Above left: @theparisbarista / Above right: @pamelaloutfi
If things go according to plan, France will begin re-opening mid-May. And we can’t wait! Oh, how we’ve missed restaurants, museums, and live events. If all goes well, there’s a lot on this May in Paris. From markets and art, music to tennis. It’s as if life is returning to normal…almost. Here’s hoping we can attend some of the below events:
The Gros Marché – May 8 & 9 & Utile, Marché de l’Objet Céramique – May 23 – La Cité Fertile
The first edition of the “big” market features 30 second-hand and vintage stalls, with clothing, lingerie, furniture, decoration, vinyls, bikes, and more. The market will promote new, more ethical and eco-responsible modes of consumption.
The Market of Ceramic Objects showcases utilitarian ceramics created by visual artists, illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, and others. This market brings together a myriad of approaches via unique ceramic objects, from both small and larger productions.
La Samaritaine Reopening – May 28
The iconic 150-year old department store, La Samaritaine, is due to reopen after a 20 year closure. Now owned by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), this Art Deco and Art Nouveau central Paris gem has undergone five years of renovations. After several postponements, we hope its doors finally open on the 28th.
Portes Ouverts des Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville – May 28-31
For four days, the artists of Belleville invite you behind the scenes. All aspects of contemporary creation will be accessible. Meet the artists, enter their workshops, and maybe even discover their secrets. The event features an impressive 200 participating artists and collectives, 115 studios to visit throughout Belleville, and around 30 artistic disciplines. The program includes screenings, music, dance, performances, conferences, special evenings, a photo competition, and more.
Villette Sonique – Parc de la Villette – May 29 & 30
The lush green lawns and futuristic architecture of the Parc de la Villette are the perfect setting for this music festival. During the evening, the Grande Halle and partner venues such as Cabaret Sauvage and Trabendo will host pop, rock, hip-hop, and electro concerts.
The French Open 2021 – Roland Garros – May 30
This year’s French Open is postponed one week in the hopes that recent Covid-19 restrictions in France will be lifted, enabling the public to attend. The 2020 edition was delayed until autumn. We hope this year’s tournament does not suffer the same fate. Spectators can take advantage of the newly transformed stadium, now covering over 30 acres.
Hopare – L’Église Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, Place du Louvre – until May 30
With public museums currently closed, open-air/outdoor exhibitions are the new thing. French street artist and sculptor Alexandre Monteiro, AKA Hopare, installed five bronze sculptures, one of which is three meters tall, in the square facing the Louvre Colonnade.
Le Chat Déambule de Geluck – Avenue des Champs Elysées – until June 9
Philippe Geluck is an illustrator, writer, actor, comic, TV and radio host. He is one the French-speaking world’s most popular cartoonists. Geluck created the character Le Chat, who been transformed into 20 bronze sculptures measuring two meters tall and weighing one tonne. They are exhibited along the Champs-Elysées.
Related Links
- The spring weather is perfect for a cold cider! Here are The Best French Ciders
- How much do you know about Boulangerie Etiquette for Paris?
- Check out Karen Reb Rudel’s Perfect (Jewish) Day in Paris!
Written by Ali Postma for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person (when possible)? Check out new marketplace shop and experiences.
