Your Paris Weekend Program

The sun is peeking out, tempting us with the idea of long Parisian strolls. Joy: loads of cool events are lining up again this weekend! Here's the plan: we'll explore magnificent art sales, soak up some green vibes, grab adorable Made in France accessories, earn some street cred at a hip hop event, celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a lively bunch of partygoers, and dive into our first music festival. We'll walk you through it all!

 

Exploring magnificent art sales

Get ready for another arty stroll with some gems to indulge in... Ready to warm up your credit card? Head over to Christie's, just steps away from the Champs-Élysées, which is showcasing lots from its sale "Old Master & 19th Century Drawings, Thought and Gesture." Among the works to admire before they go under the hammer on March 20th are preparatory studies and unpublished sketches by Rosa Bonheur, a watercolor by Gustave Moreau, and even a pastel by James Tissot.

Next stop is Sotheby's, offering an auction of the personal collection of the famous collector and gallery owner, Yves Gastou. Passed away in 2020, the interiors of his Parisian apartment and his residence in Biarritz are on display until the sale on March 19th. In the catalog, there are over a hundred French furnishings from the 1940s paired by Gastou with more contemporary creations: a table by Shiro Kuramata (€15,000 - €20,000), the luminous mirror (€5,000 - €7,000) by Ettore Sottsass, or even a trunk-like piece of furniture (€15,000 - €20,000) by Gilbert Poillerat. Sold to the highest bidder!

Never two without three! The final stop on this artistic marathon is the first exhibition of Roland Toupet at the Larock-Granoff Gallery. The display "Interlacings and Explosions" presents his two series "Beneath the Surface" and "At the Border of Worlds" with over fifty of his pastels, collages, and engravings depicting explosions of colors and sinuous shapes symbolizing the cycle of life. Enchanting drawings that are also available for purchase at the gallery.

"Old Master & 19th Century Drawings, Thought and Gesture" runs until March 20th at Christie's, 9 avenue Matignon, Paris 8th. Free admission. Online information available.

Yves Gastou's exhibition runs until March 18th at Sotheby's, 76 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th. Free admission. Online information available.

"Interlacings and Explosions" runs until March 30th at the Larock-Granoff Gallery, 13 quai de Conti, Paris 6th. Free admission. Online information available.

© Sotheby's © Roland Toupet

 

Getting some street cred at a hip hop event

It's the coolest event of the weekend, bringing together the most prodigious and promising talents from the hip hop scene. La Place, Parisian headquarters of street culture, will host the fourth edition of the LP2 Convention, featuring a condensed lineup of incredibly useful and exciting events including conferences (the business of live rap, pedagogy in hip hop...), workshops (everything you need to know about SACEM, creating a production budget, the role of A&R in a label...), as well as talks with industry leaders (meeting with DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill, performance in breakdance, the place for diversity on screen, overview of French rap...), not to mention crazy concerts and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

The extra special touch: the crazy Friday night event, the Ultimate Sneakers Battle, where you can put your knowledge of streetwear culture to the test for a chance to win prizes, with ambiance provided by journalist Aurélien Chapuis aka Le Captain Nemo.

L2P Convention 2024, from March 14th to 16th, 2024 at La Place, 10 passage de la Canopée, Paris 1st, as well as in 6 partner locations.

 

Soaking up some green vibes

Because it might be time to take care of our planet, this weekend we propose discovering several very cool brands to help you consume more responsibly! Ecoworld offers an amazing program this Saturday and Sunday to introduce you to ecology. You'll find food, fashion, cosmetics, as well as information on mobility, energy, and housing to cover all aspects of daily life.

We're excited to explore the 300 m² food court, especially the brand Le Grand Bluff, which reinvents classic French cuisine in a vegan and organic version (you'll have to let us know about their vegan foie gras and pâtés!). Many conferences are also scheduled throughout the weekend, such as a discussion on sustainable fashion with Joëlle Colosio (General Director of Ile de France at ADEME) and cocktail recipes based on natural infusions offered by Chloé with the brand Infuse Me.

The extra special touch: a test track will be set up at the entrance of the Carreau du Temple to try out sustainable mobility!

Ecoworld, Carreaux du Temple, 4 rue Eugène Spuller, Paris 3rd. Saturday, March 16th, and Sunday, March 17th, from 10 am to 6:30 pm. Free entry, online reservation required.

