Edouard Desrousseaux De Vandière is a true creative – and one almost doesn’t want to explain how, because the surprises should be kept for the diner. But do expect that he might arrive to fire up a torch to heat your slate table (directly on the table!), where he literally paints oil directly on the heated table, then proceeds to put down banana leaves and build the most squealingly lovely to-see-and-eat appetizers. Right. Before. Your. Eyes. There’s molecular magic going on in the kitchen with Vietnamese chef Thu-La, who does Asian-French fusion to haute gastronomic perfection.

There’s a reason why we call this a romantic restaurant.

There’s a reason why the French call this a smart address.

And speaking of addresses, this is in the 1st arrondissement—same as the Hotel Britannique:

Mystery Cuisines
37 bis rue de Montpensier
Paris, 75001
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday for dinner.

Theatre du Chatelet : just a few metres from the Hotel Britannique

Don’t delay in buying your tickets at the Theatre du Chatelet and booking your room at the Hotel Britannique, as these exceptional performances are bound to appeal to large audiences. Indeed, this is the first time this unique adaptation of the Peony Pavilion has been performed in Europe! After having conquered Beijing, where it was staged in 2008, this Chinese classic opera has had rave reviews wherever it has performed, from Shanghai to Tokyo and from Suzhou to Hong Kong. Note: The Peony Pavilion, which tells the love story between Liu Mengmei and Du Liniang, is a huge epic told in 55 acts, composed in 1598 by the Chinese poet Tang Xianzu. It is probably one of the most beautiful examples of the Kunqu opera genre.

Theatre du chatelet – a scene of the Peony Pavilion

The Peony Pavilion : At the Theatre du Chatelet from 10th to 16th February 2013

• Cast: Yu Jiu Lin, Zhu Hui Ying, Lu Fu Hai, Shen Guo Fang…
• Dates & Times: Sunday 10th February at 4 pm, Monday 11th February at 8 pm, Tuesday 12th February at 8 pm, Wednesday 13th February at 8 pm, Thursday 14th February at 8 pm, Friday 15th February at 8 pm, Saturday 16th February at 8 pm
• Ticket prices : from €25.50 to €92.50
• Theatre address: 2 Rue Edouard Colonne – Paris 1^st arrondissement
• Metro station: Châtelet (lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)
• Information and booking and reservation on the site of the Theatre du Châtelet

Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees mesmerise passersby of all ages every year. Once again this winter, the 200 trees on the famous avenue will sparkle with thousands of lights throughout the festive season! Take advantage of your stay at the Hôtel Britannique to come and admire these superb illuminations, switched on every day from 5 pm to 2 am.

Christmas lights Champs-Elysees: a dream backdrop

If you are lucky enough to be staying in the capital during the festive season, make sure you head to the most beautiful avenue in the world at nightfall to see the majestic plane trees lining the Champs-Elysees lit up. This magical scene, created by the Belgian agency ACT Lighting Design, was switched on by the actress Diane Kruger on 21st November. Until 10th January you can admire the light rings which adorn each of the trees along the avenue, also lit up by sparkling garlands and powerful spotlights. The sight of the Champs-Elysees decked out in this way is quite simply breathtaking!

Did you know? On New Year’s Eve, the lights along the Champs-Elysees will be left to sparkle all night long right through to dawn.

www.parisinfo.com

Christmas market, two words which conjure up all the magic of the festive season. All across the capital, come and discover the pretty villages brimming with arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and gourmet specialities.

Christmas market, chalets to be discovered across the city

A Christmas market devoted entirely to arts and crafts can be found close to the Hôtel Britannique. A number of talented artists proudly display their work on their stalls set up at the crossroads of the Huchette quarter, Boulevard Saint Germain and Notre Dame, just 30 m from the cathedral’s esplanade!
Thanks to line 1 of the metro which stops at Châtelet station, just next to our hotel, within a quarter of an hour you can be strolling through the Champs-Elysées Christmas Village. On the most beautiful avenue in the world, 160 white chalets are erected for the duration of the festive season. Attractions are laid on for little ones, who might even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas riding off each evening on his sleigh! While you’re there, visit the nearby Maison de l’Alsace, where you can sample some of the region’s delicious specialities.

