 PM at The Red Wheelbarrow Bookshop, 11 rue de Médicis No. 9, 75006 Paris

Space is limited – please sign up

Thursday June 8, 2023: The Menteur Launch Party

Join us in celebrating the launch of Voyager, the 2023 edition of The Menteur, the Paris School of Art’s annual literary magazine. Come get your free copy of the magazine, listen to readings by featured authors, and clink a glass to celebrate!

WHEN + WHERE: 1 PM at Rosa Bonheur Buttes Chaumont, 2 Av. de la Cascade, 75019 Paris

RSVP

Parc des Buttes Chaumont.

Friday June 9, 2023: The Art of Communications

We close the festival with a workshop that will awaken all your senses; the writing and reading of poetry informed by olfactory exploration. This poetry and perfumery workshop will take place in the beautiful hills of Buttes Chaumont.

WHEN + WHERE: 6:30 PM at Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris.

Precise location will be provided to participants prior to the event.

Space is limited – please sign up

Our Guide to the 13th Arrondissement, beyond la Bibliothèque nationale

Many of our Kent Paris School students will be spending a good deal of time at la Bibliothèque nationale, France’s National Library, especially as they work on their final papers and dissertations. But if you want to take a break from your research, Paris’ large 13th district has plenty of gems to discover. From street art to Chinatown and from former villages to thought-provoking contemporary architecture, here are our favourite things to do in the 13th:

Station F and La Félicità

Just next to the Library is the large co-working venue, Station F. Located within a former rail freight depot dating from 1927, since 2017 it has been home to the world’s biggest start-up “campus” or incubator. Many of the dynamic creatives who work there drift over to the restaurant part of the complex, La Felicità, a massive Italian food emporium where you can find great coffee, dine in a former train car or sip aperitivo on its terrace at the end of a long day.

Photo Credit: Cité de la Mode et Design

Paris Rive Gauche – Contemporary Architecture District

The 13th has positioned itself as a cluster of innovation – evidenced not only through the high concentration of start-ups, but also through its rapidly evolving architecture. Throwing off the Haussmannian rigidity, the 13th arrondissement contains a particularly rich collection of exciting contemporary buildings just to the east of the Bibliothèque nationale. Called Paris Rive Gauche, the district has a mix of residential, office and university buildings. You can explore these thanks to this useful article (in English) available on the Paris City Hall website.

Port de la Gare

On the quais just in front of the Bibliothèque nationale is one of the nicest – and coolest – sections of the Seine river banks within Paris. The pedestrian walkway is the perfect place to stretch your legs during a study break, for a picnic in balmy weather or to end your day. Its floating bars (known as péniches in French), including one on an old-fashioned boat, are very popular with eastend Parisians. From late spring to late summer, and especially on weekends, these péniches expand with quai-side seating and activities. There is also a CROUS (university canteen serving low-cost meals), the Le Cafétéria Pont supérieur, inside one of the barges.

Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir. Photo: AHert / CC

Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir

The newest of Paris’s 37 bridges, the footbridge was inaugurated in 2006 and named in honour of France’s great feminist philosopher and writer. It was designed by Feichtinger Architectes and constructed by the Eiffel company (yes, Gustave Eiffel’s company lives on to this day!). You can gaze up at the bridge from the Port or access it from the Library’s esplanade. Looking west, from the bridge you have a great view of the Pont de Bercy where métro line 6 zips by every few minutes.

Street Art

Over the last decade or so, the 13th has come to boast one of the highest concentrations of street art. Today the district’s large tower buildings are decorated with over 50 murals as well as scores of smaller works by French and international artists like Obey, Inti and C215. Although these are scattered around the 13th, you can see many larger ones as you walk down Boulevard Vincent Auriol and see smaller works around Les Buttes aux Cailles (see below). You can locate them with the help of this interactive map and you can learn more about top Parisian street artists in this blog post.

