Le Marais

Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the Fall

Looking to experience the cutting edge of artistic expression?  Visit Paris this fall for the annual Autumn Festival, a world-renowned event showcasing the talents of the best artists from all across the globe. From mid-September through the end of the year, Paris hosts this gathering—now in its fortieth year—of avant-garde and modern artists in the fields of theater, dance, film, music and visual arts.

With more than 30 venues used throughout the city of Paris, taking in a sampling of the art available through the Autumn Festival will also give you an incredible tour of some of Paris’s most beautiful sites.  Explore such hidden architectural gems like Espace Oscar Niemeyer in the 19th arrondissement, home this fall to Raqs Media Collective’s light installation.  The building’s design is reminiscent of a flag flapping in the wind and is built with an undulating floor to follow the curves of the walls.  You will be mesmerized by both the artistry of using lights as a means to create universal meaning, as well as by this iconic building.

If theater is more to your taste, check out one of several plays put on at the Théâtre de la Ville at the Place du Châtelet in the 4th arrondissement.  This gorgeous Haussmann era structure was once home to plays produced by the immortal Sarah Bernhardt and the theater held her name for several decades.  You will feel the Divine Sarah’s presence as you take in any of Autumn Festival’s plays in the red and gold theater. Read the entire story here…»

Benjamin Franklin

Long before New York Habitat offered Americans an option to pricey Paris hotels and accommodations, much earlier than when Hemingway, Stein, and Fitzgerald frequented the old Shakespeare & Co. Bookshop in Paris, and well ahead of the hordes of U.S. tourists that now pack the Latin Quarter there was one man that started the American in Paris phenomenon: Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin was a Founding Father, inventor, charismatic diplomat and one of the most pivotal figures in the birth of America and conception of Franco-American relations. Franklin was an American in Paris before there was an independent American nation to speak of. A standout among the bevy of Paris entertainment choices this winter is Benjamin Franklin: An American in Paris:1776-1785 at the Carnavalet Museum. Of course, New York Habitat has dozens of Paris accommodations available for the duration of the historical exhibit.

Coinciding with what would be Franklin’s 300th birthday, the Carnavalet exhibit traces his diplomatic mission to Paris from 1776 to 1785 during the American Revolution. Located in the 3rd arrondissement and running until March 9, the exposition brings together 340 paintings, sculptures, objects and documents highlighting the role this historical monolith had in both the American and French revolutions. Central to the museum’s portrayal is the immense celebrity and personality that befell France with Franklin’s arrival and near decade long sejour. History buffs interested further in the Franklin’s French connection should pick up a copy of A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France and the Birth of America at one of Paris’ many English-language bookshops(bookstore blog link). The Carnavalet Museum is fittingly located in the Bastille quarter on rue de Sévigné, steps from Metro stations Saint Paul and Chemin Vert. Read the entire story here…»