www.parisinfo.com

Paris Burlesque Festival, lights for All Souls Day in Mexico

For its 4th edition, the Paris Burlesque Festival returns to the Bellevoise room with its inspiration from the Mexican celebration of All Souls Day. The event organizers are emphasizing the universe of Life and Death, of zombies and sorcery.
Internationally renowned artists will come to bring this event to life. Already on the program: training courses and workshops, an exposition along the lines of the event’s theme, a conference on the Burlesque and feminism, a stage open for young talents, and the election of Miss Paris Burlesque Festival 2012. A Burlesque Bazar will close the festivities on Sunday.

Paris Burlesque Festival, an event combining humor and glamor

Each year, the Paris Burlesque Festival is the occasion for all lovers of the world of Burlesque to find and express themselves through not only words, but also gestures. For the debutants or the curious, it will simply be a matter of discovering this universe where humor, glamor and poetry are all rolled into one.

Paris Burlesque Festival 2012 – Official Website

14th july : the day’s programme

The festivities kick off at 9 am with a fly-past over the city by the planes of the French Air Force display team, the Patrouille de France. The traditional military parade then takes place on the Champs-Elysées, watched by thousands of spectators and almost 10 million TV viewers!

At 5 pm, a Concert for Equality, featuring notably Yannick Noah, Tiken Jah Fakoly and Benabar, will be held at the foot of the Eiffel Tower where, from 11 pm, a spectacular firework display set to music from the disco years will be held.

14th July in Paris : informations

Until January 15 2012, the Cirque Phénix pays tribute to the Chinese heroine in a show full of amazement and wonder. Under the huge big top set up on the Pelouse de Reuilly in Paris, the stars of the Beijing Circus will transform the Legend of Mulan into an extraordinary circus event.

For its now traditional winter date with the Parisian public, the Cirque Phénix has decided to pay tribute to the young Hua Mulan, who, as her country was being invaded by the Huns in the year 316 – disguised herself as a man to take the place of her father, who had been called to fight.

It’s the story of this courageous and very modern women which the talented stars of the Beijing Circus tell over almost 2 hours.

Jugglers, tightrope walkers, foot jugglers and acrobats, the ring will see a hundred artists take their turn: while their spectacular performances will inspire admiration, the beauty of the production and the 300 costumes needed, ensure that the evening will be full of enchantment and magic.

High in colours, light and music, this show, never before seen in France, promises to be an unforgettable evening for both young and old.

The Legend of Mulan, until 15 January 2012

• Cirque Phénix, Pelouse de Reuilly – Paris 12ème
• Metro : line 8, Porte Dorée or Porte de Charenton stations
• Further information and booking: Cirque Phénix

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Among the forthcoming events programmed at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, come and enjoy the famous Ballet Igor Moisseiev, who is celebrating his 75th birthday.

With a festive air of ‘all the Russias’, this show will let you discover the unimaginable diversity of folklore from these lands.

Already acclaimed by many audiences, the troupe’s hundred artists, dancers and musicians will take you on a journey through Moldavia, the Ukraine, the Caucasus, Belarus… This superb show comprises 14 ballets in astounding costumes.

Ballet Igor Moïsseïev :

• From December 20, 2011 to January 1, 2012
• Palais des Congrès de Paris : 2 Place de la Porte Maillot – 75017 Paris
• Tuesday to Saturday at 20:00 – Sunday at 15:30
• Further information: here.

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Elite troops of the French armed forces along the Champs-Elysées on July 14

This impressive parade is regarded as one of the oldest military parades in the world, and also the most imposing after that of the Russian Army. It brings together the elite troops of the French armed forces.

More than 5000 men and women on foot, 240 horses, 82 motorbikes, 275 vehicles, 30 helicopters and 54 aircraft… Various infantry, cavalry, motorised and even airborne units parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Place de la Concorde, they will salute the President of the Republic and his government, along with the many foreign political statesmen invited for this occasion.

As part of the ‘Outre-Mer’ year (French overseas dependent territories) regiments from Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, New Caledonia and Polynesia will be taking part in the parade.