Butte-aux-Cailles

A stone’s throw from both Chinatown and busy Place d’Italie is one of the loveliest of Paris’s former villages. Once a small hamlet on the outskirts of the city, the Butte-aux-Cailles gradually became associated with the Parisian working class. Luckily, the neighbourhood escaped Haussmann architectural injunctions. Today, the quartier is lined with restaurants and bars popular with students from nearby campuses. A favourite neighbourhood haunt is Le temps des cérises, a cooperative-model bistrot. Opened in 1976, the bistro’s menu, prices, and operating model pay hommage to the working class (and the bistro’s name, the Time of Cherries, is a nod to the Paris Commune of 1871). Read more in our guide to the former villages of Paris at this link.

Les Olympiades, Jean-François Gornet

Chinatown

A section of the centre of the 13th district, the area around the modern high-rises of Les Olympiades, is well-known for its bustling Chinatown. The largest Chinatown in Europe, this can be found between Avenue d’Ivry, Avenue de Choisy and Boulevard Masséna. You can learn more about its history, as well as dining recommendations, in our guide to Paris’s Chinatowns.

Le Château de la Reine Blanche. Siren-Com / CC

Le Château de la Reine Blanche

The Château de la Reine Blanche, or Castle of the White Queen, (6 Rue Gustave Geffroy, 75013) is one of the arrondissement’s hidden gems. The structure dates back to 1290 and takes its name from Blanche de France who inherited the manor house from her mother. Parts of the building are from the 14th and 15th century. Today the castle is privately owned and unfortunately rarely open to the public (except on the Journées du Patrimoine held in mid September), but you can still view it from the street. Discover other lesser known medieval sites in Paris in this article.

photo: Sonia Yassa/ Ville de Paris

Square René Le Gall

The 13th arrondissement does not have an abundance of parks, but this pretty one is tucked away on a side street near the Château de la Reine Blanche. The Square René Le Gall is located next to where the Bièvre River once flowed, Paris’s second river that only exists underground now within the city limits. The park was built over a land mass in a fork of the river previously called Monkey Island; a little stream runs through the garden, tracing the path of the semi-defunct river. The perfect place to read on a sunny day, the park has some rose arbors, a quirky obelisque, fruit trees, sycamores and a huge Indian chestnut tree planted in 1894.

Discovering Paris’s Little India

Although it might not be as large as in some other global cities, there is a vibrant diaspora from the countries of the Indian Subcontinent in Paris. Different waves of immigration from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh arrived in France, mainly in the 20th century, after India’s Independence in 1947 and as of the 1980s as a result of Sri Lanka’s Civil War. They settled principally in the 10th arrondissement where today you can find a wonderful array of “cash and carry” food markets, good value eateries and shops displaying beautiful Indian clothing and accessories.

Passage Brady

Originally built in 1828, this picturesque historic passageway has both a covered section, between rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Strasbourg, and an open air section which carries on until rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin. Overflowing with ambiance and aromas, it’s lined with Indian shops and restaurants, one more tempting than the next. You can get some great deals by making a reservation at one of these on The Fork website a day or two prior, we’re rather fond of New Delhi and la Reine de Kashmir!

Little India

Although Passage Brady is very charming, there is a larger concentration of the Indian community in what is called “Little India,” an area located between Gare du Nord train station and métro La Chapelle. The higher you rise on rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, the more shops and restaurants you’ll pass. These continue on rue Cail, Louis-Blanc and rue Perdonnet.

Little India is great to visit any time of year (come with an empty stomach!), however, the neighborhood truly comes to life during popular festivals like Holi (March, and another festival is taking place in the Jardin de l’Acclimatation in Bois du Boulogne on May 14), Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September, see temple information below) or Diwali (October/November).

Here are some restaurants we recommend in Little India:

Krishna Bhavan (24 Rue Cail, 75010): A must for vegetarians is this restaurant exclusively serving meat-free Indian cuisine. They also have a branch closer to the University in the 5th (25 Rue Galande, 75005).
Le Petit Veg (23 Rue Cail, 75010) – For completely vegan Indian food, come to this delicious restaurant.
Pondichery Restaurant (3 Rue Perdonnet, 75010) – In business since 1993, this cantine has some of the best prices in the area.
Muniyandi Vilas – From the outside this looks like a tiny takeaway place, however, you can also enjoy their great value and delicious Sri Lankan and South Indian specialities in their no frills dining area.

