April Events in Paris: Our Top Picks

La Bouffe:

Ongoing: Cédric Casanova, the Italian genius behind ‘La Tete dans les Olives’ strikes again with his just-opened épicerie, Au Conservatoire. Book the shop’s only table for yourself and seven of your closest friends for Cédric’s “Pique-niques Gastronomiques”, a tasty selection of Sicilian small plates with a little specialty shopping on the side. Au Conservatoire, 14 rue Sainte Marthe, 75 010, Paris. To make reservations, email: picnic@latetedanslesolives.com

Ongoing: An elusive new stranger has appeared on the Paris bar scene: L’Inconnu. Hip coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night, and for those in it for the long haul, a DJ dance party that goes until 2am. Pop in for afternoon coffee and you might just find yourself dancing the night away. 17-19 rue de Mazagran, 75010, Paris.

April 7: In case you need another excuse to drink delicious French wines, here you have it: Caves Augé, one of the oldest stores in Paris, is hosting a free tasting of wines from the Rhone Valley. À votre santé! Caves Augé, 116 Blvd Haussmann, 75008, Paris.

BBrown6

April 12: Relive George Lucas’ cult classic “American Graffiti” with burgers, hotdogs and more: Street Food Party’s first event of the season revisits classics with a fresh, French twist. Expect girls on roller-skates, live music and gastro-rock interpretations of classic American drive-in fare. At La Rotonde, 6-8 Pl. de la Bataille Stalingrad, 75019, Paris. Starts at 8pm.

April 7-8: You know all about this super-cool fun-for-all weekend of brunch and more, but it’s too good to not mention again. Brunch Bazar is back. 66 rue de Turenne, 75003, Paris.

Fred Jagueneau, Kerndwa1, 2003

Les Arts

April 25-May 15: Be sure to check out the Polaroids of globetrotting, fashion-loving photographer Fred Jagueneau in “Dreaming of Zerzura,” curated by Nan Goldin herself. 9 place des Vosges, 75004, Paris

April 12: The Palais de Tokyo has been closed for four months of renovations, but the new and improved space is finally reopening in April. You can catch a behind-the-scenes preview of the exciting changes to the center during its opening party, featuring 30 full hours of programming including performances and concerts. The Palais de Tokyo will officially reopen to the public on April 19^th. 13 Ave du Président Wilson, 75013, Paris.

April 13-15: Tap into your inner child at France Distraction, an interactive installation filled with inflatable structures and ball pits that press visitors to question the absurdity in corporate procedures and everyday “adult life.” 5 rue Curial, 75019, Paris.

Highlight Park, Julien Colomber, Galerie Metropolis

Through April 14: Julien Colombier turns every day objects into canvases for his psychedelic landscapes. Highlight Park, a custom-built a half-pipe designed to fit the gallery space perfectly, features a forest scene strangely reminiscent of one of our favorite children’s books… 16 rue de Montmorency, 75003, Paris.

Through May 5: Peter Brook returns to the famed Bouffes du Nord theater for a production of “The Suit.” South African author Can Themba wrote the piece as a short story and had the ill fortune of passing before it could be turned into a play. The story is one of a slow and painful revenge, but the production is sure to please. 37 bis Boulevard de la Chapelle, 75010, Paris.

Through June 17: The Grand Palais is hosting the first French retrospective of iconic fashion photographer Helmut Newton. Designed by his wife, June, the show includes more than 200 photographs that are sure to shock, impress and inspire. 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008, Paris.

Wonder Vintage Market

Le Shopping:

April 14: Scouring vintage shops is often one of the greatest ways to find unique pieces, but picking through the junk to find the gems can be a downer. Fortunately, Wonder Vintage Market has brought together only the best for a one-day shopping event at Bastille Design Center. 74 Blvd Richard-Lenoir, 75011, Paris.

April 27-May 8: If you’ll be in Paris with young ones, take a family trip to the Foire de Paris. This 100+ year-old exhibition boasts artists and craftsmen from around the globe. 1 Place Porte de Versailles, 75015, Paris.

Slightly Winded

La Musique:

April 5: German duo and music festival frequenters Digitalism are seasoned players in the world of electronic music. Raised on Berlin’s Love Parade and the like, the pair is dedicated to successfully marrying rock and electro. To catch the group in action, put your dancing shoes on and head to their show at La Gaîté Lyrique. 3 bis rue Papin, 75003, Paris.

April 12: Aaron Parks, an inventive jazz pianist who has the ability to paint smooth and colorful scenes with his notes, plays at the famous Duc des Lombards. 42 rue des Lombards, 75001, Paris.

April 19: For some classic French chanson with an edgy twist, be sure to catch the Carmen Maria Vega show at La Maroquinerie. A Guatemalan by birth, Carmen’s music and style are irreverent yet likeable. 23 rue Boyer, 75020, Paris.

Written by Erin Dahl for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.