Paris Things to Do

Those in Paris are probably having quite the experience right now as millions of citizens and visitors alike have hit the streets to celebrate the election of their new president, François Hollande. He beat out incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy by just a few percent, yet the victory was decisive and sparked the celebrations which speak volumes about France’s continuing pride in their nation.In the ever-historical Bastille Square, people climbed upon the July Column and stood close together with looks of happiness on their faces.

It would be a big mistake to think of the Louvre as only a storehouse for the past. Although the collection is an historic one and is set in the magnificent ex-palace building which has been an art museum since the late 18th century, contemporary directors of the museum have their feet firmly planted in the 21st century as shown by the new Islamic wing due to open in summer 2012.

Finally a dream has come true – Paris now has a bar for sleeping. That might sound lame – and many people have scoffed – but I think it’s genius.

Paris is a city so rich in tradition and history that it can be easy to miss the contemporary cultural scene. Make sure you don’t overlook the emerging and talented young artists whose work is on display at the Slick Contemporary Art Fair, which runs from 20-23rd October in 2011. Located in a 2000-square-metre marquee on the Esplanade between the wonderful Palais de Tokyo and the Museum of Modern Art, Slick will show thousands of new artworks with everything from painting and sculpture to new media and video installations.