Manicka Vinayakar Alayam Temple

Built by Sri Lankan Tamils in 1985, this temple in the 18th district, north of métro La Chapelle, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu God of knowledge who has an elephant-like head and a human body. Lord Ganesha is celebrated during Ganesh Chaturthi, a lively festival held in August or September which includes a parade through the streets of the area and with activities at the temple.

Maison de l’Inde

Located at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, the international student complex found in the south of the 14th district, la Maison de l’Inde was established in 1968. In addition to housing Indian and other international students, it organizes events open to the public throughout the year especially for traditional celebrations including the four-day Autumn Festival (Durga Puja), the Festival of Lights (Deepavali, held in October/November) and International Students’ day (Saraswati Puja).

if you’re looking for further places to discover the multicultural facets of Paris, have a look at these other articles from our blog:

Top Photo: 15ème Fête de Ganesh, Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Flickr

Original things to do over the festive season in Paris

The end-of-year festive season is one of the loveliest times of year in Paris. The shops put out their finest wares, the city streets are decked in lights and holiday markets pop up around the city. While the lights on the Champs Elysées and the window displays of les grands magasins are world famous, there are a lot of other ways in which we can suggest enjoying the festive season in Paris.

REcyclerie (and top photo) Credit: Adrien Roux

Alternative Holiday Markets

Paris has dozens of holiday markets, however, you can get some eco-friendly and sustainably minded gifts at these alternative markets. Two former stations on La Petite Ceinture railway in the 18th arrondissements (cool hangouts in their own right!) are hosting marchés de Noël éco-responsables. La REcyclerie is hosting three on-going markets daily through December 18th and Le Hasard Ludique’s market is taking place on Sunday December 11th and 18th. Another great option is The Foundation GoodPlanet which is organising a Christmas “supermarket” with environmentally-friendly and “solidaire” gifts, plus they are also giving you the opportunity to make your own gifts during workshops held on the weekends of December 10th and 11th and 17th and 18th.

Marché de Noel de Provins

Marché de Noël de Provins

A highlight of the holiday season in the Ile-de-France region is the famed Medieval holiday fair of Provins. This year it’ll be taking place the weekend of December 10th and 11th. Over the course of the week the picturesque town east of the capital takes a journey back to Medieval times with costumed performances, music, artisans stands and food. If you have a Navigo pass, you can easily and freely get to Provins from Gare de l’Est station. ore information on the festivities (in French) here.

Credit: Musée des Arts Forains

Le Festival du Merveilleux – Musée des Arts Forains

The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to visit one of the most unique museums of Paris. The Musée des Arts Forains is a private museum of vintage funfair rides and related objects. If you saw Woody Allen’s film Midnight in Paris, then you’ve already seen the venue, used for a party scene in the movie. The museum doesn’t hold regular opening hours, but instead is usually open over the holiday season when it holds a magical event: Le Festival du Merveilleux. From December 26th to January 2nd 2023, the museum (located near Bercy Village, another great place over the holidays!) will be open every day from 10am-6pm. It is beautifully decorated in festive flare, there are special performances food stands and the chance to try out some of the vintage rides.

La Villette Photo: Studio Toer Firefly field © Vivid

Unique Illuminations

The light show put on during the holiday season doesn’t only take place on the streets of Paris, this year there are two alternative “light shows”. Parc de La Villette is hosting a light festival which involves an immersive path through this modern park, lit by the illuminated creations by artists. It is taking place evenings from December 15th to January 1st, 2023 and on December 10th, you can get involved yourself during the lanterne festival (free event). The Jardin des Plantes is once again holding a special illuminated exhibition. On through January 15th, 2023, this historic park comes to life in the evening via giant illuminated animals. This year’s theme is mini-insects in extra large size. Learn more at this link.

Restos du Coeur

Get involved!

