September 2006

Vol. 1 Issue 6

September in Paris has a feeling of renewal. That's part of the reason the season is called "La Rentrée"...or return. People are returning from their month-long vacations in the countryside or at the beach. Workers are returning to the office, refreshed and ready for a new start. Students are returning to school, which always begins in September. Restaurants and shops, many of which have been closed for much of the month of August, are returning to business.

September in Paris is refreshing, Parisians are revitalized, the hordes of tourists are back in their own cities and towns, leaving Paris to the Parisians and the lucky few who have the opportunity to be traveling there at this time of year.

September in Paris is also beautiful. The skies are usually crisp and blue, the weather has cooled but not uncomfortably so...you still have fresh, cool mornings followed by warm afternoons.

These are the reasons I'm so excited to get to Paris this weekend, Sept. 9, to to begin my guided tour. For my group, I have planned a great itinerary, complete with in-depth walking tours and some really great restaurants. Do check into ParisTripTips.com after September 17 to hear all about the trip, read my restaurant reviews and see some great pictures!

As incredible as it may seem, smoking may soon be a thing of the past in Paris's restaurants and bars. Due to rising concerns over the health of restaurant and bar workers, France has taken the step to ban smoking in all public enclosed places (which includes restaurants, cafes and bars) as of January 1, 2007. Restaurant and cafe owners are nervous that this will negatively affect business. That remains to be seen. Interestingly enough, many Parisians are in favor of the ban. It will be interesting to see how this plays out ... stay tuned!

On September 16 and 17, if you are in Paris, head out to the town halls, the large or small museums, the neighborhood churches, for a free tour. Some tours are guided, some are open-door. Regardless, these are two days where you can really get a feel for France’s culture without the price tag that usually goes with it. Check out the program on the official Web site (in French).

August Rodin and Eugene Carrière
Rodin and Carrière met in the 1880s, while working at the Sèvres manufacture and their work was always very comparable. Rodin’s popularity has grown enormously since his death, while Carrière, although widely known in his lifetime, is nowadays seldom thought of.

2006 marks 100 years since Carrière’s death which provides a great reason for a special exhibition of his work. This exhibition demonstrates a variety of Rodin’s talents: from baked clays to plaster casts, marble and bronze pieces, drawings and etchings by Rodin, as well as various paintings, drawings and lithographs by Carrière.

Practical information

MUSEE D’ORSAY (closed Mondays)
1, rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007 PARIS
Metro : Solférino
RER : Musée d’Orsay

The Shakespeare Garden is a beautiful garden located in the Pre Catelan of the Bois de Boulogne. It’s a gorgeous setting which recreates William Shakespeare’s most famous works, such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” , “Macbeth” , “Hamlet”, “The Tempest” and “As You Like It”.

This summer, the beautiful setting is host to some great plays. In addition to Shakespeare, you can see plays by Molière, Maurice Maeterinck, Alfred de Musset and Victor Hugo. This season you can see two plays by the Shakespeare, including an English version of “The Tempest” by London’s Tower Theatre repertory company.

Coming attractions:

• Through October 1: “Le Malade Imaginaire” by Moliere and the Theatre Adonis
• September 9,10,16 and 17: “Love’s Labours Lost” by Shakespeare and the Compagnie des jeux dits

THEATRE DE VERDURE DU JARDIN SHAKESPEARE
Jardin du Pré Catelan
Bois de Boulogne 75016 PARIS
Metro: Porte Maillot
RER: Porte Maillot
Information: 01 40 19 95 33
Booking: 01 40 19 95 33