When You’re Missing Paris in November: 7 Cool Events & Classes

Boat ride on the Seine; photo by Maggie Battista

I’m dreaming of Paris. Again. This happens when I’m in the States.

I just returned from a month-long trip to France. I traveled up and down the south of France, exploring most of Provence while fighting the devious Mistral winds. I spent a fabulous girls weekend in Normandy, sipping cidre and finally visiting Mont Saint Michel. And I drank small cups of espressos and not-so-small glasses of red wine all over our favorite city, Paris. I’m home in cold, rainy New England, missing out on too many fun November events across the pond. Here’s a peek into what I’m missing:

1. I really wanted to learn how to make macarons in Paris, and La Cuisine Paris offers a wonderful class on the subject. I’m living through their wonderful posts on their Facebook page.

Basquiat artwork; photos by mauidw and Eduardo Nasi

2. I adore the artist Basquiat, and spend tons of time in his old stomping grounds, downtown New York City. I was hoping to make it to the new exhibit at the Paris Musee de Art Moderne. The show is on through January 30, 2011, so perhaps you’ll be able to see it and report back?

3. I miss my lazy walks around Paris, the type where I walk and eat and walk and eat, and then eat some more. I have been dying to go on one of the cuisine-inspired walks hosted by the fabulous guides at Context Travel. I did get to hug Lily, Context’s Paris representative, at a meet-up in Paris, but never got to go on one of her walks. Ahh, next time… because that Bobo Palate class looks so fun!

Beaujolais Nouveau; photos by DH and Oncle Tom

4. The Beaujolais Nouveau arrives in a couple weeks. I’ve always celebrated this grand moment, on the third Thursday in November, in the States, but thought it would have been so special to celebrate it, and drink loads of red wine, in the city I so strongly correlate with red wine. I won’t skip the wine, but will miss the momentous moment in Paris.

5. I had hoped to make it up to London on this trip, but the weather (and silly strikes) simply weren’t in my favor. We have a great like-minded group of pals up in London renting some pretty special flats. I was totally hoping to stay with One Fine Stay.

Paris at sunset; photo by RavenFire

6. When I return from trips, I always cart back food and photos. Sometimes the photos are on my camera, sometimes they’re in little portrait books or photo books I gather from galleries or museums. It’s just my luck that the moment I’m back home, the annual photography fair, Paris Photo, is happening. If you go, pick up a photo book for me, please?

7. I love a good Monet exhibit and I’m missing the one at the Grand Palais right now. Make sure to book tickets in advance, as I hear it’s tougher to get into than Frenchie – which is also on my list for my next trip!

I’m a little bit sad about it all, but I have to look at the bright side. First, I got to spend a month in France. (So stop complaining, right?!) Second, perhaps you’re visiting soon and would love to update me on these chic events? Of course, if you need an apartment, you know where to look. (Haven in Paris is featuring some hot special offers with up to 35% off!) Make sure to report back to me on how fun all of this truly was… Perhaps I can live vicariously through YOU this season?

And if you can get into Frenchie, well, don’t tell me that. I’ll be way too jealous!

Frenchie restaurant; photo by Hotel Paris Rive Gauche

Related Links:

• Haven in Paris, for lovely Paris apartments for your visit, and great hot special offers
• La Cuisine Paris, for Paris food classes
• Musee de Art Moderne, for that cool Basquiat exhibit
• Context Travel, a link to all their cuisine classes
• One Fine Stay, our London pals who offer lovely flats up across the pond.
• Paris Photo, the annual photography fair in Paris
• Grand Palais, their website where you can see all current exhibits
• Frenchie, the link to the famed hard-to-get-into restaurant — but don’t go without me!