 

Snagging adorable Made in France accessories

Made in France is sexy! In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, head over to grab the lovely pouches and bags from Léonie d’Aligre, made in Paris by the adorable and highly inspired Fanny using vintage fabrics with crazy prints (starting from €55), perfect for slipping into a tote bag or carrying by hand for a wedding. Needless to say, we love this kind of craftsmanship that puts upcycling at the heart of fashion concerns.

Next, discover a sublime hair accessory brand: Mauliébris. Its barrettes, clips, combs, and bun pins are created and designed as jewelry by Axelle Raffin, the founder of the brand who sees them as the signature of a perfect look. So, head straight to perfect your hairstyle at Printemps where this Saturday, you can have your Mauliébris piece engraved with golden letters. Choose between the scale piercing barrette (€49), the shell clip (€121), the Knot clip, our favorite (€107), or the lace comb (€147), among other treasures to try on the spot.

Léonie d’Aligre pop-up, 10-12 rue Jacob, Paris 6th. Open from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th from 11 am to 6 pm and on Sunday 17th from 11 am to 5 pm.

Mauliébris pop-up at Printemps, 64 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9th. Free engraving for the purchase of a product on Saturday, March 16th from 2 pm to 7 pm at the lovely gift space on the ground floor of the store.

 

Celebrating Saint Patrick's Day with a wild bunch of partygoers

No need to be an Erasmus student in Dublin to enjoy the good vibes of Saint Patrick's Day, this religious celebration that honors the Patron Saint of Ireland with plenty of pints and good music. Always up for a festive time with a large group of merry revelers, the whisky house Paddy is organizing a grand parade this Sunday, March 17th starting at 5 pm, offering its pub crawl to the most iconic pubs of Paris (namely: Corcoran's on Grands Boulevards at 5 pm, McBrides Irish Pub on Rue Saint-Denis at 6:30 pm, and St Hilaire pub in the Latin Quarter at 8 pm) while following the Celtic music band whose artists will, of course, be dressed in their finest traditional attire.

The extra touch: cocktail tastings, gifts, and games will naturally be part of the festivities along this lively route that will make you want to book a flight to Ireland.

Paddy O'Flaherty's parade, 5 pm at Corcoran's on Grands Boulevards, 23 Boulevard Poissonnière, Paris 2nd; 6:30 pm at McBrides Irish Pub, 54 Rue Saint-Denis, Paris 1st; 8 pm at St Hilaire, 2 Rue Valette, Paris 5th.

 

Attending their first music festival

There's no age limit to being a music lover! This weekend, we're taking the little ones to the Philharmonie de Paris to participate in the Petit Grand Festival specially organized for toddlers and their parents. The program includes fun and creative activities around music for children aged 0 to 12 years old: traveling to Greece or the Amazon with concert-readings accompanied by a harpist, guitarist, and cellist (from 4 years old), strolling through the Philharmonie museum with musical accompaniment (from 4 years old), or participating in workshops that combine music and the surrounding nature (from 3 years old). The activity not to be missed? The epic treasure hunt for all ages. With various musical and visual riddles and puzzles, you'll need to find your way through the Philharmonie to try to win the grand prize.

The extra touch: afterwards, we'll head to lunch or snack in the largest food court in the capital, Boom Boom Villette. In a colorful setting, you'll find around twenty stands mixing cuisines from around the world and quirky bars: Korean, Indian, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Mexican, or Italian food, there's something for every appetite.

Petit Grand Festival from March 16th to 17th at the Philharmonie de Paris, 221 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris 19th. Starting from €10. Free for under 26 years old. Information and reservations online. Some tickets are still available through the "Ticket Exchange".

 

Indulge in an hour of Japanese massage

massage shiatsu

Winter's end presents the perfect timing to indulge in a well-deserved reboot. Nestled in the 16th arrondissement near Ranelagh, Marga's charming institute offers the opportunity to book one of the remaining slots for an hour of exquisite shiatsu. Originating from ancient Japan, shiatsu proves to be an effective practice in relieving stress, easing muscular tensions, and enhancing blood circulation through precise pressure applied by the practitioner's hands, elbows, and even knees! The outcome? Energy meridians are stimulated, resulting in a complete rebalancing of vital energy (chi). In essence, it's a fresh start all around.

Bonus: after the massage, we advise against rushing into a crowded metro! Extend the "all by myself" break by strolling through the neighborhood towards Trocadéro, where you can indulge in an extra-rich hot chocolate with whipped cream at Carette (4 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris 16th).

Marga Massotherapy, 54 Rue du Ranelagh, Paris 16th. Shiatsu Massage €100 for 1 hour.

