Maria Belza Restaurant
Biarritz in Paris
You won’t see any surfers on Paris’s Canal Saint Martin but you can still get a little taste of Biarritz by the canal at a new restaurant called Maria Belza in honor of two famous seaside sites in Biarritz: the … Read More
Saint Germain en Laye
A Royal Outing with Plebian Pleasures
At the western end of the first Parisian railway, now the RER A rapid transit line, Saint Germain en Laye is 12 miles and a far world away from the hassle and pollution of the capital. Perched above a meander … Read More
Daytrips From Paris, Exhibitions
Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
The House the Postman Built
You have probably heard of the Watts Towers in Los Angeles, but have you heard of the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in France? Both are amazing structures, each one built by an ordinary man in the grip of an … Read More
Arrête avec Tes Mensonges
A Beautiful Betrayal
Adapting a much-loved novel for the big screen is always a fraught business: how do you keep the book’s readers happy while at the same time creating a piece that can stand on its own as a cinematic work? Philippe … Read More
Les Césars
French Oscars in Review
’Tis very much the season for cinema awards, with the Golden Globes, BAFTAS and Oscars following close on each other’s heels. Squeezed into the mix this last Friday was the French equivalent, the Césars, and it was good to see … Read More
Korean Barbecue Grill (KBG)
Coulda Been a Contender
When the friend who had accompanied me on my recent return trip to Jong-no Samgyetang told me that she had discovered another Korean restaurant that was a strong rival, I had to try it right away. After all, in my … Read More

A beautiful day Seineside. Photo: Françoise Deberdt-Meunier
What's Happening in Paris This Week
For full details about an event, click on the title to visit the official Web site (in English when available).
March 24
French movies with English subtitles
Lost in Frenchlation presents Petites, directed by Julie Lerat-Gersant.
Luminor Hotel de Ville, Paris
March 19–21
Cheap films
For the three days of Printemps du Cinéma, films cost only €5 in participating cinemas
Various cinemas, France
Through March 24
Through the Looking Glass
Explore imaginary worlds envisioned by great directors in a variety of cinematic forms at the Mondes Parallèles festival.
Forum des Images, Paris
Through March 26
Kigali in Paris
This year’s Africapitales Festival focuses on Rwandan artists working in various disciplines.
Various locations, Paris
March 23-26
Printmaking on parade
Galleries from across Europe present fine etchings, engravings and lithographs to celebrate the art of printmaking at the Paris Print Fair.
Réfectoire du Couvent des Cordeliers, Paris
March 16-26
Music festival
Live concerts all over the town of Beauvais (one hour from Paris), many of them free, for the 27th Festival Blues Autour de Zinc.
Various venues, Beauvais
March 22–27
Drawing fair
The Salon du Dessin presents 33 top galleries specializing in Old Master, modern and contemporary drawings.
Palais Brongniart, Paris
March 24–April 2
Women behind the movie camera
The theme of the Festival International du Film de Femmes de Créteil, whose guests this year will include Nobel prizewinner Annie Ernaux, is “The Road to Emancipation.”
Various venues, Paris & Créteil & online
March 24–April 2
International documentary film festival
Cinéma du Réel presents a diverse range of films and includes two competitions.
Various venues, Paris
Through April 2
Half off your meal
One thousand restaurants in Paris and around France, some with Michelin stars, offer special meals at a 50 percent reduction for the Festival TheFork
Various locations, France
April 13
Free stuff exchange
Help save the environment by recycling stuff at the Giant Free Troc Party swap event. Online registration (required) opens on March 30 at noon.
Académie du Climat, Paris
April 5–23
Cutting-edge creativity
Festival 100% spotlights up-and-coming artists across a range of disciplines.
La Villette, Paris
April 21-23
Massive book fair
The Festival du Livre brings together publishers, authors and book lovers.
Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris
Through May 15
Road trip through France
“Planète France” is an outdoor exhibition of photographer Loïc Lagarde‘s colorful travel shots of the regions of France, from Montmartre to Mont Saint-Michel.
Bercy Village, Paris
March 25-May 21
Young European photographers
The Festival Circulation(s) features the work of emerging photographers.
Centquatre, Paris
March 20-June 21
Drawing season
Le Mois du Dessin becomes Le Printemps du Dessin: exhibitions and workshops highlighting this simple and accessible art form will take place across the country.