Things to do in Paris to celebrate the advent of Summer

Things to do in Paris? The team of the Hotel de l'Université certainly have some exciting recommendations to offer as we embark on the voyage into summer.

This time around we would like to tell you about two exhibitions which provide a fascinating insight into the Paris of yesteryear. The glory days of the Belle Epoque are the subject of Paris 1900: The City Of Entertainment, at the Petit Palais. If you have ever wondered why an Egyptian obelisk stands in the midst of the Place de la Concorde, another superb exhibition at the Musée de la Marine tells the tale. Then, as everyone loves music and movies, we have some exciting news pertaining to those areas of interest, too.

 

A Look back at Paris on the cusp of the 20th Century

1900 was a pivotal year for Paris in more ways than one. In addition to heralding the dawn of the much anticipated 20th century, it was also the year of a Universal Exposition that did much to consolidate the city’s position as a world leader in fashion, technology, art, cuisine and many other fields. At the Petit Palais until August 17th, Paris 1900: The City Of Entertainment looks back at this time of cultural supremacy by recreating much of the experience a visitor to the Exposition at that time would have enjoyed.

 

An Egyptian Obelisk in Paris

In ancient Egypt, obelisks were viewed as a bridge between gods and men. In 1830, the Viceroy of Egypt gave to France a 13th century B.C. obelisk dedicated to Ramses II. This prodigious artefact was nearly 23 metres tall and weighed over 220 tonnes. Clearly, transporting such a colossus from Egypt to France would prove a monumental challenge. The adventure took nearly 7 years and is chronicled through original plans, paintings, drawings, dioramas of the various operations involved and archaeological objects in the fascinating exhibition The Voyage Of The Obelisk, at the Musée National de la Marine until July 6th.

 

Cinematic heaven on the Champs Elysees

Film fans will find themselves gravitating towards the world’s loveliest avenue for the Champs Elysees Film Festival which takes place from June 11th to 17th. The various cinemas along the length of the thoroughfare will be participating in what has come to be regarded as a leading celebration of French and American films. The fondly remembered classics of yesteryear and the blockbusters of today will be on offer alongside indie, obscure and art-house gems. There will be a number of premieres and this year’s guests of honour include Keanu Reeves, Mike Figgis and Whit Stillman.

The Fete de la Musique announces Summer

Summer in Paris simply would not be the same without the pleasures and excitement of the Fete de la Musique. Taking place on the summer solstice, June 21st, as it has since 1982, this music festival claims the entire city as its venue. Throughout the 21st, until the following dawn, countless numbers of musicians playing every kind of music you can imagine will be performing free of charge in a multitude of locations, including public buildings and on the streets. The theme this year will be urban music.

~oOo~