If you’re in Paris over the holiday season and would like to get involved in a spirit of giving back to the community, there are various ways to do this. Les Restos du Coeur, an association which provides meals and other support to those in need, is looking for different types of volunteers, including gift-wrappers (for which people give a donation, sign-up here). Another association which provides meals, la Mie de Pain, is often looking for volunteers for their Christmas Eve dinner service, which could be a nice option if you’re alone for the day. You can send them an email to check at: benevoles@miedepain.asso.fr or here. The Salvation Army tends to need extra assistance over the holidays, see more on their website.

Wishing you all a joyeux and safe time over the holiday season!

Exploring Paris’s Little Africa

One of the best aspects of Paris is its melting pot of cultures. In our previous articles on cosmopolitan Paris, we discovered the city’s North African heritage, the historic Jewish district and Chintatown. In this latest article, we’re traveling back to la Goutte d’Or neighborhood, the hub of the city’s vibrant African community, also nicknamed “Little Africa.”

Continue reading →

Quirky Museums in Paris

With over 200 different venues, Paris is home to the world’s largest concentration of museums. Often founded based on donated private collections, these curious venues look into history as well as the particular subject they cover. Once you’ve visited the “big hit” museums, like the Louvre, Orsay and Pompidou Museum, venture off the beaten path to these quirky museums.

Phono Museum / Facebook

Phono Museum

At the base of Montmartre and in the heart of Paris’s music district is this notable museum dedicated to evolution of phonographic devices. On display are over 100 vintage gramophones and other early musical recording machines as well as posters and other memorabilia of this art made obsolete by digital technology.

Musée de la Contrefaçon / Facebook

Musée de la Contrefaçon

The Museum of Counterfeiting is found within an elegant mansion in the 16th district, which is itself a copy of an older historic mansion. The museum presents a wide variety of copied objects, ranging from Louis Vuitton bags to Rodin statues, displayed next to genuine items.

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

Situated within two 17th-century private mansions in the North Marais is an eclectic collection akin to a Noah’s Arc of animals from the four corners of the globe and in various forms. The Hunting and Nature Museum is organized as an intriguing cabinet of curiosities that looks straight out of a West Anderson movie.

Musée d’histoire de la médecine, Photo: Emile Barret / CC

The Museum of the History of Medicine

Even if you’re not deeply interested in the topic, this medical history museum is housed within a stunning room of the former Medical College in the Saint Germain neighborhood. It contains the oldest collection of historic medical devices and images, which are certainly fascinating to discover after you’ve taken in the beautiful surroundings.

Les Egouts de Paris. Photo: Mairie de Paris

Les Égouts de Paris

Certainly one of the least most expected museums in chic Paris, this museum offers a unique opportunity to go underground… as you learn about the City of Paris’ sewerage system. Fear not, the experience is safe and clean. Visitors start by learning about the history and environmental issues of the sewers in the dry gallery before moving on to the wet gallery, which discovers a small part of the vast system’s water reservoirs and galleries.

Looking for other original things to do in Paris? Gain further inspiration from these other articles from our blog:

Top Photo: Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature / Facebook

Art-Themed Day Trips from Paris

Viewing artist masterpieces in person, at world-class museums, is one of the top reasons for studying art history in Paris. However, you can put yourself into the shoes, or rather artist smocks, of a wide range of 19th and 20th century artists by visiting the actual places they lived, worked and painted. Many of these are easily accessible on half and full day trips from Paris, a journey which can even be free if you have a Pass Navigo. Giverny often tops the list, however, it can get really crowded in season and is also closed from November to March. Instead, we recommend venturing out on these excellent art-themed day trips from Paris.

The Gleaners, Jean-Francois Millet (1857), Musée d’Orsay / CC

Barbizon

Decades before the Impressionists, an earlier generation of artists took to painting in fields outside Paris, namely around this village. Striving for realism in their works, these artists, including Millet, Rousseau, Corot and Daubigny, formed a movement later called the Barbizon School. In the early 1860s, the young budding artists Monet, Renoir and Sisley were drawn here, helping create the foundations of Impressionism. Modern-day visitors to Barbizon can tour a number of former artist haunts and studios, like the Auberge Ganne, now a small museum. Afterwards visiting the village, take a stroll through the nearby picturesque countryside which so inspired the artists.

