Sleepless Nights

As one can imagine, it is not difficult to find things to do in Paris. In fact, everywhere you turn, there is a flyer here advertising the latest electro star passing through Club Rex, a 15-foot poster there advertising the latest Cannes sensation. This is, in part, why I called this blog desnuitsblanches. In French, to "passer une nuit blanche" means to have a sleepless night. Though I haven't had a true nuit blanche yet, I have come close by just attempting to take in the city and the people every chance I get.

However, not every cultural experience has to be a trip to the Louvre (which I still haven't braved yet!) or an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower. In fact, as a student, it is almost imperative to find things to do that don't require beaucoup d'euros. It takes some research and planning to have a cultural outing on the cheap, but it is possible!

CD mountain at the Musée Centre Quatre, free modern art space in the 19ème arondissement

However, sometimes, if you are paying attention and keeping an open mind, the art finds you...

and you don't even have to pay admission...

...............

I've found that some of my favorite things, the pieces of art I find truly interesting, are often the things others may think of as trash. In fact, if there is anything Paris has a plentitude of, besides boulangeries and cigarettes, it's street art. Forget the Van Gogh's and the Monet's - you must pay to see those! - Paris itself is a living, breathing, modern city of people expressing themselves, anytime, anywhere, and by any method possible. Though Paris is expensive, everywhere you turn there is something new to see, and most of the time, you can experience that for free.

Inside the bathroom stall at Paris III - La Sorbonne Nouvelle

On the corner of my street (with a barred window)

Le Marais somewhere, 4ème arondissement

Université de St. Denis-Vincennes, Parisian suburbs

Rue de l'Ourcq, 19ème arondissement

A little taste of home - the Seedy TAPE Bar, near Bastille

Personal Favorite, near Rue Oberkampf

..............................

One of Paris' main attractions is entitled, in fact, La Nuit Blanche. It happens twice a year, in the Fall and in the Spring, and is a magical night where Paris turns into one enormous art gallery. Though this also takes a lot of planning (as I have learned now from experience!), it is well worthwhile to participate.  This is a unique hybrid of all things art, and artists from all over the world are invited to participate.  However, I think there are enough photos already in this post. For those, you will just have to wait. :)

A bientôt,

e r i n