One of the most anticipated events in Paris is just around the corner: the annual Nuit Blanche, translated in English as “A Sleepless Night.” Why a sleepless night? Because, on October 5th, Paris hosts all all-night-long contemporary arts festival, with events happening all over the city. The fun starts around 6pm and finally winds down around 7am It’s an evening you really can’t miss!
The main areas to check out are the banks of the river, the Saint-Martin canal, the area around République, the Marais, Belleville and Ménilmontant…
Above the river Seine there will be a firework display by the “master” of pyrotechnics Cai Guo Qiang as well as numerous DJs, and a helicopter “concert”! The Place de la République will be enveloped by the artist Fujiko Nakaya’s “sculptures de brume” (mist sculptures), and the Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad will be transformed into a giant playground. If it’s electronic music you’re after, Hassan Khan will be mixing up some magic in the Belleville park.
Many of the museums are open until late, and are free entry. You could check out the Pompidou Center, the Grand Palais, or even the Assemblée Nationale! The most famous ones get very busy, but the Nuit Blanche is the perfect opportunity to simply follow you feet and discover Paris at her most creative. The atmosphere is fun, with families, groups of friends and tourists all coming together to experience a really special night.
You don’t have to worry about transport either: the Paris métro lines 1 and 5 stay open all night…for free!
Find out more about what’s going on for the Nuit Blanche 2013 (in English) here.