Getting there: It takes 40 minutes by suburban train, Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avron (Line R), then take bus 21 to Barbizon.

Eglise Notre-Dame, Moret-sur-Loing. Pierre Poschadel / CC (and top image by Alfred Sisley)

Moret-sur-Loing

Not too far from Barbizon is this pretty Medieval village which was a popular destination of the Impressionists. Alfred Sisley loved it so much that he spent the last 20 years of his life living and painting here. You can follow in his footsteps thanks to some self-guided walks created by the local tourism office (stop in there for more info or see their website). Along the way, you’ll also be able to admire the lovely town’s ancient churches, its medieval gates and historic mills along the Loing River. You can also rent bike rentals at the tourist office to visit the village and its surroundings.

Getting there: It takes 45-minute by suburban train, Gare de Lyon (Line R) to the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons.

Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church in Auvers-sur-Oise / CC

Auvers-sur-Oise

In northwestern Paris, not far from Giverny, is this even more charming village with connections to various artists, namely Vincent van Gogh. After two years in Provence, van Gogh spent the last 70 days of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, painting almost a painting per day. Panels around town allow visitors to compare the Dutch artist’s works with the actual location he painted, many of which are now on display at the Musée d’Orsay. Visitors can peer in at the room he stayed in at the l’Auberge Ravoux, where you can also enjoy a lunch of cuisine from the era. A short walk through the fields will take you to the village’s cemetery, the final resting place of Vincent and his beloved brother Theo. The town is also home to a number of other art studios and cultural venues. Some of these sites close in winter, however, all the outdoor venues are still viewable.

Getting there: From April to October on Sat and Sun, there’s a direct train from Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise departing at 9:30. The rest of the year, the journey takes an hour, by taking the suburban train from the Gare du Nord (Line H) and changing at Persan-Beaumont to Auvers station.

Ile-des-Impressionnistes – Yvelines Tourisme

Chemin des Impressionnistes

A short ride on the RER A west of Paris will allow you to retrace the path of a range of Impressionists who painted along the Seine River. Many scenes of guinguettes, casual outdoor bars and dance halls, were painted on River’s banks spanning from Le Pecq to Carrières-sur-Seine. These locations are now organised along a route called le Chemin des Impressionnistes. You can choose between five paths (of five to 12 kilometers long) which als have placards illustrating the works created at certain spots. Your meander might take you past Renoir’s Route de Versailles, Pissarro’s Le village de Voisins or to Chatou’s l’Ile des Impressionnistes. The bucolic island is still home to the favourite Impressionist haunt, La Maison Fournaise, a great spot to stop for a break during your outing.

Getting There: There are a number of starting off points, like Marly-le-Roi, reachable in 35 minutes from Saint Lazare (L Line). The Ile des Impressionistes is near RER A in Rueil-Malmaison.

Rouen Cathedral. Facade (Sunset), Claude Monet (1892), Musée Marmottan Monet / CC and Rouen Cathedral, Portal and Tower Saint-Romain in the Sun, Claude Monet (1892-93), Musée d’Orsay / CC

Rouen

A pleasant train ride northwest of Paris will take you to the lovely Normand city of Rouen. Although heavily damaged in bombings during WWII, the city has been wonderfully restored. Its centre, abundant in colourful half-timbered houses, revolves around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalised by Monet. Found not far from his home in Giverny, between 1892 and 1893, Monet painted the cathedral over 30 times. An experiment of light and colour, he painted it at different times of day and year. After your day trip there, view some of his paintings of the cathedral at the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Marmottan Monet, an excellent museum in the 16th district which houses the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world.

Getting there: Ranging from 75-90 minutes, regional TER trains depart regularly from Gare Saint-Lazare.

Looking for further art-themed activities in Paris or day trips from the capital? Peruse these other articles from our blog:

Interested in Studying art history in Paris? Learn more about our Master’s in the History and Philosophy of Art here.