 

Treat yoursel to a cancale oyster feast

While waiting for the next weekend getaway in Brittany, strolling on the sandy shores with the wind in your hair, it's high time to treat yourself to some sea breeze and soak up good vibes in chic neighborhoods. The meeting point is set in front of La Grande Épicerie de Paris, where Ostra Regal's unique tricycle has stationed itself, offering top-notch oysters raised in Cancale by the Boutrais family, who supply numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, a pro wielding the oyster knife like no other invites you to savor these little wonders with all the ceremony it deserves!

On-site, you'll discover each variety of oysters, accompanied by a glass of Chablis, good buttered bread, finger limes, and all the trimmings, allowing you to relax and chat about shellfish with an expert who will teach you how to taste their products and determine their flavors, much like fine wine: almond notes, mouthfeel, briny, sweet... Convinced? You can leave with your own basket of six Céline oysters (€10.80) or Ostra Regal (€17) for an evening aperitif.

Bonus: head over to the wine cellar afterward to seek advice on selecting a fine bottle, where knowledgeable sommeliers now offer to curate your own custom cellar.

Ostra Regal pop-up, until March 17th in front of La Grande Épicerie de Paris, from Friday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 8:30 pm.

 

Explore 3 New Glam and Free Exhibitions

Paris offers plenty of beautiful gallery exhibitions! How about planning an arty stroll? First stop in Le Marais at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac to admire Robert Mapplethorpe's photographs. Curated by Edward Enninful (former editor-in-chief of British Vogue), the exhibition features 46 sultry black and white photographs, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's biceps, striking portraits of Paloma Picasso and Isabella Rossellini, numerous nudes, still lifes, and beautiful self-portraits.

Next, head to Galerie Gagosian, near Place Vendôme. Urs Fischer exhibits works from his Problem Paintings series, revealing four enlarged vintage advertising portraits of iconic actresses adorned with flowers. Jeanne Moreau obscured by a tulip and even Romy Schneider enhanced by a camellia. Last stop : Royal-Monceau Raffles Paris to discover the colorful paintings of Tiffany Bouelle, a Franco-Japanese artist. Hung in the palace's staircases and corridors, her works draw inspiration from the Japanese spiritual tale "Tsuru no Ongaeshi," representing the beauty of Japanese nature and its seasons: red autumn leaves, spring flowers, and summer citrus. A true moment of poetry.

Bonus : Take the opportunity to enjoy a signature cocktail at the palace's bar, such as the Whisper, a blend of gin, chamomile, apricot, and orange blossom (€28), paired with 5-star tapas (Poutargue Bun €26, truffle mayonnaise fries €18).

Robert Mapplethorpe curated by Edward Enninful until April 6 at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, 7 rue Debelleyme, Paris 3rd. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. Free entry. Information online.

Beauty until May 25 at Galerie Gagosian, 9 rue de Castiglione, Paris 1st. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Free entry. Information online.

Tiffany Bouelle until March 31 at Royal Monceau, 37 avenue Hoche, Paris 8th. Open every day. Free entry. Information online.

 

Create Your Own It-Bag with Your Hands

Make your shoulder bag

And what if the epitome of style was to make your accessories yourself? This weekend, book your leather workshop with Paul, a passionate leather expert who teaches you to make your leather shoulder bag from recycled leather. The workshop starts with a welcome drink before getting down to business : working with leather using the origami technique, attaching "rivets" and silver buckles for the finish. Once these steps are completed, personalize your bag with the hot stamping technique. The result ? A true beauty reminiscent of English Satchel bags, to treat yourself to 100% Brit' swag worthy of Kate Moss.

Extra tip : Before or after the effort, head to TOO TacTac Skybar perched on the 27th floor and located near the workshop for a high-flying brunch buffet. Enjoy, among other things, Benoît Castel's bread, cheesecake, lemon meringue pie, custard, carrot cake, granola, and basic savory brunch essentials like airy scrambled eggs (€55 per person).

Make your shoulder bag. From 15 years old. 2.5 hours, €110 per person. Online reservation.

 

Grab a cozy and colorful sweater

Surprise Pop-up

Who said winter had to be synonymous with total gloom ? Say goodbye to the winter blues! Nestled in the heart of Le Marais is the temporary store brimming with good vibes from Surprise, the French label for cozy sweaters crafted in a family workshop near Florence. How chic ! With carefully selected materials and a pre-order system to avoid overproduction, Surprise is firmly rooted in the responsible considerations of our time. And on top of that, it's simply beautiful.