The Paris Fire Brigade will be specially honoured in recognition of its bicentennial year.

Over the last 3 years, “Parisians greet their soldiers”. They have been able to meet personnel from the armed forces to learn about their profession, their work and their life. A selection of military equipment and vehicles will be on public show, during the afternoon in different parts of the city.

Festivities for liberty and fraternity in Paris, July 14

From 2pm, more than 60 associations will offer entertainment into a village on the Champs de Mars. This year, SOS Racisme will organise the traditional July 14 concert. Beginning at 5pm, a host of singers will be on stage to entertain the crowds including Yannick Noah, Grégoire, Pascal Obispo, Kassav’, Abd Al Malik, Nolwenn Leroy, Benabar, Raggasonic, Joyce Jonathan, William Baldé and many more. Entry is free, everyone is welcome.

A stunning firework display will be set off from the Pont d’Iéna and the ornamental pools of the Trocadero. From their position in the Champs de Mars, the general public will have front row seats for this amazing ‘son et lumière’ show which begins at 11pm. This year, the stunning garlands of light will move to the rhythms of the great musical comedies « From Broadway to Paris« .

The Firemen’s barracks open their doors and organise traditional July 14 folk dances. Some of them will also be organising celebrations on the evening of the 13th.

You can consult the detailed programme of the 14th July celebrations on line, here.

Each year, huge crowds of Parisians, French people and tourists celebrate the 14 July in Paris. If you want to be sure to enjoy the celebrations to the full and watch the fireworks in the best possible conditions, we suggest that you follow the recommendations of the City of Paris.

July 14th in France… Did you know?

On July 14 1978, the storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of the absolute monarchy.

This historical event was celebrated a year later to the day on July 14 1790. Place de la Bastille, the first July 14 folk dances took place amid the ruins, and the « Federation Celebrations » were held on the Champs de Mars.

But it was only in 1880, a law declared that July 14 was France’s the National Day. From this year, a military parade has marked the reconciliation between the Republic and its Army.

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The first edition of the Fête de la Musique was organized in 1982 and only a few artists have participated in this event. Since then, this celebration has become essential, and an event not to be missed! More and more music lovers attend each year and come to hear music in the streets and many other sites of the city.

In 2010, the Fête de la Musique was celebrated in over 450 cities in 116 countries!

The Overseas and its musical cultures celebrated at the Fête de la Musique 2011

The Fête de la Musique is traditionally celebrated on June 21, on the summer solstice’s day. As part of the Overseas’ year, the musical overseas’ cultures will be celebrated.

As a universal language, music brings together all people of all ages, all genres and from all countries. Artists and music lovers everywhere will meet in France and around the world.

Be too of the party and participate in the very numerous concerts which will be given to various places of the capital. There will be music for everyone! The Fête de la Musique will be full of colours and musical notes from around the world.

According to the formula which has become a slogan: Make Music! come and discover new talents and share beautiful moments!

Fête de la Musique 2011, online program

See detailed program on the following page: Fête de la Musique 2011.

To view the program anytime and anywhere, download the application Fête de la Musique 2011 on your mobile (Apple or Android): here.

Some examples of concerts of the Fête de la Musique planned in the 1^st district of Paris

• 16:00 – Jardin du Palais Royal, access via Rue de Montpensier: Music of the 3 oceans, the richness and diversity of overseas’ music.
• 18:00 - Fontaine des Innocents, Les Halles: traditional Chinese music.
• 19:00 - Le Baiser Salé, 58 rue des Lombards : Overseas’ Jazz – Tiss Rodriguez (contemporary jazz), then with Roman Berguins (organ) Swaëli M’Bappé (bass), Clarence Revil (voice)…
• 20:00 - Eglise Saint-Roch, 296, rue Saint-Honore: Vivaldi, choral and orchestra.
• 22:00 - Musée du Louvre under the Pyramid: Orchestre de Paris conducted by Paavo Järvi - Schumann Symphony No. 3…

and much more available on the online program.

Fête de la Musique 2011 in Paris, detailed information

• Tuesday 21 juin 11
• Detailed Information: here.

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