Top image: Moret-sur-Loing, Alfred Sisley (1891), Collection particulière / CC

A Quick Guide to Pools in Paris

With 42 municipal pools (piscines) across the city, Paris is a great city for swimmers – and also very easy on the monthly budget.

There are a few rules specific to Paris pools, however, so we have put together this short guide to help you plunge into the water! French speakers can also have a look at the dedicated webpage for pools in Paris.

Ticket Prices

Most pools across Paris follow the same pricing scheme; however, some specific pools charge higher rates, so check prices before you sign up for a membership. The main pricing scheme for Paris pools is as follows:

Single use ticket: 3.50€ per adult (2.00€ if you’re under 26 – bring proof of ID)
Pack of 10 tickets: : 28.00€ per adult (16.00€ if you’re under 26 – bring proof of ID)
Three month unlimited pass: : 43.00€ per adult (22.00€ if you’re under 26 – bring proof of ID)

You will need to show your ID to get a discount. You will also be asked for proof that you are a resident of Paris in order to obtain a pack or monthly pass, so be sure to bring your rental contract or other proof of residence with you on your first visit.

If you sign up for a three-month membership, you will be issued with a “pool pass” to which you will be required to affix a passport-style photo of yourself (to avoid passes being shared between multiple users).

Many pools offer a range of classes including aquagym/aquabike or swimming lessons (in French). These are an additional cost.

Useful Information

All swimmers are required to wear a bathing cap. Male swimmers are required to wear a close fitting swimsuit and not loose fitting trunks/shorts. Most pools have vending machines selling approved swimwear as well as goggles, though you should feel free to bring your own so long as it meets requirements. Don’t forget to bring a towel!

Pools have separate changing rooms for men and women or entirely single cubicle changing rooms. All pools have free lockers you can use, usually with a code you decide on the spot, but some still use a €1 coin deposit system, so it’s best to bring a coin with you. Even though there are lockers, it is always a good practice to leave important valuables at home to avoid theft.

You must remove your shoes before entering the changing rooms, and then take a quick shower before entering the pool. There are open showers and some individual ones in closed stalls.

The association Acceptess-t, which promotes education, equal rights, health and sports for transgender people in France, organizes a special swim session at the Arimaux pool (see below) on Thursday from 4:30 pm to 6 pm (except for summer and other public holidays). More information here.

Lastly, please note that hours vary greatly depending on the pool and the time of year. During the academic year, some pools are used by school groups, so it’s always best to check the hours of your local pool before heading over. Once you get used to going to the pool, you will get a sense of when is best to go (even pools have “rush hours”!).

Notable Pools in Paris

Photo: Piscine Berlioux

Piscine Berlioux

This pool is great option for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is very centrally located within the Westfield Forum Les Halles shopping mall (situated close to the movie theatre). Secondly, it is an Olympic-sized pool, granting plenty of space and length for serious swimmers. Lastly, it’s hours are also much better than other pools. Nevertheless, all of these benefits come at a cost, tickets here 5.00€/adult (reduced rate: 4.10€ if you’re under 26).

Piscine Roger-Le-Gall, Paris Info

Piscine Roger-Le-Gall

This complex in the east end of the 12th arrondissement is one of the largest pools in Paris. It has a two pools, an Olympic-sized pool of 15 × 50m, which has a retractable roof, and and a smaller pool of 12.5 × 25m. This is also one of the only pools which has a dedicate time frame for nude swimmers (naturalistes), though they still need to wear their bathing cap!

Piscine de la Butte-aux-CAilles, Mbzt / CC

Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles

Located in the charming Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood of the 13th district, this is one of the oldest existing pools in Paris. The current brick building dates to 1922 and is classified as a national monument, however, the pool’s origins actually go back 1866. This is when a natural hot spring was discovered on this spot and a public bath house was built around it. The pool is 33m long and its unique curved roof makes for an enjoyable swim. It also has two smaller outdoor pools.