Among our favorites : the fuchsia pink mohair Jane sweater for a doll-like complexion (no, we haven't abandoned the Barbie Core vibe yet), featuring a short cut and round neck. There's also the Mary with irregular stripes that we can already imagine paired with white pants, and the Grace in a divine blue with beaded ribs, all priced at €155. Don't forget the sleeveless Rosa to layer over a shirt (€135), along with accessories for a complete look—matching hat (€55) and scarf (€115) in the same tone. It's tough to make a choice!

Extra tip : Head to the neighboring Café Fika at the Swedish Institute for a Nordic lunch or snack. It's the go-to spot for the Do It Team ! Our recommendations : Laxpudding (a potato and salmon gratin with salad, €15), cinnamon rolls, and homemade glögg, a Scandinavian mulled wine perfect for this never-ending rain (€5).

Surprise Pop-up, 95 Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3rd. Until March 19, 2024, Monday to Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 7:30 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

 

Immerse yourself in Invader's World

Invader Space Station from February 17 to May 5

Before Banksy, there was Invader. A fan of the Space Invaders video game, the anonymous French artist has been hiding mosaics made of tiles in cities worldwide since 1996. But his heart remains in Paris, where he installed his first alien in the Bastille district. It's in the capital that the "Unidentified Living Artist," as he describes himself, sets up a massive exhibition in the former offices of Libération. Over 3,500 square meters, he invites us into his "Invader Space Station" ! What's on the agenda ? Photos, videos, sculptures, installations, and, of course, his mosaics, some of which have never been shown to the public. The artist himself designed the retrospective's scenography as a space odyssey, promising to be THE art event that will shake Paris. Ready for liftoff ?

Bonus : After this journey into this interstellar universe, nothing beats indulging in affordable hearty dishes at Bouillon République. Expect oysters (€9.90 per half dozen), a wave of deviled eggs (€2.50), leeks vinaigrette (€3.40), mashed potato sausage (€9.60), steak fries with shallot sauce (€12.40), profiteroles (€4.80), or the legendary rice pudding (€2.80).

Invader Space Station from February 17 to May 5 at 11 Rue Béranger, Paris 3rd. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm, Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, and weekends from 10 am to 8 pm. Information and mandatory online reservation.

© @ Invaderwashere sur Instagram

 

Tarot Card reading with besties 

The Wellness Gallery, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

What if you started your weekend with your group of friends by getting tarot card readings? Every Friday, the Wellness Gallery at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann plays Madame Irma with a new workshop we already love. In groups of 5 (or less), immerse yourself in the magic of cartomancy, the divinatory art that uses cards to read the future. Leading the workshop is Nina Beck, an ultra-knowledgeable coach who enriches her clients' lives with her expertise in personal development and cartomancy. Note : This workshop shouldn't be seen as fortune-telling; Nina explains that it's more of an intuitive and kind exchange to unlock what we don't see.

 

Bonus : After her free workshop (from 6 pm to 7 pm or from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm), continue the discussion about your reading over dinner at Madonna, an osteria like in Milan, not far from the workshop. Enjoy paccheri and polpette (€18), spaghetti with sea urchins (€25), or ossobucco alla milanese (€29) while sipping on a surprising truffle Negroni (€12). End on a sweet note with the iconic tiramisu (€14) or the pistachio chou, a crackling choux pastry filled with fresh pistachio cream (€14).

The Wellness Gallery, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. 40 Bd Haussmann, Paris 9th. Make an appointment at the Wellness Lobby or by phone at 01 42 82 34 24. Free workshop.

 

Discovering the Fascinating Life of Frida Kahlo at La Scala

Frida Kahlo, until June 23 at La Scala

Helena Noguerra has a passion: reading. She reads every day from her childhood, starting with Oui-Oui up to Kundera today. Until June 23, Belgian actress will be reading Frida Kahlo's correspondences at La Scala, taking spectators on an emotional and captivating journey through the extraordinary life of the Mexican artist. Accompanied by the guitar of Laurent Guillet, we (re)discover various facets of the icon's life: the trauma of her accident at 18 which haunted her all her life, her passionate and toxic marriage to artist Diego Rivera, and her activism against Franco's dictatorship in Spain. A must-see!

Extra Tip: We don't go to the theater on an empty stomach! Before the play, which starts at 9 p.m., head to the counter of Brasserie Dubillot, just a stone's throw from La Scala. We highly recommend ordering the now-cult sausage and mashed potatoes (€14) and a delicious Paris-Brest (€8) for dessert. Yum!

