Current Events
Les Bateaux-jouets, 1850-1950 This exhibition is the perfect attraction for all the family to enjoy. A beautiful collection of toy boats, made between 1850 and 1950, has been prepared by the Musée National de la Marine, narrating a past inspired by successive generations of shared childhood dreams to conquer the oceans, and the great maritime battles of modern history. The collection holds over 250 artefacts, including 170 toy boats and other marine toys, plus a series of documents, paintings, photographs and cinematographic news extracts, recounting the original context in which these toys were used. Whether a threepence toy or an exceptional piece of craftsmanship, they all serve to portray the bygone adventures and reflect the aspirations of their time. Each toy boat tells a story, and represents an historic event, such as the first transatlantic voyage, or evokes the excitement of underwater exploration, naval combat and the suspense of modern-day motorboat and sailboat racing.
René Lalique - Bijoux d'Exception (1890 - 1912) René Lalique is famous for his Art Deco style and inspired glasswork, from more distinctive perfume bottles, vases, chandeliers and clocks, to the lighted glass walls and columns on the SS Normandie. A true craftsman, committed to the aesthetic revolution of the 20th century, Lalique is perhaps better known, however, for his stunning jewellery. His refined unison of gold, pearl and beautiful precious stones, with characteristic glass and enamelwork were unparalleled and demonstrated the unique and fascinating workmanship of a sensitive and cultivated man. Crossing the applied arts with poetry, painting and literature, Lalique also incorporated influences from personal experiences to create his original masterpieces. Repeated representations of flowers and insects, also demonstrate a deep-set love of nature. In an evocative and exceptional exhibition, the Musée du Luxembourg presents around 100 pieces (jewels, glasswork, photographs, paintings and drawings), made between 1880 and 1910, by René Lalique and his contemporaries.
Les Grandes Eaux Musicales With the arrival of spring, the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles burst into life with a fantastic musical water fountain display, in the annual festival of Les Grandes Eaux Musicales. Lasting throughout the entire summer, this traditional occasion offers the perfect accompaniment to a walk in the park. Dotted with ornamental ponds and splendid, marble and gold fountains, five miles of paths wind among the groves and flowerbeds where Louis XVI once walked. During the festival, visitors to these beautiful gardens witness a fairytale ballet of cascades, sprays and bubbles, orchestrated to 17th and 18th century, French Baroque melodies, selected by composer and musician Hervé Niquet and the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles. The greatest artists, landscapers, composers, sculptors and choreographers are sought after to envision this masterpiece marrying water, music, art and nature. A magical and enchanting spectacle; various shows are organised, starting at 11:00 am with La Grande Perspective (all fountains) and finishing at around 5:30 pm with the Final au Bassin de Neptune. Performances take place on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 7th April to 30th September 2007 (excluding 1st May 2007).
Festival de Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés Various venues in Paris 4th to 17th May 2007 Once named ‘the capital of music’ by Miles Davis, Saint-Germain-des-Prés will play host to the 7th edition of its very own Jazz festival, from 4th to 17th May 2007. Welcoming a range of musical genres, fans of Jazz, blues, gospel and many other styles are welcome to participate in the varied programme. Following tradition, some of the world’s greatest artists will feature, including Demi Evans, the Ben Sidran Sextet, Georgie Fame, Martial Solal, Laurent de Wilde and Olivier Louvel. Many other musicians will be present and the festival also provides a great opportunity for young artists to make their mark in the international music scene. During two weeks, a series of concerts, exhibitions, discussions and dance evenings will take place in various venues within this artistic Parisian neighbourhood. One of the smaller, more intimate venues will be the Bar du Lutetia. Charmingly decorated in the style of the 1930s, the luxurious Bar du Lutetia provides the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy some sensational music. Each evening, this celebrated Left Bank hotel will welcome a musical trio and a guest soloist to perform. Highlights will include singers Laura Littardi and Stéphanie Lemoine, pianists Stephano Colsante and Daniel Roca, saxophonist Marc Thomas and Larry Browne on the trumpet.
Museum Night For one night only, around 1000 museums across France and Europe will take part in the exceptional Museum Night. Various additional events, such as debates, concerts, screenings and shows, are organised to participate in, whilst visitors are invited to admire the wonderful light displays that turn the permanent collections into a fascinating night-time show. Home to the Musée du Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay and many other fabulous museums, Paris offers a variety of wonderful collections and spectacular buildings to enjoy. The Nuit des Musées hopes to offer visitors a unique opportunity to tour their favourite collections and cultural establishments in a more intimate and evocative atmosphere.
French Open 2007 The second of the Grand Slam tournaments, the French Open (Roland Garros) takes place for two weeks, between mid May and early June. First held in 1981 at the Stade Français, the French Open became an international event in 1925, and has since witnessed some of the most memorable and spectacular tennis matches in history. The Roland Garros tournament has played host to the debuts of Borg, Graf, Wilander, Lendl, Kuerten and Nadal, as well as some of the most exciting matches, such as Noah/Wilander in 1983, Lendl/McEnroe in 1984 and Graf/Sanchez in 1996. The main matches are played in Centre Court (Philippe Chatrier), the Suzanne Lenglen court and Courts 1 and 2. All visitors are welcome to take part in the action and watch some of the most talented tennis players, in a display of power and precision. |
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