Piscine Baker, Paris Info and top photo

Piscine Josephine Baker

For a unique swimming experience, try this pool floating on the Seine. Opened in 2016 and named in honour of performing artist Josephine Baker, who spent much of her adult life in France, the pool is found near la Bibliothèque Nationale in the north of the 13th arrondissement. It is particularly nice in summer when you can swim in the open air, relax on a sun lounger on its raised terrace then make the most of the Paris Plages (Paris Beach) events which are held in part along the river here from mid-July through mid-August.

Immeuble et piscine des Amiraux. Remi Mathis / CC

Piscine des Amiraux

Another classified monument, this pool and housing complex were completed in 1927. Found on a back street in the north end of the 18th arrondissement, the pool has a beautiful Art Deco facade. This style is echoed on the interior as well, with the pool surrounded by levels of individual change rooms. The pool made its way onto the silver screen in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 movie Amélie.

Piscine Georges Vallerey. Guilhem Vellut / CC

Piscine Georges Vallerey

*This pool is currently closed for renovations ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Updates on its reopening can be found on the Piscine Georges Vallerey Facebook page*

Found in the 20th arrondissement, this vast pool was built for the 1924 Summer Olympics which were held in Paris. Not surprising, it thus has an Olympic-sized 50 metre-long pool. It also has a retractable roof, perfect for summertime swims.

The Paris of the Impressionists

Although fields and country scenes are usually linked to Impressionism, most French Impressionist painters got their careers started off in urban Paris. As such, there are a number of places connected to the artists of this 19th-century art movement in and around the capital. After you’ve seen their works in the museums of Paris (suggestions at the end), head out onto the streets of Paris to see where the Impressionists painted.

Quai du Louvre, Claude Monet (1867)

The Seine River

The city’s iconic river appears in the works of the Impressionists, both inside and outside of Paris. Their love of the Seine might have been sparked in the early days of a small group of these artists, Monet, Sisley, Renoir and Bazille, who met in the studio of Charles Gleyre. It was located on the Right Bank of the river near on Quai du Louvre, in between Pont Neuf (more on this below) and the Pont des Arts, which was yet to be built.

Over the course of the next thirty years these artist commemorated the Seine dozens of times, often from one of the guinguette dance halls which once dotted the river in the city’s western suburbs, like on the Ile de la Grande Jatte or the Ile de Chatou. You can trace the path of their paintbrushes on Chatou’s Chemin des Impressionistes walking route.

The Pont-Neuf, Wreck of Bonne Mère, Camille Pissarro (1901)

The Pont Neuf

Perhaps due to its location near Gleyre’s studio, Paris’s oldest bridge became a recurrent subject matter of the Impressionists. Renoir, Monet and Pissarro all immortalised the bridge, the latter of whom painted it several times (including the top image), as was common with the Impressionists.

The Tuileries (Study), Claude Monet (1876)

The Tuileries Gardens

Also near Gleyre’s studio, the Impressionists might have also appreciated this beautiful historic garden for its natural qualities. Easier to get to than the Normand countryside, the park was a popular place at the time for gatherings, as seen in pre-Impressionist Edouard Manet’s Music in the Tuileries Gardens. Monet, Study of the Tuileries. Monet was fond of the park and painted it from various angles, like the above study of the gardens.

Le Pont de l’Europe, Gare Saint-Lazare, Claude Monet (1877)

Le Gare Saint-Lazare

Even though the Impressionists were more interested in nature, the technological advancements of the 19th century did occasionally appear in their art, including Paris’s first train station. Le Gare Saint-Lazare was also the station from where the Impressionists could access Normandy. The station was captured on several of Monet’s canvases. He explored different perspectives, from the interior as well as from the train bridge behind the station, le Pont de l’Europe, the locomotives billowing smoke creating a very impressionist effect.

Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette, Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Montmartre

Initially drawn to Montmartre in order to work on one of his most famous paintings, Renoir was likely the biggest fan of Montmartre of the Impressionists. He spent the summer of 1876 in this then very working class former village as he worked on Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette. The space he used as a studio and its gardens, where he painted The Swing, are now part of the Musée de Montmartre. From that moment until the early 20th century, Renoir lived and worked in Montmartre. Although the nearby cafés of Montmartre are rather touristy now, places like Le Consulat and La Bonne Franquette, were frequented by the Impressionists. Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh lived in Montmartre from 1886-88 and painted a number of scenes in the hilly district, included around a dozen paintings of the area’s moulin, its windmills, two of which still stand on rue Lepic, the same street the artist lived on (at #54)

Musee Marmottan Monet

Where to See Impressionist Art in Paris

Several Paris museums have important collections of Impressionist art. The most famous of these is the Musée d’Orsay, however, the Orangerie, the Musée Marmottan Monet and the Petit Palais museum also have wonderful collections and several of the works included above!