Frida Kahlo, until June 23 at La Scala, 13 boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris 10th.

© Thomas O'Brien

 

Dine High Up at the Philharmonie

L’Envol restaurant in Paris

We've been eagerly awaiting its opening! L’Envol, the new panoramic table at the Philharmonie de Paris led by Michelin-starred chef Thibaut Spiwack (Anona), has just opened its doors in a completely stunning decor designed by Jean Nouvel, who is back at home. Before or after a concert (check out the exciting program here), settle into the spacious room centered around a bar facing the open kitchen to order beautiful plates prepared by Sarah Ledu, former Top Chef finalist who is here every evening.

The menu prioritizes local producers and fine seasonal ingredients: tempting mushroom and chestnut gnocchi (€23), snail ham with parsley butter and radishes (€16), gravlax trout from the La Villette fish farm (€19), and for dessert, a decadent hazelnut pebble with a praline heart (€10).

Extra Tip: The view, oh what a view! Don't leave without admiring Paris from the terrace while toasting with champagne before heading off to enjoy the evening's artists. Spotted: the Eiffel Tower, all the way to the left.

L’Envol, open from Wednesday to Saturday as well as every concert evening at the Philharmonie, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the 6th floor of the Philharmonie de Paris, 221, avenue Jean-Jaurès, Paris 19th.

© L’Envol - The Sunday Photographer.

 

Conquer the New Indoor Cycling Class

Studio Space Cycle in Paris

Space Cycle, the new indoor cycling studio near Bonne Nouvelle, is a must-try. The ultra-immersive space gives the sensation of embarking on a spaceship. They offer three different workouts for all levels: Basics (30 minutes easy), Rhythm (a 45-minute choreography more intense), and Power (the program for gym badasses). In short, unleash your energy to the insane rhythm of music and the coach's voice, imagining yourself as an astronaut. Ready for a journey into space?

Bonus Tip: After burning calories, head just a few steps away to Jacques' Bar at the Hoxton to replenish. Brave Dry January participants can try the Jinga (Martini, spiced banana cordial, coconut puree, raspberry, lime, and hazelnut milk - €13), while others can savor the Margaret (tequila, salted orange liqueur, kiwi juice, pomegranate, and apple - €17).

Studio Space Cycle, 6 Rue de L’Échiquier, Paris 10th. €29 per session. Online reservations.

 

Explore the world of animals

Le Monde de Noé opens the doors to its immersive space in Paris

It's THE new activity to do with your kids in Paris. Le Monde de Noé opens the doors to its immersive space this Saturday, where you can explore, learn, and cuddle with adorable animals while raising awareness about their well-being. The experience? Head to the Prairie, where you must shower the rodents of Le Monde de Noé with affection. Next, visit the Jungle, an area recreating tropical landscapes where colorful birds mingle with aquatic creatures. The journey concludes at the Labo to unravel the mysteries of biodiversity by studying small vertebrates and skeletons, playing the role of budding scientists! Ready for the adventure?

The extra touch: animal welfare is the top priority at Le Monde de Noé. Whether abandoned, laboratory guinea pigs, or survivors from shelters, all animals at the center are cared for by veterinarians and animal behaviorists.

Le Monde de Noé, 55 Avenue Bugeaud, Paris 16th. Starting from €29.90. Information and online reservations.

 

Catch the brand-new Do It In Paris City Guide

The Do it in Paris City Guide

You've probably seen it on our Instagram page: our stunning city guide has just hit the shelves! The Do It Team has curated a best-of featuring its 450 favorite addresses in and around Paris, categorized by neighborhood, from delicious restaurants and coffee shops to trendy concept stores, not to mention our favorite museums and secret gardens of the capital. All wrapped in a beautiful red cover, complete with 100% Parisian stickers and coloring pages at the end. In other words, the perfect Christmas gift for less than €20.

The ultimate excuse to browse the sexiest bookstores in the capital. You can ask for the Do It In Paris City Guide at L'Ecume des Pages (174 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th), Galignani (224 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st), in Le Marais on the 1st floor of Comme un Roman (39 Rue de Bretagne, Paris 3rd), or at the chic Delamain bookstore (155 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 1st) and Librairie des Abbesses (30 Rue Yvonne le Tac, Paris 18th), as well as at all FNAC stores closest to you. We hope you'll love it as much as we do!

© Julia Brami

Also, discover the trendiest cocktail bars reviving Paris and 6 new tea times to try.

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