If you would like to delve deeper into the art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, consider pursuing our Master’s in the History and Philosophy of Art. Learn more about it, and our other MA programmes in film, creative writing and Medieval studies, at this link.

Top Image: Morning, Winter Sunshine, Frost, the Pont-Neuf, the Seine, the Louvre, Camille Pissarro (1901)

The Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Paris

Paris is an artist’s city. In addition to its record number of museums, it is also the home to a plethora of art galleries. Visiting active art galleries is a great way to complement classroom study. Many of Paris’s top contemporary art galleries are located in the Upper Marais, yet some of the most avant-garde are in more alternative neighborhoods. Launch events, or vernissages, which are great occasions to mingle with the city’s art crowd over a free glass of wine. Some of these galleries also offer internships. Our list of the best contemporary art galleries is below – though be sure to check out what’s on on this handy site.

Galerie Daniel Templon

One of the oldest contemporary galleries in Paris, Daniel Templon opened his first gallery in 1966 and moved to his current location near the Centre Pompidou in 1972. Prominent in the global art world, the gallery represents both established international artists and the rising stars of tomorrow.

Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

Another long-standing contemporary art establishment in Paris, Ropac got his start in the art world at the young age of 22 as the assistant of Joseph Beuys. He’s represented international art legends like Robert Mapplethorpe and Gilbert & George. His art empire now includes galleries in London, Salzburg, the Upper Marais and a vast art centre within a former 19th-century boiler house in Paris’s northeastern suburb of Pantin dedicated to young talents and large format exhibits.

Marian Goodman Gallery

Famed American galleriste Marian Goodman has had an outpost in the Upper Marais since 1999. Its regularly changing exhibits include the works of celebrated artists like Nan Golding, Steve McQueen and Annette Messager.

Emmanuel Perrotin

Now with three spaces in the Marais and over a dozen others around the world, Emmanuel Perrotin has come a long way since his humble beginnings with a gallery in his own apartment in 1990. On display expect to find contemporary art heavy-weights like Takashi Murakami, Sophie Calle and JR.

Galerie Jousse Entreprise

To see some of the best up and coming artists, track down this gallery in the Marais opened in 2001. You are more likely to find edgier artists as well as those experimenting with new technologies in their regularly changing exhibits.

Galerie Sultana

Many modern day artists live in the Belleville neighborhood, therefore, it makes sense that there are a few good art galleries in the area. The gallery of Guillaume Sultana’s is among the best. Here you’ll find anything from abstract painting to installations.

Galerie Le Feuvre

If you’re looking to see some urban art (and not out on the street), make your way to this gallery in the 8th arrondissement. Founded by Franck Le Feuvre in 2005, the gallery showcases the best street art as well as contemporary painting by artists like Invader, SupaKitch, Sowat and Sixe Paredes. Learn more about the top Parisian street artists in this article.

Itinerrance Gallery

This street art focused gallery is aptly located in the 13th arrondissement, one of the prime street art districts of the city. Opened by Mehdi Ben Cheikh in 2004, the gallery strives to support street artists and also collaborates with promoting and creating large scale street art murals in the area. Its exhibits feature both French and international street artists.

Le Bal

Tucked away on a cobbled lane near Place de Clichy, this independent arts venue mainly exhibits video, cinema, documentary photography and other new media. It has two floors of exhibition space and a great café where you can discuss what you saw afterwards with friends.

Further Art Studies & Explorations in Paris

Interested in studying art in a more in-depth way in Paris? Consider applying for our Master’s in the History and Philosophy of Art. More information on it and our other programmes here.

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